Spine Tingling

That old expression to never judge a book by it's cover is worth it's weight in gold as advice on life in general, but when it comes to actually judging the quality and appeal of a book... Heck no!


I mean don't get me wrong, the story itself, the ability for the writing style to carry you off to another time and place, poetic phrasing that makes you stop in your tracks and reassess your own little world, okay okay, that is what makes a great book. But there is no denying the pure attraction of a stunning cover.


One beaut of a crowning glory is that belonging to the UK edition of The Bone Clocks written by David Mitchell.

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Not only was this novel shortlisted for the Book Manner Prize 2014, with a story packed full of mystery and intrigue, just look at it's work of art front cover! This colourful paperback leapt off the shelf at me, as I was mindlessly browsing the WHSmith specials at Birmingham International Airport. The beautiful, bright pink detailing is textured against the smooth cover and the intricate illustrations popped against the depth of black background. For a summary of the tale and further details and reviews, head over here, where you can pick up a copy. Or, if you're even more of a go big or go home kind of chap, then you must check out the Special Edition blue edged pages just for Foyles!


Now, when talking of stand out covers with picturesque spines that sit beautifully a top your prized book shelf, then it would be silly to not mention this stunning collection of classics, with reworked covers all for the Penguin Drop Caps series! Each of the 26 much loved books, boasts a specifically commissioned cover with assigned letter, by type designer extraordinaire Jessica Hische.

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From penguins to puffins, allow me to introduce to you another bold display of sheer childhood dreams and whimsy; this delightful group of classic children's books in the Puffin Chalk collection, wonderfully designed by Dana Tanamachi - Williams of Tanamachi Studio, for Puffin Books. Using inspirations from the adventure driven stories, these playful covers really capture the essence of nostalgic tales of flight and fancy! Check out Tanamachi Studio website for more images of the covers, including the detailing that even makes the back of the book a sight to behold.

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What could be treasured more, than a favourite book wrapped up in a dreamy cover, singing sweetly from your shelved collection of beloved reads?!

What is your favourite out standing cover or eye catching spine? Do you know of any special editions or wonderfully designed collections that I should keep a look out for?