When it comes to gorgeous, incredibly effective covers, these three sort of hit it out of the park. Vintage Classics knows how to package a book is all I can say and I want--no, I need--these three editions in my personal library. Covers, both good and bad, have been on my mind lately and these examples just go to show what magic can happen when you let talented graphic designers who've--wait for it--Read. The. Books. create new, attractive, and inventive covers. All it takes is a glance at the twining roses set against the brick wall backdrop on this cover of North and South to send me into John-and-Margaret raptures. Similarly, the broken windowpane on Wuthering Heights instantly evokes Cathy's ghost calling out his name. As for Jane Eyre, the silhouette is perfect and I want to go re-read it right now. When you get a chance, wander on over and check out their complete catalogue. I'm a particular fan of vintage Dracula.
It seems a long time ago now that I first read Shiver -- the first book in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. But looking back I started it on the plane ride to BEA and finished it there in the conference center, fingers gripping the cover tightly, while sitting on the floor in one of the many autograph lines. And now it's May again and BEA is right around the corner and I emerge from my recent and nasty reading slump stupor to find a copy of Linger sitting in my mailbox like a glove thrown down in the dirt. "I will be the one to pull you out," it whispers to me slyly. "Just open me up and take a sip. I promise--one sip is all it will take." And I look at it with fear and longing written all over my face. "You promise?" I ask intently. "Because it's been a long walk in the cold and I'm not sure I can take another disappointment." "Just open me up," it says, confidence written all over its cover. And so I do. And everythin
I love that cover for North and South! The only one of those three books that I've read is Jane Eyre. I should probably read more classics, but there are just too darn many books to read! Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. There are worse problems to have, though. :)
ReplyDeleteThat North and South cover really is too perfect isn't it? Need. Want.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a copy of North and South, and of course saw this one after the fact. Grr. But Vintage is doing some great things cover-wise! (I'm totally wanting Gormenghast, which I've yet to read, based on their cover alone.)
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful covers! I want them :)
ReplyDeleteI think these vintage covers are fantastic. Long time fans will want these on their shelves, but really... what a way to capture the attention of some new readers of the classics, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteI love the Jane Eyre cover - I don't know, this sounds dumb, but there's something so relatable about a silhouette of Jane with her hair all messy that way. (Because my hair is always messy!)
ReplyDeleteBrenda, it really is too perfect. And I hear ya. The sheer volume of books I've never read overwhelms me all the time.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, so do I. So. Do. I.
Chelle, grrr. Sorry! I ended up gazing at so many of their titles. Lovely stuff.
Heather, I know. The booklust...it grows.
Christine, exactly! They work so well on so many levels. I would have loved them as much at 17 as I do now.
Jenny, not dumb at all! It's so Jane. And so human. Yet still beautiful.