Book Reflection

When I first opened the Outstanding 15th Centrury church book, I just stared at the pages and the detail of the artwork. Then I noticed that it was written in a language I was unable to read. However, the pictures told the written story. Throughout the book the four principals of design, contrast, repetition, alignment and proximity (C.R.A.P.), were used. Constrast was incorporated in the different font sizes, different font colors and various shapes. I especially liked that the first letter of each new sentence was a designed letter. Repetition was used most often. Faces, scrolls, lambs, crosses, shields, horns, birds and floral designs, to name a few, were carried from page to page and emphasized the main points on that page. Alignment was incorporated in the written language. The writing was divided into two equally sized columns that were centered across the page. The artwork was used as a border around these columns. Proximity was incorporated through the picture placement. The pictures illustrated the written language on the page which allows a person who cannot read the language to still enjoy the story.
The author uses the four principals of design to help us understand the importance of the book. Even though the language is foregin, the important points are illustrated for all to understand. I looked through this book several times and found something new each time that I previously overlooked. I was fascinated by the illustrations and how powerful the message was.