Appearance matters
This piece explores the historical evolution of book cover design, noting how aesthetic presentation has become as important as the content itself. The author reflects on the shift from purely functional bindings to modern, artistic cover art.
Why it matters
Understanding the history of book design provides insight into the intersection of consumer culture, publishing, and literary appreciation.
( This story is part of The Hindu on Books newsletter that comes to you with book reviews, reading recommendations, interviews with authors and more. Subscribe here .)
A few years ago, I walked into the bookshop Foyles in London and ended up spending half a day there. We don’t really have a thriving bookshop culture in India, except in pockets, so being surrounded by several floors of books felt like stepping into Disneyland for a bibliophile.
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