Core Insights - The event during the 31st Beijing International Book Fair showcased the design aesthetics of the book "Old Beijing Images in the Rare Western Books of Peking University," highlighting the rebirth of century-old Western literature through design and curation [1] Group 1: Academic Value - The book systematically compiles 145 rare Western texts collected by Peking University Library over the past century, featuring over 1,000 images of Beijing recorded by foreigners from the mid-19th to early 20th century [2] - It presents a thematic compilation of ten categories, including royal architecture, street life, and the Boxer Rebellion, providing a cross-cultural perspective on the transformation of modern Chinese society [2] - The diverse sources of images include works from professional photographers as well as amateur recorders like soldiers and students, contributing to a more objective historical representation [2] Group 2: Design Philosophy - The book designer emphasized a "subtraction philosophy," ensuring that the design serves the content, using high-quality lightweight paper to reduce heaviness and allowing the pages to lay flat for easy reading [2] - The design features a thick spine and a cover illustration of the Summer Palace, symbolizing historical weight while conveying a humanistic warmth, creating a solemn yet approachable visual language [2] Group 3: Exhibition Experience - The curator provided an immersive experience at the PAGEONE Beijing Fang store, allowing visitors to physically interact with the book and view selected old photographs through a "memory wall" [3] - An interactive installation allowed viewers to overlay historical street scenes with modern views, embodying the authors' intent to convey a sense of historical perception [3] - The publication aims to bridge the gap between academic literature and public readership, with plans for further exhibitions and related installations in other cities to enhance the public value of this historical document [3]