Want to know what books Ella Zheng recommends on their reading list? We've researched interviews, social media posts, podcasts, and articles to build a comprehensive list of Ella Zheng's favorite book recommendations of all time.
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Nicollo Machiavelli, Tim Parks | 4.11
Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" is intended to be a treatise on ruling and is considered by many to be a classic of political science. In the book Machiavelli offers many bits of practical advice on how to rule and even though the book was written in the early 16th century its ideas are still very relevant today. Where "The Prince" differs from other political literature before it is in its separation of the lofty idealism of morality and ethics from the practical demands of governing. It is this very aspect of Machiavelli's work that has made his name synonymous with an almost immoral... more Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" is intended to be a treatise on ruling and is considered by many to be a classic of political science. In the book Machiavelli offers many bits of practical advice on how to rule and even though the book was written in the early 16th century its ideas are still very relevant today. Where "The Prince" differs from other political literature before it is in its separation of the lofty idealism of morality and ethics from the practical demands of governing. It is this very aspect of Machiavelli's work that has made his name synonymous with an almost immoral opportunism and his book a timeless classic. less 
Neil deGrasse TysonWhich books should be read by every single intelligent person on planet? [...] The Prince (Machiavelli) [to learn that people not in power will do all they can to acquire it, and people in power will do all they can to keep it]. If you read all of the above works you will glean profound insight into most of what has driven the history of the western world. (Source)
Ryan HolidayOf course, this is a must read. Machiavelli is one of those figures and writers who is tragically overrated and underrated at the same time. Unfortunately that means that many people who read him miss the point and other people avoid him and miss out altogether. Take Machiavelli slow, and really read him. Also understand the man behind the book–not just as a masterful writer but a man who... (Source)
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An inside look by designers and clients at graphic design's main playground and proving ground--working for cultural institutions. Originality is the guiding principle of art and culture. The visual communication of museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions is no less pioneering. One would be hard pressed to find another area of graphic design in which the work is so fresh and experimental and so often blazes trails for future visual trends. Young designers often get their first breaks working for cultural institutions, where they can prove themselves creatively. Through work for... more An inside look by designers and clients at graphic design's main playground and proving ground--working for cultural institutions. Originality is the guiding principle of art and culture. The visual communication of museums, theaters, and other cultural institutions is no less pioneering. One would be hard pressed to find another area of graphic design in which the work is so fresh and experimental and so often blazes trails for future visual trends. Young designers often get their first breaks working for cultural institutions, where they can prove themselves creatively. Through work for these types of clients, established studios can also remain agile and experiment with new forms of visual expression. Today, cultural institutions are proving to be extraordinarily open to breaking new ground where art meets logos, culture meets commerce, and design meets curation. In this way, they are becoming catalysts for cutting-edge design concepts and innovative styles produced by designers who are often as visionary as the clients for whom they work. Introducing: Culture Identities is a collection of outstanding design work for international cultural institutions. The book features poster campaigns, publications, and corporate design--much of which is designed to function across various media platforms. Extensive features introduce relevant topics and lend insight from two key perspectives. On the one hand, the book gives voice to designers such as Bureau Mirko Borsche or the New York-based studio 2x4 who are especially active in the cultural field. On the other hand, readers hear from notables on the client side including MoMA, the Barbican, Van Abbemuseum, and documenta. With its collection of stunning visual examples, Introducing: Culture Identities reveals what is state-of-the-art in today's graphic design. The book inspires designers and cultural institutions to understand each other better and continue to push the limit of what is possible creatively. less 
Ella ZhengI find Museums and institutions in Singapore are generally very safe in design. This book opens up a whole new world of how western graphic designers are experimenting with new systems of design and the works created are very fascinating. You also get to hear from both the designers and clients view of the design. It inspires me to keep pushing the current standards of Singapore further as the... (Source)
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Despite the vast changes in the technology of information distribution, more Despite the vast changes in the technology of information distribution, less Ella ZhengPosters are mostly used to present information. This book showcases experimental poster design. The works are very free form, very abstract and shows how information can be presented in a very unique manner. This book will show how graphic design can translate information in a very fun and expressive manner - Information can be translated into pictograms and patterns; Texts can be expressive... (Source)
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In Edmond, The Moonlit Party, Edmond the squirrel is shy and a bit lonely, but he nevertheless believes that his life is just as it should be. He's happy making his colorful pompoms, stirring his nut jam, and going to sleep early. But one evening, when there's once again a party in his apartment house tree, the fragrance of his jam brings an unexpected visitor to his door. With the entrance of Owl, an aficionado of disguises and fun, into his life, everything begins to change for Edmond. Not only does he agree to attend Owl's party. He goes and has the best evening ever, and the world... more In Edmond, The Moonlit Party, Edmond the squirrel is shy and a bit lonely, but he nevertheless believes that his life is just as it should be. He's happy making his colorful pompoms, stirring his nut jam, and going to sleep early. But one evening, when there's once again a party in his apartment house tree, the fragrance of his jam brings an unexpected visitor to his door. With the entrance of Owl, an aficionado of disguises and fun, into his life, everything begins to change for Edmond. Not only does he agree to attend Owl's party. He goes and has the best evening ever, and the world seems deeper and more wonderful than ever before, and just right, too!
Awash with rich color and the funniest, liveliest details ever, Edmond, The Moonlit Party is thoughtful and thought provoking as well as just plain fun! Each page deepens the story while providing a rich serving of visual pleasure! less Ella ZhengEdmond The Moonlit Party illustrated by Marc Boutavant and written by Astrid Desbordes is one of the favourite children story books I love. Marc brings Astrid’s storytelling beautifully to live with the wonderful illustrations. Young designers need to learn the beauty of translating content into illustration and even more simply so for children story books. How do you make it simple enough to... (Source)
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