Jak přežít konec civilizace aneb Cesta k soběstačnosti

The first publication from the newly established, eco-conscious publisher Walden Press is the second, revised edition of How to Survive the End of Civilization, or the Path to Self-Sufficiency by Magdalena Vožická. The book serves as a compendium of practical advice and field-tested recommendations on how individuals can become more resilient and independent of an increasingly fragile civilization, and how to harness natural resources more directly. The author has woven a fictional narrative into this unconventional manual, featuring an alphabetical recipe section and instructional illustrations. The publisher also included photographs by Karel Cudlín, capturing life in the Ukrainian countryside at the end of the 20th century – its simplicity and scarcity, but also human ingenuity, frugality, and the preservation of traditions.

For Walden Press, environmental friendliness is not just a theme, but a commitment to how books are produced and distributed. Studio Divize is responsible for the book's graphic design; drawing on their experience with the Reformát bookbindery, they also recommended certified paper, a format that minimizes trim waste, and a binding that strikes a compromise between durability and economy. The book was printed using direct Pantone colors, and it took some time to achieve the correct tone on the non-standard paper stock. The overall color palette is understated, with the text accented by green headings, information sidebars, and reproductions of line drawings. The typefaces used, Lava by Peter Biľak (Typotheque) and Adelphi by Nick Job (Rosetta), were chosen for their versatility and the relaxed elegance of their forms.

Initiator/client:
Walden Press

Year:
2020

Design:
Tomáš Brychta
Karla Gondeková

Photography:
Karel Cudlín

Illustrations:
Magdalena Vožická