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A review by hanastanley
Classic Penguin: Cover to Cover by Elda Rotor, Audrey Niffenegger, Paul Buckley
5.0
Man, this was SO GOOD. I'm a complete book cover snob, and I've always been in awe of what Penguin does with theirs- they're always willing to do something really innovative, creative, and sometimes even risky. Reading about the process behind their most popular classics covers (some of which I have on my own shelf, and have spent many hours admiring) was inspiring, and honestly quite moving- it sounds silly, but I got a little misty-eyed on several different occasions because I was so incredibly in awe of the passion and intellect these people have when approaching their work.
Again, part of what I find so amazing about Penguin when it comes to their covers is how willing they are to take risks and do something totally unorthodox. Showcasing embroidery on a book cover is already super creative, but to show the chaotic back side of the fabric? Genius!.......if not a little strange, but again, that's the beauty of it. The Greek Myths cover was also amazing- just so completely unorthodox and unexpected, yet so so perfect- and the Kama Sutra cover was stunning, exquisite, and DEFINITELY a bold, risky move. What I also found amazing was the incredible thought that went behind some of their most minimalist covers. The Penguin Drop Caps series may seem like simple ornamental lettering at first, but the longer you look at them the more symbolism you can find hidden in each letter. A moment that actually got an audible gasp from me was when I was reading about the creative process behind the Black Spines edition of The Scarlet Letter. It seems like a very tasteful,simple cover- a black background with white calligraphy letters, the bright red A standing out from the rest- but upon closer inspection, the negative space in the A forms the silhouette of two figures. My mind was totally blown!
I don't think I've ever written a review this long! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, if you like book covers, or art, or typography, or design, or just really pretty things, you really should be reading this book. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into creating a beautiful book cover.
Again, part of what I find so amazing about Penguin when it comes to their covers is how willing they are to take risks and do something totally unorthodox. Showcasing embroidery on a book cover is already super creative, but to show the chaotic back side of the fabric? Genius!.......if not a little strange, but again, that's the beauty of it. The Greek Myths cover was also amazing- just so completely unorthodox and unexpected, yet so so perfect- and the Kama Sutra cover was stunning, exquisite, and DEFINITELY a bold, risky move. What I also found amazing was the incredible thought that went behind some of their most minimalist covers. The Penguin Drop Caps series may seem like simple ornamental lettering at first, but the longer you look at them the more symbolism you can find hidden in each letter. A moment that actually got an audible gasp from me was when I was reading about the creative process behind the Black Spines edition of The Scarlet Letter. It seems like a very tasteful,simple cover- a black background with white calligraphy letters, the bright red A standing out from the rest- but upon closer inspection, the negative space in the A forms the silhouette of two figures. My mind was totally blown!
I don't think I've ever written a review this long! Anyway, what I'm trying to say is, if you like book covers, or art, or typography, or design, or just really pretty things, you really should be reading this book. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for the work that goes into creating a beautiful book cover.