As a former print graphics guy, I figure it’s 50/50 fully intentional or publisher/editor just didn’t listen.
“C’mon, nobody’s gonna think that but a few kids.”
“Everyone is going to think that. It’s 1999.”
But in reality it was probably a communal “hehehehe send it”.
Doesn’t the layout get designed and approved in some DTP software where it looks perfectly fine because it’s all 2D?
Yeah, but the fold isn’t a mystery, it’s kinda in print 101 territory. Anyone involved in a product like that book would be aware from the start.
Not saying some “has the final say” kinda guy didn’t sign off on a pdf and act surprised, but in reality that book probably got signed off on a physical copy.
In reality it’s probably just plain intentional for design reasons and has a bonus side effect that someone LOLed about after.
Uranussy