Favorite Book Cover
It’s “Road Trip Wednesday” over at the YA Highway blog, and this Wednesday they’re asking people, “What are your all-time favorite book covers?” I like book covers. Unlike some people I know, I don’t ever discard the jackets of hardback books. When I buy used hardback books online, I might be inclined to pay a little more for an edition that still has its jacket. So there are potentially many covers I could list here, but when it comes down to it, there is really only one cover that jumps to mind. And it’s not because it is a particularly outstanding cover. It’s more for sentimental reasons. That cover is the 1975 Pan edition of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds. Why this cover? Because it was this edition of the book that I borrowed from my local library (multiple times) when I was about 9 years old. It was probably the first “serious” or “grown-up” novel I read. I still rate this story as one of the greatest pieces of sci-fi ever written. Anyway, that would be my pick. If I think of any more, I might update this.
Covers are always best when they remind you vividly of the story—but even more than that, when they remind you of the EXPERIENCE of the story. I love that you remember this particular version of the book so fondly. (The cover is pretty creepy, in an awesome way!)
Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! I was a little unfair to this cover in my article when I said it’s not a particularly outstanding cover. On reflection, I’ve seen many other covers for this story, and, my emotional attachment aside, it is a pretty darn good cover. It gives a great sense of the atmosphere, with almost steampunk-ish Martians in a Victorian setting. Unlike a lot of other covers, the artist resisted the temptation to show death and destruction, but rather went with the sense of foreboding conveyed by these towering aliens bearing down on empty London streets.
Thanks again for commenting!
You were completely right in your assumption that I would like your post. I just read The War of the Worlds for the first time a few weeks ago and I LOVED it. I plan on reading all of H.G. Wells’ books in the near future. But back to the novel: it is more than just a book about an alien invasion; it’s a comment on humanity. I adore books that give more than just entertainment, but actually make me think. You know? Anyway, thanks for linking me to your blog.
My brother thinks the Red Weed is a commentary on industrialization, which I thought was an interesting observation. And you are absolutely right about Wells and the way he weaves commentary into interesting stories. To that end, I think you will really enjoy both The Invisible Man and The Time Machine.
Thanks for stopping by!
I like this cover. I like the clean lines and details in the illustration. It definitely beats the ’80s or early ’90s version that I remember seeing.
Yes! Like I said to Sarah (above), I think I was a little too dismissive of the cover in my post. I do prefer it to many of the others that have come out since (and probably before).
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Tracey!
Hi Colin!
Love your choice in cover art! They mean even more, when they’re tied to your childhood!
I haven’t read War of the Worlds yet, but would love to get my hands on an original edition to read! And I’m just like you – I always keep the dust jacket. I haven’t succumbed to reading on an e-reader yet, so for me, collecting hardback books and their jackets, is almost as good as reading the book itself!
Thanks for stopping by my website! Actually, it’s not a template at all – one of my really good friends is a website designer and I worked with her on all aspects of my site (I think she almost walked away from working with me, after the 80th plum blossom branch we looked at – but finally, I found the one that was perfect!). Thank you so much for the wonderful compliment on it all – I’m so happy to be away from Blogger and have my own unique site / signature. 🙂
I love your reason for loving this book. Reminds me of my fondness for Summer of My German Soldier, the first novel I read on my own.
We saw the movie of Summer of My German Soldier in school. I remember enjoying it, and I didn’t enjoy a lot of things we had to read/watch in school!
Thanks for the comment, Lori!
Nice, going for the sentimental value. I have a book like that: an old version of Snow White that I must have checked out of my local library 20 times when I was growing up.
Nice choice!
Thanks, Jenna! When I think of memorable book covers, this is the one that jumps to mind. I hope I can find a copy of it one day.
Ah, what a great cover. And I’m with you…I like to have a connection to the book itself to feel emotionally connected to a cover.
I love your backstory on this choice. I kinda wish I had a cool story to go with such a cool cover.
Excellent choice. I like the clean lines and creepy rendering of the invaders, but even better is your childhood connection to the book. Your post also made me realize that I couldn’t remember which copy of The War of the Worlds I owned, so I went to my shelves to discover it was this one from the 60s, which was cool (though aesthetically I like yours better).
The first copy I purchased had that 1960s cover. It’s not bad as far as covers go, but it goes for the obvious heat-ray-and-destruction theme. As you say, aesthetically, the Pan cover is more appealing.
Thanks for the comment!
Awwww! Just passing by from your Top 5 posts 😀 And I understand why you picked this one, not only is your first RTW special but that book seems to hold so many memories!