Like many bibliophile I am also somewhat enamored by book covers. I don’t judge a book by its cover, but I certainly pre-judge it as many of us do (but that’s the topic for another post). I am also a comic art collector (well, before kids that is) and have about 10 reviews of graphic novel in my “draft” folder (at the time of this post) – so yes, I like pretty pictures.
After reading “The Graveyard Book” (Book Review) by Neil Gaiman I noticed that there are many alternate covers. The contrast between them is striking and one could almost tell where they were published without the byline.
Hardcover – this is the cover I’m most familiar with.
Wraparound cover by Chris Riddell – the text is just a sample.
This picture was used for the Danish, Spanish & Swedish editions
Denmark
Spain
Sweden
This is a wonderful cover by Dave McKean which really captures the essence of the book. I love the baby reaching for the moon.
Another cover by Dave McKean. I like the illustration but I don’t think it captures the story as much as the one above.
China
Finland – This cover does scream “Nordic” to me but more due to the isolation which it depicts. While a nice cover, I don’t think it matches the story.
France – If they changed the name of the book, why didn’t they translate “Nobody” as well?
Italy – Seem like the Italians tried to capitalize on Mr. Gaiman’s other works. No need.
Poland – While this wouldn’t be my first choice, I really like this cover. It works.
This cover screams “Russia”, doesn’t it? You don’t even need an “onion dome” to see it. It has a “Peter and the Wolf” feel.
Which one is your favorite?
Why?
Zohar – Man of la Book
3 Comments
I had only seen the US/UK cover and was always a little underwhelmed by it. I absolutely love the Denmark/Spain covers, actually, you can throw the French, Italian and Polish covers into that ‘love’ list as well.
Thanks for the great post!
The US and UK covers are sublime but I think they work.
Thanks for the great comment.
I like the Italy and China ones.
I too judge a book by its cover – there have been times when I came tempted to purchase a book by the cover alone.