Book Covers

While I can’t exactly say what exactly is going on with this cover, (are those four books stacked side-by-side?), I still really like it. The aged type and weathered effect is handled perfectly.

The absolutely killer illustrations were done by: Gary Taxali, (his official site seems to be down.)

It should be noted that this is a pretty big step up from the hard back, by the way, (see below). It’s also interesting to compare this to the completely different approach that Jon Gray took with the same title.

— Ben Pieratt, 2006-02-06 08:36:00

My impression is the same—although I’m a little bit worried about this depression-era(?) illustration style becoming a cliche. I see it all over the place at the bookstore.

One gripe regarding this edition: it comes with two additional stories that didn’t ship with the hardcover edition. What kind of message does that send to those of us who spent more money on the first edition hardback, “don’t bother next time” ?

I have to admit, my roll in producing this cover was minimal at best. Instead of “designer”, a more accurate credit might have been “jpeg printer outer”. It’a all the work of the wonderful and talented Mr. Gary Taxali. His website is up: garytaxali.com/

I don’t want to make everyone nauseous by making this a thread for The Mutual Admiration Society, but I need to step in. I think John Gall is being too humble. A talented designer knows how to bring the best out in an illustrator and John is just that. Be sure and check our his other jacket designs. The cover for “Project X” (a novel by Jim Shepard) is pure graphic design genius. John is one of the industry’s top book jacket designers, hands down.
Thanks everyone for the very kind words. (My site is up and running now – the technical glitches are resolved.)

This cover SHOUTS for attention in a fun way – one cannot help but smile while perusing it. A most interesting point is that one feels comfortable looking at it. It does not offend in any way – in other words, “I really like it!”

Regarding Ben’s unjustified comment “It should be noted that this is a pretty big step up from the hard back, by the way.”

It should also be noted that while the front of the hardcover is more visually focused than the soft cover (microscopically zeroing in and screaming at you from across the aisle), the back cover pulls way back showing encapsulations of each short story, complete with illustrations in “x-ray spec” style, mimicking a lovely comic pulpy ad page. Lethem collaborated with Rebecca Cohen and myself to create the proper copy for the back.

In other words, you are not showing the whole cover or package, so to speak. Props should also go out to Rebecca Cohen, the illustrator on this one.

Marc,
If possible, you should send me a jpeg of the full packaging. I’d love to see it!

(Just use the email link that you get when you click on my name at the end of this post.)

The first one of the three was definitely my favourite although the second one is…cute??