Following the Special Issues of Babylon (2013), Marrakech (2016), and Rwanda (2019), Slanted was curious to find out more about the German state Rhineland-Palatinate and highlight regional differences.

In the state capital of Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg invented letterpress printing and delivered the first printed Bible in 1456, and probably drank a pint of wine on it (the region is famous for its grapes, after all). The state was formally founded from the French occupation zone after a referendum on the state constitution on May 18th, 1947, two years before the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany. The black, red, and gold of the flag of the Hambach Festival, the first democratic demonstration, are still the colors of the Federal Republic of Germany today.

The state has a long tradition of arts and craftsmanship, supported and kept alive by a strong middle-class as well as robust regional institutions and cultural drivers. Awards such as the State Prize for Arts and Crafts promote, among other things, outstanding gem and jewelry designers, ceramists, silversmiths, carpenters, barrel makers, and textile designers of the region.

With the help of descom—Designforum Rhineland-Palatinate—Slanted sourced designers, photographers, illustrators and makers—all people who love their region and are passionate about what they do.

This volume juxtaposes Rhineland-Palatinate's beautiful landscapes of vineyards, rivers, forests, and castles with shining examplesof design in Germany, highlighting a region that moves with time while sticking to its roots.

Designed by Clara Weinreich
Art direction by Lars Harmsen

Published by Slanted Publishers, 2020

Softcover, 128 pages, full color, 6.4 × 9.5 inches

ISBN: 978-3-94-844008-4