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Battens or fixing blocks would be classed as visible, according to the design committee.
Screws aren't great at sheer forces
This is true, compare to nails in construction. But as I'm using 6 (maybe 8), even the cheap ass screws I have would have a shear strength greater than 14lbs (given the overloaded 80lbs value above - a #10 SPAX screw has a shear strength of 545 lbs). Given the restricted height towards one end of the shelf, it won't be fully loaded with Encyclopedia Brittanica.
I think I'm sold on the screw method, unless something else I haven't considered comes up.
stevo_com-
something else I haven't considered comes up.
I have a feeling that you're not really participating fully in the spirit of this thread.
Buy a Festool Domino, and do it properly with biscuits and whatnot.
You will obviously need a dust extraction system too.
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the design committee.
I hear you - my six year old often has unreasonable expectations too.
NotThamesWater
Not brackets, but battens?
Screws aren't great at sheer forces (according to something I read once and took as gospel).
Ply battens on either end would do the job, and one across the back would give you way more weight bearing capability.
Or even fixing blocks?