Artist Thomas Raat and designer Edwin van Gelder (Mainstudio) have often made books together before, and here too their collaboration pays dividends. Dynasty is an overview of Raat’s work from the past ten years. A slightly more standard monograph than previous books resulting from this partnership, but one showing strong materiality and clear, well thought-out choices. The content is ordered in accordance with a set pattern, with the oeuvre being examined in four ways: pictorial (photos of objects), physical (exhibition photos), reflective (essays) and practical (index with technical details). Each of the four sections has its own dedicated paper type and grid. This may sound rather conceptual and rigid, yet the impression made as a result is energetic. Hard choices have clearly been made in the selection of images, and this results in a good rhythm. Exhibition photographs are notoriously hard to work with, but thanks to this strong selection even they come across well here. The different paper types – a combination of coated and uncoated – have been well chosen and lend the object photos in particular an added intensity. Some members of the jury considered the cover to be less convincing. The front board in particular with its symbol – a detail from Raat’s work – reveals little about what can be found inside.