Review: This Country Called Belarus

This Country Called Belarus; An Illustrated History by Uladzimir Arloŭ, Źmicier Hierasimovič
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Pathetic, but interesting presentation of Belarusian history until 1918 - offers an alternative view to the common understanding that Belarus is "just a different kind of Russia".

Rich with colourful illustrations and descriptions of distant events. Often one-sided with some nationalistic motives ("we, Belarusians, as opposed to Poles and Russians"). However, it is understandable for a young independent nation searching for its roots.

Review: Thoughs on Design

Thoughts on Design by Paul Rand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A book by the 20th century's guru of visual design.

Short, precise and effective.

Beauty and utility shall be integral part of design.

Simplicity in design is good.

Using symbols as design elements is smart.

Visual repetition creates emotional comfort.

Isolated symbols (such as letters, numbers, punctuation marks) can be a good idea.

This short book only scratches the surface of semiotics of visual communication though. And it is only based on (and illustrated by) a very narrow field of design - graphical advertisement and corporate logos.