If you've been around here for a while, you probably know that I have a thing for pretty book covers. I won't lie...I'll go out of my way to purchase a nicer edition if at all possible (sometimes cost prevents that, though). I've definitely gotten rid of ugly copies of books I love and replaced them with pretty ones.
I'm especially a fan of Penguin covers. They're the reason why I sometimes own multiple editions of the same books. They're constantly releasing ridiculously attractive classics. About a week or two ago, I found out about a new book called Classic Penguin: Cover to Cover, which I was interested in reading. So when Penguin contacted me and asked if I'd like a copy to read and review, of course I jumped on that!
Classic Penguin: Cover to Cover didn't disappoint! It's visually stunning and full of gorgeous book covers. I liked how the books were grouped by collection (there were a few featured collections I didn't even know existed). Some of my favorite covers were here, but I also found so many that I'd never seen before. (I actually went through it again and made a list of all the editions I'd like to own. Be warned that this book will make you want to spend money.) It was very interesting to read what the illustrators and designers had to say about certain covers, and to see the progression of their first ideas and sketches to the final design. Some of the "interviews" were more interesting than others, but overall I enjoyed most of them.
My only complaint is that I wanted more! There were a few of my favorite covers that I wish had been featured (the deluxe edition of Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle comes to mind). It would have been nice to see the clothbound hardcovers and the Penguin English Library editions included, too. But obviously they can't cover everything! (No pun intended.) Also, at times the captions were difficult to read, as they're very tiny...in a few cases it took me a moment to figure out which cover was the final one.
Anyway, I loved this book. If you're one of those readers (like me) who's obsessed with pretty covers and interested in book design, this book is made for you. It's not just a lovely idea...the presentation is beautiful and so appealing.
*Note: Penguin provided me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I certainly don't need anything to convince me to buy more pretty editions, but this looks so fun! Penguin produces so many beautiful books. I've been replacing a lot of my ugly classics with the Penguin English Library editions - I love the way they look, and they're really nice to read too. :)
ReplyDeleteHa, I know what you mean! To be fair, *most* of the ones that this book made me want to buy were books that I was already planning on reading/buying...but now I know exactly which edition I want. :) I thought about you while I was reading this, because I knew that you're also someone who appreciates pretty Penguin editions! Oh, I love the Penguin English Library editions, too. I think I have a draft post about that collection hidden away somewhere. :)
DeleteFabulous review, Kristin. How fascinating this sounds. I'd not heard of it before, but it does look like it's a well put together book full of wonderful facts. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is a really beautiful, interesting book. :)
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