The quality of this book is evident in everything: from the photography to the binding, from the editing to the printing by Drukkerij Tienkamp, who with this and a number of other books last year unfortunately made its swansong. This is a bold publication, with a fantastic rhythm reflected in the book block, which has the look of a layer cake.

The pictorial cover free from typography (produced in four versions) immediately drops us – thanks to Ari Marcopoulos’ photography – into the basketball court on Dean Street in Brooklyn. Subtle choices from this top-notch material – such as the nice addition of a small number of colour photos alongside the predominant black-and-white photography – are evidence of the designer’s adroit touch. The photography is up close and personal. The whole exudes New York and offers an intense insight into a community, so vivid it is almost possible to smell the streets, squares and even the players themselves.

The cold-glued binding and thin, textured cover ensure that in spite of its 816 pages this book sits lightly and comfortably in the hand, while retaining its rugged looks. This photo book, the design of which is not overly in-your-face, has rightly received a great deal of attention and has mostly assuredly earned its place among The Best Dutch Book Designs.