"The Medium is the Message"...?
A phrase originally coined by Marshall McLuhan in his book, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man in 1964, the suggestion is that the medium embeds itself in any message that it is created to convey: thus, the medium influences how the message is perceived.
In our case, the Library is looking at the power of the book cover to deliver the story within to the reader.
We have four new collections of books with beautifully designed covers that may well demonstrate this theory, what do you think...?
Penguin Drop Caps Collection:
This series celebrates typography and the ancient art of the 'drop cap'.
A drop cap is an ornate design for the first initial of a passage or chapter that is deemed particularly significant in a manuscript. 'Dropped' into the beginning of a paragraph, they are intended to stand out, draw in the reader and signify the plot ahead.
For this series, Penguin has chosen one book to represent each of the 26 letters of the alphabet and a shade in the colour spectrum to showcase some of English and World Literature's best loved classics.
Designer, Jessica Hische, has taken the first letter of each author's surname and created an original drop cap design for the cover of each book. Not only do they look spectacular altogether on a book shelf but the attractive and whimsical designs make them very inviting to pick up individually.
Virago Modern Classics Collection:
This collection by the international publisher of books by women, Virago, has been put together to showcase some of their most popular classics of the twentieth century.
Each book has been given a striking new cover using famous textile design prints ranging from Cath Kidston florals to Eley Kishimoto rabbits!
There are well known classics represented like Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr Ripley: a thrilling noir mystery with an uncanny twist......
As well as the less well known but nonetheless impactful, The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy, which became a cult classic for its controversial portrayal of a rebellious young woman in 1950s America.
As well as the less well known but nonetheless impactful, The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy, which became a cult classic for its controversial portrayal of a rebellious young woman in 1950s America.
Each edition includes an introduction by another celebrated Virago author. We hear from Jilly Cooper, Ali Smith, Julie Burchill and Maggie O'Farrell among others, who initiate us into the manner and idiom of the celebrated author's works.
This collection is a memorable amalgamation of great women writers, journalists and designers of the twentieth and twenty-first century.
Pan Publishing at 70 collection:
To celebrate Pan Books' 70th year of publishing, they have brought out a colourful series of small paperbacks showcasing some of their most popular editions.
The Pan Macmillan design team have created eye catching technicolor covers using imagery from popular culture that reflect moments in the plot, advertising, promotion and film and TV renderings of the famous stories over the years.
Whether you were interested in reading Arthur C. Clarke, H. G. Wells, Shirley Conran or Margaret Mitchell before or not, these pocket-sized, retro re-masterings may sway you.
Puffin in Bloom Collection:
Puffin, being Penguin Publishing's young readers brand, has released four beautifully illustrated versions of widely loved children's stories with new covers designed by artist, Anna Bond (of stationary company Rifle Paper Co. fame).
All the books are coming-of-age themed classics: Heidi by Johanna Spyri, Little Women by Louisa May Allcott, A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.
The covers have hand painted illustrations and lettering with floral patterns that are just in time for the budding Spring we are starting to enjoy!
These are timeless stories for the young and the old, so if you didn't enjoy them as a little kid, why not enjoy them as a big kid!
For all these new collections come and see our displays just inside the Library door and learn more.