A tweet from @sarahw alerted me to the news that The Other
Tyron’s book is a rewarding read … but I couldn’t help noticing the marked difference in book cover styles represented by the original paperback cover that I remember so well and the new NYRB version. Strangely, even though I see that the new cover (above, right) attempts to be more artful and evocative than the old (above, left), it actually feels less effective and more conventional. Or are my fond memories of an old favorite book clouding my mind? Have book cover designs gotten better or worse since the 1970s? Good twin, bad twin, good cover, bad cover …
4 Responses
I much prefer the new Tryon
I much prefer the new Tryon cover, except for the text block in the center, which looks like an afterthought (“Oh, yeah, we do have to put the title on the cover somewhere.”). But generally I think you’re right. Covers in the past had more individual character. Now they are mostly variations on a small handful of visual themes.
The new cover practically
The new cover practically gives the story away! But I’m glad NYRB is reissuing it.
As you may know, Tom Tryon
As you may know, Tom Tryon was an actor before he became a writer, appearing in such the classic B movie “I Married a Monster From Outer Space” (1958) and Walt Disney’s “Moon Pilot” (1962).
Cover shmover. This is one of
Cover shmover. This is one of my all-time favorite terrifying reads AND films. Glad it’ll be re-issued — I might have to give it a revisit.