This meme was started by Books by Proxy, whose fabulous idea was to compare UK and US book covers and decide which is we prefer. This meme is currently being nurtured by Lynn’s Book Blog and the subject this week featuring on any of our covers is MAGICAL THINGS, so I’ve selected A Discovery of Witches – Book 1 of the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, despite the fact that only two of my covers feature anything remotely magical – those runes and the grimoire…
This edition was produced by Viking Penguin in February 2011 and is clearly the default cover. I really like the graduated night sky as a backdrop and the iconic Oxford cityscape and well as the effectively eye-catching title font with that enjoyable flourish on the A. However, there are some decisions that have compromised the impact of this classy effort. Why all that chatter had to be crammed under the author is a mystery – why can’t it go on the back cover, along with the blurb? And plonking the Penguin right by the rune seems a bizarre move. Instead of focusing on the book, I found myself wondering why the logo wasn’t tucked neatly right in the bottom left or right-hand corner as is more usual…
Published in February 2011 by Headline, this cover is set during the day, though still featuring the cityscape, especially the Bodleian. Instead of magical runes, this time there is a red aura/magical miasma wafting across the sky. The less cluttered approach works better and though I’m not sure I prefer this design, I do think this cover has more eye appeal than the previous one.
This edition, published by Headline in September 2011, has done away with Oxford as part of the backdrop and this time around has gone for a matt black background with that red magical aura wisping across the cover. The author’s name nearly disappears in thumbnail, given the dark red doesn’t exactly ping off the background. This generic approach is a disappointment, especially compared to the previous two covers.
Produced by Orbit in May 2011, this French edition takes a completely different tack. The monochrome colours work well and I’m pleased to see Oxford feature once again. However, I think the silhouetted girl looks far too young and uncertain to be Diana Bishop. Given this is set in 2009, what is she doing wearing a mini-skirt?
This Croatian edition, published in 2011 is my favourite. I love the fact we are right in the middle of Oxford, right outside the Bodleian library in the middle of the night. And right in the foreground is the book that kicks off this story, pages fluttering and moonlit… So cool and appropriate. Which is your favourite?
I love your choice. It really conjures a great atmosphere. I think the only, kind of, negative aspect that I have with it is that the spire seems to be leaning – which is curious – I wonder if that spire really does lean or if it’s maybe the perspective.
Lynn 😀
I think the perspective is very slightly tilted – I put that down to increasing the sense of magic… But I’m not sure:)
Great pick. I like your pick and I understand the reasoning as to why you chose it , or didn’t choose the others , however for me the penguin cover is the best one .
It’s a great cover, Rash. And that’s why I always write my thoughts under each one, partly for my own benefit, because it forces me to think coherently about my choices, but so visitors can follow my reasons:)). Have a great weekend.
Thank you and same to you
🙂
Ooh it’s s difficult choice – eventually I settled on the first cover
Yes… none of them are dreadful, are they? Yes – I do like the first one, but those details niggled…
It’s a toss up between Headline #1 and the Croatian edition. Both are lovely and really evoke the feeling of magic. Great choice, Sarah!
Thank you, Tammy:)
I think I like the French edition best.
Thank you, Loreen – it’s a lovely cover, though I’m not sure it actually represents the book…
Oh I love the Croatian cover but second is the first one. I love the spooky look of the buildings.
Yes – they have given Oxford a really creepy look, haven’t they?
This is a tough one. I really like all of them. I would say your choice and the first cover are my favorites.
I agree with your choice! Though I also like the Viking Penguin in February 2011 edition ❤
As for the Mini skirt in 2009, at least here, Mini Skirts were super popular in 2009 so it makes sense?
The first one is my favorite, just because it’s the one I own, but I love your choice too. It’s very atmospheric.
Ah yes… I, like you, feel the draw of the cover of the book that I’ve either owned or read:)).
The French edition probably has my vote this week, but it doesn’t really fit the tone of the book from what I remember of the story!
No, that was my grizzle with the cover, too, Mogsy:)
I like all of these covers far better than the first one. They look ominous and dark while the first one looks kind of fun and campy (which is sometimes my thing but I have to be in the mood).
Yes… and I don’t think the book is fun and campy. Though I haven’t read it, the TV series certainly didn’t come across like that:)
I like the last one!
Thank you, Jennie – it is a lovely cover, isn’t it?
It is! You’re welcome. 🙂
The edition I read is the Headline one but I’m always envious when people share their copy of the Viking Penguin edition as it really appeals to me. Now I look closely at it though I see what you mean about the clutter under the author’s name, which is a shame. I agree with you, the Croation edition is definitely the best one – it captures the essence of the book really well, and it’s eye-catching.
Thank you, Hayley:). I always appreciate it when I get feedback on which cover appeals and why. I hope you’re having a great weekend.
The Croatian edition is indeed very eye-catching and to me has the added value of that unfolding book that almost looks like a flower… 🙂
Yes – this is, for me, the most successful cover and the more I look at it, the more I love it.
I love your choice, but they are all beautiful! This was a great book choice in general, Sarah, because I loved look at all of these!
Thank you, Jennifer – yes, this week there wasn’t one amongst this group that I didn’t like.
Hmmmmmmmm, had to just scroll through b/c it’s a full, holiday weekend here (Memorial Day, which began as a picnicking,grave-cleaning time at cemeteries for families and now has become the “official” start of the summer season; most schools are out here on the Texas Gulf Coast. Beaches, waterparks, pleasure piers, etc. open for the start of the tourist season, and we have neighbors BBQing–one hosting a double graduation party for their daughter’s nursing degree and their son’s high school graduation. We had our celebration meal for two at lunch with herb baked chicken, Cheesy Italian Baked Beans, salad and crescent rolls. For dessert, I made two kinds of cookies, half for us and half to freeze. We know how to celebrate!( Wore my red, white, and blue T-shirt, and decorated house and Little Free Library with same).
It sounds as if summer has certainly arrived, Rae:)). What a lovely picnic – it sounds a delight. I suppose Remembrance Sunday would be the nearest equivalent, here. Though it’s certainly never warm enough for a picnic as it’s always the 2nd Sunday in November…
I wasn’t sure as I was scrolling through and reading about the covers, then when I got to the last one, I actually said, “Ooooooo”. So I guess that means I agree. Not having read this book I looked for the cover that would draw me in to check out the synopsis and that one certainly would.
Yes… that last one was an ooo… moment for me, too:) I haven’t read the books, though I did enjoy the latest TV series based on them.
Oh darn! Yes, that first cover’s got so much awesomeness going for it, but yeah…if the penguin had a little witch hat, then I’d be all for him hanging out on the front cover :)…otherwise, that last cover’s pretty magical!
Yes – now why didn’t they put a witchy hat on that pesky penguin?? That would have completely changed the dynamic!