Why do some book covers instantly grab your attention while others never get a second glance?
Fusing word and image as well as design thinking and literary criticism this captivating
investigation goes behind the scenes of the cover design process to answer this question and
more. As the outward face of the text the book cover makes an all-important first impression.
The Look of the Book examines art at the edges of literature through notable covers and the
stories behind them galleries of the many different jackets of bestselling books an overview
of book cover trends throughout history and insights from dozens of literary and design
luminaries. Co-authored by celebrated designer and creative director Peter Mendelsund and
scholar David Alworth this fascinating collaboration featuring hundreds of covers challenges
our notions of what a book cover can and should be.
