Do judge a book by its cover

Esther Humphries, Online Science Editor, explores how

AS the age-old saying goes, ‘never judge a book by its cover’. While this may be an important metaphor to dissuade presumptions and judgements, most people would probably agree that when applied to actual books, this mantra is not often followed.

Book cover art is important to many people in informing the choices they make when buying new books. And, contrary to the saying, this does not need to be viewed negatively. Book covers that have been carefully designed to express the plot, emotions and characters of a book, without a first word even having been read, provide an insight into the world of the novel. When done right, book covers help inform book-buying choices, drawing readers in with bold designs and bright colours, but also readying them for the reading experience they are about to embark on.

Among bibliophiles, book covers are not only important in helping to choose a next purchase, they add to the joy that is the bookbuying experience. Going for a wander around Waterstones, carefully curated tables of books with exquisite cover designs offer a satisfaction that any book lover will recognise. Specific book covers may be sought out by readers: collectible versions, originals or book box sets. Visual arts and design are an essential part of any marketing. This does of course mean that there is a commercial side to book design. While great book covers are aesthetically satisfying, bad book covers can be particularly disappointing. It is important

Important Art Is In Promoting Books

to note that most authors may be consulted during the design of their book covers, but that they do not often play a large role in the process. How can a customer therefore trust that the final design has been informed by a genuine understanding of the book’s content and message? With the growth of ‘BookTok’ and ‘Bookstagram’, the increase in viral book trends has affected the style of covers being designed. The online renaissance of reading has led to an increase in printed book sales but, as a result, book cover designs now seem to follow trends — often bright, bold colours in abstract shapes with the title superimposed on top. How can book covers