With that in mind this is where the (only) problem with the book lies. Obviously the work presented is second to none but the presentation of the book was very pedestrian. I was hoping for something similar to the excellent 'This Rimy River', with random layouts and his trademark overprinting of metallic inks. Instead it looks like someone else has designed the book, someone without much creative flair and no sense of dynamic layout. Definatley not someone from v23. Maybe Oliver and the team were too busy, I don't know, but when you consider the genius that produced sleeve designs for the Pixies, Lisa Gerrard and Gus Gus etc. it seems a great shame that they have squandered an opportunity to remind us of what they can create.

This book is well written by Rick Poyner (as you'd expect) and the work represents the v23 output well but if it's the visceral pleasures you're after, go with 'This Rimy River'. I would obviously encourage people to buy both because although 'Visceral Pleasures' is by no means an Oliver classic, it still puts other design books to shame.