It's all about the cover...

‘Never judge a book by its cover’ is the age-old adage we hear again and again. But let’s be honest, it’s rather difficult not to. If I’m browsing a shelf of titles I’ve never come across, the most natural (and in fact the most time efficient) thing to do is to look at the cover. If that grabs me, then sure, I’ll pick it up and scan the blurb. Otherwise, to be honest, a book has no chance of making it onto the pile.  While it is certainly nice to be surprised on occasion - having persevered through a recommendation - by how good a book turns out to be, more often than not, the cover will factor in on my choice. In fact, even when I have gone out in search of a particular book, and found myself presented with choice, the reality of having chosen the one which looks best stands to evidence that in fact, a cover really does matter.

What is interesting then, is the variation in book covers internationally. This convention suggests that a certain look will sell more readily in one country than in another. I imagine this must be quite an interesting and fun (though challenging) aspect of publishing; ensuring that a book cover captures the spirit of the book and that it does so in a way which is aesthetically pleasing and interesting to consumers. Much of the hype often exists around the variation between UK and US covers: so let’s consider a few side by side. US on the left, UK on the right.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s (Sorcerer’s) Stone – JK. Rowling.

The UK cover is taken from an event within the book whilst the US version depicts items from the book. Note as well the change in title, a convention not altogether uncommon in publishing. US publishers substituted ‘philiosopher’s’ for ‘sorcerers’ in order to deal with a difference in meaning to and thereby to help US readers pick up on the magical connotations of the book. In this instance I much prefer the UK version. For me the US version has a more masculine feel about it and therefore I'd have been much less inclined to pick it up (pre the cultish status subsequently bestowed upon the series that is!). The UK version is more vibrant in terms of colour and design and this wins my vote!

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

As one of my all time favourite books there is no competition in this one. The original US version above has become the iconic image associated with the book, and indeed has been reprinted into posters and all varieties of other merchandise. It really seems to capture the heady, frivolous excessive feel of the 'Roaring Twenties' which the book addresses. As well as this it manages to depict core themes of the book. The current UK cover simply pales in comparison.

The Catcher in the Rye - J.D Salinger

Oddly, whilst the US version is the iconic cover in this instance, I rather like the UK print. Having read the book it is somehow in fitting with the feel of the private journal and thoughts held within. However, in terms of compelling me to pick it up off the shelf with no prior knowledge, the US print would probably win purely because it is a more interesting cover.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette? - Maria Semple

Here we have a variation, but with both based very closely on the same idea. There really isn't much between them, as you can see, but I much prefer the colour and font style of the UK version. Clearly though, what sells isn't always so different!

Let me know if you've been surprised by particular cover changes, or have any particular favourites!