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Like all specialized fields, design and printing have their own unique jargon and terminology. General computer dictionaries contain some terms for these fields, but a specialized dictionary is a boon for those who need to regularly deal with new terms and concepts.
The Designer's Lexicon, by Alastair Campbell, meets this need perfectly. With more than 4000 definitions, it covers such fields as photography, printing, typography, prepress, paper, finishing and more. This book is not set up exactly like a dictionary -- there is a first section, called the "word finder," which is an index that gives cross-references to the different terms. These are arranged in sections according to the different categories. This is a bit confusing at first, but after looking up a few words it makes sense. It allows similar terms to be grouped together, so you can quickly see related terms that would not be nearby in a simple alphabetical presentation.
This is an attractive book. Not only does it have hundreds of color graphics that illustrate terms, but it is also well designed and laid out. It is a hardcover book with a twin-wire binding (as you can imagine, I didn't know that term before, but found it easily in the Lexicon) that opens flat for easy reference.
The Designer's Lexicon is an excellent book for anyone who needs to look up words in any areas that cover graphics, design, photography and related fields. Its unique structure lets you even find words for things when you don't know what they are called. Whether you work in design, or work with designers, this is the kind of reference book to keep close to your desk.
-- Kirk McElhearn (kirk@mcelhearn.com)
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