Design Feature: John Betjeman Book Cover

The design of a book cover is very important. Sure, there are your avid readers who go to a book store knowing exactly what story they want to read next, despite what the book looks like. However, there are also readers who finish a book and go to a bookstore waiting for their next drama, mystery, sci fi, poem, etc. to jump out at them. That is where the book cover design comes into play. It is important for the designer to have actually read the book they are designing for because often times there are intricate details and symbolism in a book that might spark an idea for a cover design that they may not have known about without actually reading the story for themselves. Below is a book I found with a cover I find to be absolutely captivating. The detail in each little section is so great. I love the space that was left for the author’s and poem selector’s names. This design was well thought out and took some time to develop I’m sure. Nothing beats a well done illustration used in design work. Not much color was needed in this piece, the warm color of the names is enough. The contrast the line work creates is beautiful and leads your eye from one part of the cover to another. I’m not sure who designed this book cover, but I am a big fan of their work. What do you think? Does this make your list of top 10 favorite book cover designs? If not, what does?

Written by: Jen Ebenrick