Book Covers are important. ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ doesn’t apply when it comes to book covers. Book covers can be instrumental in driving up sales. Pretty book covers attract readers and cannot be ignored.
In one of my previous posts, I talked about some of the worst book covers ever (check out my rant here). It takes a lot of energy to hate on something so instead let’s focus on the good things.
Here are 9 best and the prettiest book covers ever:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen-
This one is a work of art. The enchanting depiction of a peacock looking back at its mesmerizing feathers is enough to beguile the readers into reading this book. Not that anyone would not want to read it, it’s Pride and Prejudice. Still, this book cover stands out from all the rest. This cover was made by Hugh Thomson for George Allen’s 1894 edition also known as the Peacock edition.
2. Divine Comedy by Dante-
This cover is spot-on. The illustrations match the actual descriptions of the three sections of the book: the fire in Hell, the climb of souls in Purgatory and the flight to heaven in Paradise.
3. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt-
It is based on the painting ‘The Goldfinch’ by Carel Fabritius, a Dutch artist. He painted it in 1654. The artist died in an explosion that destroyed most of his work. This painting was one of the few survivors. The plot of the book is heavily inspired by it. The main character survives a bomb blast that kills his mother. He steals the painting and wraps it in paper which is alluded here with the goldfinch poking out from the tear in the cover. It becomes a symbol of his past that haunts him and threatens to come out.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak-
The worn-out paper, the blood red colour of the font, the bizarre image of death dancing with a little girl, the cover is truly captivating. It is a perfect depiction of their poetic connection as death collects the souls of her loved ones and narrates the story.
5. Dune by Frank Herbert-
This is the most stunning cover I have ever seen. The feeling of otherworldliness, the simple yet elegant font, the dual imagery of the moon that looks like a setting sun, and inclusion of the blue eyes. I love this.
6. 1984 by George Orwell-
I have seen a lot of book covers for Orwell’s 1984 but this one is unique. The tearing up of the face to make space for the title symbolizing the dominant and oppressive forces taking away a person’s identity and individuality. The smudged-up strokes and the colour palette reflecting the bleakness that exists in such a world.
7. Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe-
The shabby and unclean beard bears the effects of living far from civilized society for such a long time. The cover does not depict a ship or him standing on top of a sea shore, instead it focus on the toll the ordeal took on his physicality and the hardships he faced on no man’s land.
8. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse-
Another absolutely beautiful and stunning cover. The colour scheme is riveting. The river in Siddhartha silhouette is the embodiment of the Buddhist concept that life is an ever-flowing cycle. The symbolism of the ferryman as wisdom that is gained through experience perfectly captures the essence of the book in the cover.
9. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald-
This is the most famous and the most notable of all book covers. It was created by the Spanish artist Francis Cugat for the 1925 edition of the book. This painting is named ‘Celestial Eyes.’ The face floating above New York city embodies the melancholic Jazz Age. The green tint indicates a tear dropping down from the eyes that have naked figures for irises. The reason that the cover and the text are so seamlessly integrated is because the cover is said to have inspired the book.
So what do you think about these covers? Have you come across covers that are absolutely beautiful? Share them in the comment section.
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