I'd thought in a totally unexamined way that there were currently a lot of book covers that are very focused on large, legible, typography, and that it probably had to do with how we look at a lot of tiny thumbnails of things on phones, but it's good to remember that this is not remotely a new design concept. (personally, I love a very type/lettering-forward cover!)
These were ALL so eye-catching that I had to leave them for two days to be able to choose favorites. My winners are, in no particular order: The Montessori Method, The Novels of Dashiell Hammett, and Shock Treatment. What do they have in common? In each example, the graphic speaks louder to me than the print: little hands arranging green blocks, a tangible reference to The Maltese Falcon, and electric pulses coursing through the head.
Thanks so much for sharing these from your library!
"Shock Treatment" and "How to make good pictures" are so good! I love how the first feels creepy despite being so simple, and the second combines gradients and block shapes to a great effect.
ooooh these are really nice! thanks for sharing! I have a weakness for midcentury SFF covers, both pulpy and modernist, so the Explorers Into Infinity stood out to me.
I love midcentury covers also, but then again, I'm partial to midcentury anything. My favourites: The golden apples, theories of mass communication, and Caribbean mystery.
Awesome. I've found treasures in my city's tiny library. I've started to collect them too.
Book cover's design is an interesting topic. Looks like at that time is very Ad/graphic design work. It can be so different according to time or different countries.
I'd thought in a totally unexamined way that there were currently a lot of book covers that are very focused on large, legible, typography, and that it probably had to do with how we look at a lot of tiny thumbnails of things on phones, but it's good to remember that this is not remotely a new design concept. (personally, I love a very type/lettering-forward cover!)
Your substack is the only one in my inbox that I take the time to stop and read. I completely agree that the mid century stuff is stunning.
That is such a high compliment! Thanks, Rebecca.
These were ALL so eye-catching that I had to leave them for two days to be able to choose favorites. My winners are, in no particular order: The Montessori Method, The Novels of Dashiell Hammett, and Shock Treatment. What do they have in common? In each example, the graphic speaks louder to me than the print: little hands arranging green blocks, a tangible reference to The Maltese Falcon, and electric pulses coursing through the head.
Thanks so much for sharing these from your library!
Yes! That's a great analysis of why those particular covers stood out to you. I'm glad you enjoyed this.
"Shock Treatment" and "How to make good pictures" are so good! I love how the first feels creepy despite being so simple, and the second combines gradients and block shapes to a great effect.
I love the first one for Shock Treatment, very spooky!
Right? I also love that one.
I love the Dashiell Hammett cover
Me too!
ooooh these are really nice! thanks for sharing! I have a weakness for midcentury SFF covers, both pulpy and modernist, so the Explorers Into Infinity stood out to me.
Awesome covers! I love this collection...
I love midcentury covers also, but then again, I'm partial to midcentury anything. My favourites: The golden apples, theories of mass communication, and Caribbean mystery.
What a delightful collection!
The Golden Apples cover is amazing. I would have guessed it was a later date. So good!
One of my favorites. Milton Glaser is a legend!
Awesome. I've found treasures in my city's tiny library. I've started to collect them too.
Book cover's design is an interesting topic. Looks like at that time is very Ad/graphic design work. It can be so different according to time or different countries.