Historical fiction paperback makeovers, part two
I always like examining and discussing historical novel cover art. The following ten pairings include the hardcover jacket design and the corresponding cover redesign for the paperback (mostly from 2016, with a couple from 2015). In most cases, the books are considered literary fiction, and the images reflect this: they're elegant, bold, dramatic, and original. The paperbacks incorporate the novels' themes while conveying a more approachable feel, with the increased usage of human figures and readily identifiable tropes. Dictator, for instance, uses a look that implies "ancient-world historical adventure." That's my impression, anyway. What do you think of these makeovers?
Part 1 in this series, from August 2015, can be seen here.
Elizabeth, New Jersey, during one tragedy-filled season in the 1950s.
The Biblical story of King David, as seen from multiple viewpoints.
A female pugilist's story in Georgian Britain.
Third and final novel in the Cicero trilogy, set in ancient Rome.
The lives of wealthy expatriates Sara and Gerald Murphy on the French Riviera in the 1920s.
The lives in a family of mixed faith (Jewish-Christian) in Berlin during
the WWI years and Jazz Age.
The fateful voyage of the Hindenburg in 1937, from the viewpoint of its passengers.
The relationship between sisters Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell.
A multi-generational saga about a Jewish family, set along the Connecticut
shoreline in the 1940s.
The story of Loretta Young and Clark Gable during Hollywood's Golden Age.
Part 1 in this series, from August 2015, can be seen here.
Elizabeth, New Jersey, during one tragedy-filled season in the 1950s.
The Biblical story of King David, as seen from multiple viewpoints.
A female pugilist's story in Georgian Britain.
Third and final novel in the Cicero trilogy, set in ancient Rome.
The lives of wealthy expatriates Sara and Gerald Murphy on the French Riviera in the 1920s.
The lives in a family of mixed faith (Jewish-Christian) in Berlin during the WWI years and Jazz Age.
The fateful voyage of the Hindenburg in 1937, from the viewpoint of its passengers. 
The relationship between sisters Virginia Woolf and Vanessa Bell. 
A multi-generational saga about a Jewish family, set along the Connecticut shoreline in the 1940s.
The story of Loretta Young and Clark Gable during Hollywood's Golden Age.
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Alex
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Dec 28, 2016 06:48AM
Maybe the popularity of the "big" (as in enormous) screen makes us want to be able to walk right into the image? That seems to be the case in these paperback covers. As you said, the use of human figures enhances our sense of being there. Thanks for the food for thought, Sarah. Happy New Year!
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That's true, Alex - it does feel like we could step right into those scenes. Good point!Looks like the captions didn't come through well on Goodreads - oops. On my site they're under the images.
Happy New Year!
I think you're on to something, Sarah. ;) Here's another example. The hard cover edition of Stephanie Cowell's Claude and Camille featured a Monet (there is a female figure; probably Camille as model?). However, the paper back had an intimate shot of two attractive models embracing, which makes a more vivid and romantic impression of the title characters. A good marketing technique.Best wishes for the New Year!
That's a good example - a painting versus a photograph (with part of a painting toward the bottom, looks like). They create such different impressions, but it's hard to say which one I prefer overall. Both fit the book, which I enjoyed very much.Happy New Year to you too, Gary!
One thing I do love about this set of books is that they're not all headless/faceless women (or women turning/running away from the camera) gracing the covers. There is a sense of that in a few but it is a trend that I'll be very happy to see go entirely by the wayside.
I agree. It's been 15 years since The Other Boleyn Girl made the "headless women" covers popular - what other trend has lasted that long? It is nice to see the women's faces for a change!
