Every week, the Seattle Review of Books backs a Kickstarter, and writes up why we picked that particular project. Read more about the project here. Suggest a project by writing to kickstarter at this domain, or by using our contact form.

What's the project this week?

New Seymour Chwast Book Protests 5,000 Years of War. We've put $20 in as a non-reward backer

Who is the Creator?

Designers & Books.

What do they have to say about the project?

Design icon Seymour Chwast has used his art to battle war since 1957. His new antiwar book features 70 pages of original illustrations.

What caught your eye?

They aren't kidding when they call Seymour Chwast a design icon. He's a founder of the infamous Push Pin Studios, and designer of many recognizable things in American life. The Happy Meal box, for example.

He's used his illustration over the years to tell many stories, maybe most importantly, his anti-war message. In 1957 he published a book called A Book of Battles (good luck finding one today, the go for upwards of $4500 when they come around). This new volume is a new book, with a collection of line drawings done especially for it, collected with words to form his message — showing the brutality and idiocy of war.

Why should I back it?

Well, first, if you're a designer or a design appreciator, this will be a must-have, for the content itself. Second, it's being brought to life by an incredible team, such as editor Steven Heller. Designers & Books previously released another Kickstarter for a book reproducing an extremely rare book by Ladislav Sutnar that turned out marvelously. They know what they're doing.

And there are some great rewards, with many pieces from Chwast's long history working on design. Trust me. Even if you don't know his name, you've seen his work.

How's the project doing?

They're going for a big ask: $94k. They've well on their way to $28k of that so far, with 40 days left to go. Let's hope they make it. This is a book that deserves to be in the world.

Do they have a video?

Kickstarter Fund Stats

• Projects backed: 17
• Funds pledged: $340
• Funds collected: $280
• Unsuccessful pledges: 0
• Fund balance: $700