Ever since it was first mass-published in 1482, Euclid's Elements has been a classic mathematics textbook, and so publisher Kronecker Wallis has decided to give the staple of both mathematics and history a much deserved refresh. The new edition of the 2,300-year-old textbook adheres to modern design principles, showing the geometric sketches and models in a format that's more sensible to the modern reader.
Though Kronecker Wallis' Euclid's Elements is a modern redesign, the book is actually playing off of an early republishing of the treatise. In 1847, British civil engineer Oliver Byrne published the first seven books by Euclid with a unique design system that would presage De Stijl and the Bauhaus movement. The newest versions simply follow in Byrne's footsteps by completing the remaining six books in the total collection.
What's Driving This Trend
- Modern Mathematics Education
- The modernized design of Euclid's Elements suggests an opportunity for innovation in math education by updating content and delivery to better engage the modern reader.
- Heritage Republishing
- The popularity of republishing classic texts with modern formatting calls for the creation of more heritage brands and the exploration of new ways to improve traditional content without losing its essence.
- Design Principles in Publishing Niche Content
- Euclid's Elements and similar specialized texts can be subjected to modern design principles for better user experience, creating an opportunity for niche publishers to elevate their content by revamping presentation.
Who This Affects Most
- Education
- The modernization of Euclid's Elements represents an opportunity for businesses operating in the education industry to update their services and offerings to remain current.
- Publishing
- The success and demand for modernized classic texts like Euclid's Elements suggest an opportunity for innovation in the publishing industry, including creating heritage brands and leveraging design principles in book formatting.
- Design
- Modernizing classic texts requires expertise in design, which presents an opportunity for businesses operating in the design industry to offer specialized services such as design for publications.
