The Most Beautiful Book of the Year 2024:
Antti J. Leinonen: Pyynti
Photographer Antti J. Leinonen‘s photographic book Pyynti (Pimeys) is selected as the most beautiful book of the year 2024. The book’s graphic design is by Heikki Kaski.
Antti J. Leinonen, who lives and works in Ii, spent nine years photographing fishermen in the Bothnian Bay for his documentary work Pyynti. The subtle framing of the images reveals valuable insight into the mutually sensitive, change-prone story of man and nature. A skillfully executed cover seals the catch — the stains left on the ice, the icy opening made by the dip. The haptic cover in primary colours — blue, red and white — contrasts with the opalescent colour scheme of the inner pages.
Leinonen’s images do not fade on the page; rather, they emerge with astonishing subtlety. The print quality preserves the finesse of the images, and the entire work exudes professionalism. The layout, meandering yet sturdy, carefully balances the use — or deliberate absence — of white space, in a rhythm that feels just right.
28 books were selected to the Most Beautiful Books 2024 collection from seven categories: Fiction, Non-Fiction and Textbooks, Art and Photography Books, Children’s and Young Adult’s Books, Comic Books, and two new categories: Covers and Student works, Ephemera and Experimental Publications. Additionally, for the first time, the Book Act Prize was awarded to a work of particular significance in its time. This year, the prize was awarded to the Hei muuten book series (Zum Teufel).
The Most Beautiful Books 2024 collection will be showcased in exhibitions across Finland and Europe. It will be on display at the café gallery of the National Library starting from 28 March 2025. The books will also compete in the Best Book Design from all over the World competition, traditionally held in during the Leipzig Book Fair.
THE FINNISH BOOK ART COMMITTEE
More information
The Finnish Book Art Committee’s Chairperson
Päivi Helander, 040 588 4211, info(at)kauneimmatkirjat.fi
Communications assistant
Venla Niinistö, info(at)kauneimmatkirjat.fi
Pictures of the books © Maija Annikki Savolainen
Photos in TIFF format on demand.