O último verão by Ricarda Huch
Published in 1910, this book came about when German writer, historian, and philosopher Ricarda Huch (1864–1947) accepted a challenge during a family game to write a detective story. Taking up the dare, she penned a novel in an epistolary format set in pre-revolutionary Russia, a turbulent time in contrast to the serene backdrop of a country house where the family of the state governor sought refuge.
Governor Yegor Rasimkara had recently ordered the closure of the University of Saint Petersburg to quell student protests, setting the stage for a gripping plot. The narrative introduces Liu, a cultured and observant man, summoned to protect Yegor by his wife. Unbeknownst to the governor’s family, Liu is an undercover anarchist militant with plans to eliminate Yegor.
O último verão (German: Der letzte Sommer; English: The Last Summer), now published by Carambaia, with translation by Karina Jannini and an afterword by Juliana Brina, is the author’s best-known work of fiction.
The book’s design is centered around the typewriter, a key element in the story. The dust jacket, printed on tracing paper, reproduces the typewriter’s components, creating a visual puzzle that unfolds as you read. Internal pages feature photos of these pieces, enhancing the tactile connection to the story.
The title employs Gal Gothic, by Daniel Sabino (Blackletra), a font inspired by the sans serif types prevalent in early 20th-century printed materials– reminiscent of the novel’s historical setting. Complementing this, the text utilizes Lygia, by Flavia Zimbardi, chosen for its calligraphic attributes, adding a touch of elegance that resonates with the era in which the novel unfolds. This thoughtful integration of design elements enhances the reader’s immersion in both the narrative and the historical context.
The design was awarded as STA 100 2023 Winner.
