A good story needs an equally good book cover design. Even though some of us read on our Kindles, iPads or phones, we still stare at a book cover on our screen for at least a few seconds before we begin reading. Once we have read a part of the story and come back from a lunch break, we look at the cover again and see more meaning in the design and illustration now that we know more about the story. Let us look at the best book cover designs that went on to become just as recognisable and iconic as the book’s story.
The Great Gatsby
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Illustrated by Francis Cugat
A tale of poignance and longing beautifully depicted in the sad eyes on the cover of the book. Below the face is a spray of glitz and lights for the parties that Gatsby threw in the hopes of seeing Daisy again. There is something about the dark blue of the night that makes up the face on the cover that just grips the viewer and stays in the memory.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Written by Harper Lee and Illustrated by Shirley Smith
A tree occupies the full cover and upon noticing closely, you see a broken branch. This cover does not give away much about the story and its theme of the loss of innocence. The tree itself might be something that is idyllic, reminiscent of home and comforting. However, it has a newly snapped branch just like the broken expectations in the justice system that push one away from comfort into despair.
Catch22
Written by Joseph Heller and Illustrated by Paul Bacon
A situation where the solution is found in the problem itself. This is a “Catch 22” situation and in the book, the problem and solution are both, war. The book cover design has a dark blue background with a red military officer’s silhouette in an absurd contortion. An absurd silhouette to describe an absurd situation is the perfect book cover artwork for Catch 22
The Godfather
Written by Mario Puzo and Illustrated by S. Neil Fujita
The Godfather is seen as a “bossman” figure who controls the business operations and the people involved in it. Naturally, the puppet strings on the type-art hold immense meaning once you read the book (or watch the film) and realise the gravitas of the central character’s actions on the life around him in both business and his family. The minimalistic design is used beautifully in this truly iconic design for a cult classic.
A Million Little Pieces
Written by James Frey and Illustrated by Rodrigo Corral
The cover looks like a seemingly cheerful design with a hand full of confetti sprinkles on it. However, when you know that this story is about a man whose life was torn apart by addictions and his struggle to put them back together like a million little pieces, the cover suddenly gets a different meaning. For book cover designers who are looking to condense the story into one clever image, this book cover can be a great design inspiration.
Let us know which you think are the best book cover designs in the comments below.
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