A celebration of magazines' independence and beauty

Amidst spreading gloom and pessimism about magazines (not here, mind) it does well to remember that this is one of the most creative and dynamic of cultural products, leading the way in writing, editorial design and visual arts.

A compilation that will gladden hearts of magazine connoisseurs is about to be published: We Make Magazines: inside the independents. It features lavish spreads that showcase more than 100 independent magazines from 30 countries and a directory of "the most cutting-edge independent magazines". Ten magazines are highlighted, with in-depth interviews with the editors and founders.

It's from the German publishers Gestalten and is being released this month, (coincident with the Colophon2009 conference for independent magazines in Luxembourg). Price is $50 US, 320 pages softcover (English).