Radcliffe's Schlesinger Library originated and sponsored a major six-venue cultural-history exhibition entitled "Enterprising Women: 250 Years of American Business." One of its central elements is this substantial illustrated book, which is both an extension of the museum visit and a stand-alone book about women entrepreneurs.

Concept

To frame this project, we needed to address a number of tastes and opinions: visitors to the show as well as readers who come to the book with no experience of the exhibition; readers who appreciate the expository potential of images and those for whom book illustration is anathema; professors, students, and nonspecialist trade-book buyers.

Design & Content

We were challenged with finding the best way to present much significant information to the broadest audience. The elegant design incorporates duotone images, sidebars, and timelines to provide useful reference points that never distract readers already conversant with the material.

The Result

Enterprising Women efficiently fulfills its task of living comfortably in two worlds-that of its namesake exhibition as well as among illustrated nonfiction titles. Its generous dimensions, fine printing, and engrossing text make it a treat to read. A hardcover edition was copublished by the University of North Carolina Press.