Designer: Carol Devine Carson
Photographer: Clifford Ross
title: The Boat
author: Nam Le
publisher: Bond Street Books, 2008
Designer: Carol Devine Carson
Photographer: Clifford Ross
title: The Boat
author: Nam Le
publisher: Bond Street Books, 2008
Having read a couple descriptions of the book, I have no idea what the cover has to do with the contents.
But man is it gorgeous.
Amazing photography from Cilfford Ross’ Hurricane series. I honestly remember seeing these shots a while back and wondering who was gonna be the first to use them on a cover.
— Ben Pieratt, 2008-06-10 06:31:00
the scaling of the type makes my eye drift in and out to sea. very cool effect, not overplayed. adds some depth to a great photo that is otherwise a pretty flat division of the space except for the foamy foreground.
— shalls, 2008-06-10 06:41:00
This is absolutely stunning in person. Ben, I can’t remember: does the photo continue on the back?
— Joseph, 2008-06-10 08:16:00
Excellent minimalism. Does not leave you hanging. Has just enough literal reference. Nice printing helps. Stunning photography takes it over the edge.
It’s funny, but I notice that the type is stacked almost like a sail. Probably not intentional.
— Ian Shimkoviak, 2008-06-10 09:00:00
I love that font. It’s all very slick. Off the hook, even… OH! those are waves. Took me a while.
Lots of artifacts in this jpg methinks… it looks cleaner on Random House’s webz: http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/covers_450/9780307269461.jpg.
thumbs up
— C-Dog, 2008-06-10 09:13:00
Hey Ben, seriously though, the random house jpg is a hundred times better. Does the whole thing justice.
— Ian Shimkoviak, 2008-06-10 09:47:00
Thanks C-dog for the link. I think this might be added to the favorites list.
— Arthur, 2008-06-10 11:11:00
Image replaced. Thanks!
— Ben Pieratt, 2008-06-10 13:25:00
Publisher shouldn’t be Bond Street; should be Alfred A. Knopf.
The last story (the title one) in this book has to do with Vietnamese boat people which is probably why this photo was used.
— GH, 2008-06-10 20:32:00
gorgeous
— pogo, 2008-06-11 02:25:00
yeah, this is amazing. the colors combined with the perspective give it some sort of creepy ominous feeling. exactly the opposite of your usual tranquil wave. 5 stars.
— zach, 2008-06-11 07:39:00
I thought it was white chocolate. Tasty morsels of type.
— Chuck, 2008-06-15 23:41:00
I know very little about the world of book design, so I’ve always wondered, where do book designers find such great photographs like this one? Or do most publishers have an in-house photographer? Do clients ever request a specific image?
— Nathan, 2008-06-18 18:48:00
oh, duh, I just saw the link at the top of the page.
— Nathan, 2008-06-18 18:51:00
stunning.
— boblet, 2008-07-17 05:47:00
I’m with you, chuck, but I thought giant waves of milk! I couldn’t help but be reminded of the scenes from “Golden Door” where Charlotte Gainsbourg swims in milk. Beautiful, effecting cover!
— Leah, 2008-08-13 10:52:00