CHANGING BOOK COVERS FOR EVERY EDITION- ANNOYING OR PLEASANT?

Book Covers and illustrations in books keep changing. Every time, classics introduce new imagery, there arouses some amount of debate among book-buyers. The ultimate question is, that how people perceive and receive this change? Bookworms are usually divided, some say that it is pleasant and nice to see new illustrations, and some say it is nice to stick to tradition. Here are the two major perspectives on this.

POV- IT’S ANNOYING!    

1)      New Cover vs. People’s Memories of the book- It is a common sight in bookstores, to see people reminiscing about the original illustrations and book-cover designs of certain classic books. They associate their fondness for the book with the original book cover and their memories of buying it or first seeing it. However, the fact that it changed leads to complaints! People also associate a book with a particular image, specifically if they liked that book. New book covers could dent that memory for some people and just aren’t welcome!

2)      The New Book Covers aren’t up to the mark- Sometimes, book covers could have been immensely creative in the past, drawn by some great artists. They are images that exactly fit and complement the story. The new illustrations however are modernized and paint a completely different picture. These are therefore not so much appreciated!

3)      Authenticity destroyed with the new imagery-  Some books have a story behind their illustrations about who drew them! When these illustrations and cover designs are tampered with, they lose that authenticity. For example, the original Alice In Wonderland book had beautiful illustrations done by the writer, Lewis Carroll himself. However, with the taking over by Disney, the original sketch drawings have been replaced. These are just not as nice. When the writer draws them, she thinks in terms of her story. When million-dollar establishments make them, they lose that original touch!

POV- IT’S A PLEASURE

1)      New day, new relevance- What is amazing about changing covers, is that it renews the relevance of the book every time. It creates new associations, formed in new generations. It denotes the vitality and continued relevance of the book which makes it extremely crucial to also make new covers and illustrations, as it denotes new interpretations.

2)      Sometimes they are striking- Sometimes, owing to the enhancement of technology, they can be very creative and unique, and striking, which makes the book extremely appealing. In today’s book market, making an appealing cover is of utmost importance!

So which side of the debate are you on?