So we all know the saying - "Don't judge a book by its cover." Why do we all still say this because poll after poll of readers show that everyone judges a book by the cover.

A few days ago I was cleaning the art and photography section and ran across a book about this very subject. (Note: I ended up selling it that night to a customer after talking about it ... but it still makes me think.)

Does anyone else think book cover art is a "high art?" This was the bulk of the conversation that the customer and I had. Food for thought really. Is something in this case, a book cover, which is designed for consumer consumption really art? I would argue yes just as any vase, light fixture and print is designed for consumption then art on books is too.

What do you think? Do you have any favorite books that you may have purchased duplicate copies because you liked the cover art on it. I have done it several times. What lies behind this impulse?

Funny that you mentioned this.  NPR did a short piece on something similiar the other day.  The head of a publishing company (I forget which) thought he would get the American public interested in reading if the covers were more attractive.  I think this was back in the 40's or 50's (not sure of this either. Sometimes hard to follow NPR at work when I'm busy.)

I've got to say I can be a sucker for an attractive book cover too.   On more than a few occaisons I have spotted a book and gave it a chance based on its appearance.

As far as High Art.  I don't think so.   I'd equate it to no more than a candy bar wrapper or soup label.  It's there to sell a product.  But since we still see Warhol on Campbell's soup today, book jackets would have to be put in a class as art...but definitely on the Pop Art side.  Who knows if Warhol were around today he might be commisioned to do a Stephen King cover.  Would be interesting I think.

  I just so happened to read an essay the other day that talked about how the cover art for Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" was actually commissioned and created before Fitzgerald finished writing the novel. 
In fact, Fitzgerald ended up incorporating some of the cover's imagery (particularly its use of light) into the climax of "Gatsby."  To be honest, I didn't read "Gatsby" as closely as I should have in high school, but nonetheless, I still found this connection between the novel and the cover art to be pretty fascinating.   
 

That is very interesting. I didn't know about the Fitzgerald. Good hunting Alex.

And, I would love to see a AW book jacket of Stephen King!

This is a great discussion. As partner in a small press, our cover art is a major decision. I have to say, my opinion of whether its high art or not depends entirely on the cover. Some covers are graphic-heavy and more along the "candy wrapper" style, but sometimes serve the story perfectlly. On the other hand, many cover artists take their work very seriously, and (if I may say so myself), we have a couple of book covers through our press that I would definitely frame and hang on a wall.

A cover is at the very least a first impression, and you know what they say about that!

I have certainly been one to pick up a book that has eye-catching cover/dust jacket. I thought the cover to Stephen King's "Lisey's Story" was great; the flowers peeking out from behind the brilliant, shinny red dust jacket was one of my favorites. Harlan Coben has a couple of books with these cut-away dust jackets, which are a pain when trying to read the book. I'm one of those people that removes the dust jacket to read a book, so it really doesn't bother me that much.

I know that when I'm in a bookstore looking at the bargain book tables, the first books I notice (particularly coffee table books) are the ones that have outstanding photographs or artwork on the cover.

Jacks, I know a couple of authors that said they had nothing to do with the artwork on the cover of their books. Is it customary for the publisher's art department to design most covers? 

A major decision! Now that's saying something ... in my mind, I could see the Dixon doing a small show on Book Cover art. Shoot they've done duck decoys, silver, etc ... a bunch of times. Time for something like book covers!

Thanks.

What a great idea...an exhibit of interesting book covers. I would LOVE to see something like that at the Dixon! Call Jay Camm, Executive Director at the Dixon, and see what he says, Tim! He just might go for it. He's a pretty cool guy!

Most publishers (especially the larger ones) have an art/PR department that designs book covers based solely on marketing. It's very true that authors have little to no say at all concerning their cover art. Some authors try to put something in their contract to give them more say, but publishers generally fail to allow it.

From one side of the business, it can be amazingly difficult to please an author anyway. No cover art is exactly what they had in mind when creating a world, a culture, or a character. To niggle this and that to make an author happy can really slow down the publishing calendar, which is already a slower-than-molasses process! Better to cut them out and let marketing professionals do what they're paid to do: make a book cover irresistable.

On the other hand, smaller presses have a shorter publication list, and the owners have a more hands-on approach, acting as marketing, editing, and PR all themselves. It can allow a more organic process, and more give-and-take with authors. Personally, Meadowhawk Press (that's the one my husband and I own) allows input from authors out of respect for their vision, even so far as suggestions for artists, but, in the end, we have to consider cost and marketing also. Sort of a "tweener" approach.

The wine industry has learned well that some of us pick wine by the coolness of the label art.  Then, if it tastes good, we buy more. This principle applies to books too. I might try an author based on a review, but then again I might just browse 'til something catches my eye.

I have fallen sucker to this trick so many times its disgusting. Recently at the local store - Yorkshire - I was going to purchase an old main stay Australian plain white label for dinner but picked the snazzy Austrialian label bottle instead. Drats! It was horrible.