This book accompanied an exhibition of the same title at the Folger Shakespeare Library. The contents consist of excerpts about sleep and dreams written in Renaissance England. These compilations, known as commonplace books, were frequently produced in manuscript form by literate people of the period.

In a nod to the era’s interest in dream interpretation, the design incorporates subtle typographic play, encouraging readers to look closer in search of enhanced meanings. The opening spreads for each section feature an evolving typographic picture suggesting the experience of slowly drifting off to sleep.

Besides being a thoughtfully designed book, what makes it work beyond the norm is the designers’ deft pacing of a book on sleep disorders. They do not put the reader to sleep. A beautifully designed and manufactured book.