Showing posts with label Cover art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cover art. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Vintage Romance Covers - Spotlight on Charles Geer

I adore books....I love reading them, of course, but I also have a passion for searching for collectible books -- that rare first edition, first printing, or paperbacks and dust jackets that feature gorgeous cover art. I've had pretty good luck with sellers on ebay and Amazon, but my favorite find is when I scoop one up for a super bargain at used book sales. :)

 Recently, the trend in many book covers in the genres that I prefer feature the much over-used headless or near- headless woman in period clothing. Fortunately, going back in time to vintage historical romance and historical fiction, I've found that some of the artwork is so distinctive and attractive that it's a pleasure to display these gorgeous covers on my bookshelves like pieces of art. I just love looking at them!


Today I'm going to share with you my small but favorite collection of vintage books that feature the work of the amazing artist, Charles Geer. I think you will agree that his elegant style and talent evoke the beauty and grace of another era and set the tone for the reading experience. Interestingly, there is as much attention to detail on the spine and back covers as there are on the prominent front cover art. Ahhh, a lost art!

  I hope you enjoy taking a walk down memory lane with these vintage historical romance paperbacks. Goodreads also has reviews of these books and other books featuring Geer's work.

(**If you click on the cover you will be able to see in greater detail.)




    (Cover - Castles in the Air by Patricia Gallagher; Avon, 1976 paperback)


(back cover of Castles in the Air)



     (Cover - No Greater Love by Patricia Gallagher; Avon, 1979 paperback)


                            (back cover of No Greater Love)




           (Cover - On Wings of Dreams by Patricia Gallagher; Berkley, 1985)


(back cover of On Wings of Dreams)




                   (Cover - My Lady Destiny by Denise Robins; Avon,  1978)



(back cover of My Lady Destiny)




Which cover is your favorite?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Do you judge a book by its cover?

I walk into a bookstore.....thousands of books are on display, each one vying for my attention. Pick me! Pick me! My eyes move over the covers, scanning the titles but searching for that "something special" that speaks to me. Some covers are predominantly typography, so I walk past them....then, there it is! That exquisite cover that makes me walk over, pick up that book and run my hand over the cover, and turn it over to read the blurb.

Now I know enough from experience that an appealing cover does not guarantee a good read (and likewise, a plain cover can have a terrific story tucked inside), but it sure does get the book in my hands! Looking through the books that I added to my personal library this year, there are several books that I thought had fabulous cover art, and it appears that many 2010 releases will be even more stunning!

(Note: These books may not all have been released in 2009; they were added to my library in 2009). Here they are, in no particular order:


These new editions of Daphne du Maurier's classics are just gorgeous! I want to sail away with a pirate on that ship!



This is my favorite cover, but unfortunately, the artwork was better than the plot.




Simply stunning! More people remarked about this cover when I reviewed the book.





Say yes to the dress!




Vampire debutante meets Victoria's Secret...really cool cover!





Who wouldn't want to curl up with this book by a roaring fire with a cup of tea?





Could be a Vogue cover it's so lovely!





I love, love, love all the new editions of Georgette Heyers classics!


Can't wait to see what's in store for 2010!

Favorite Period Dramas

Mount TBR

Joanne's to-read book montage

On a Highland Shore
A Light on the Veranda
Entwined
The Queen's Vow: A Novel Of Isabella Of Castile
The Edwardians
Maisie Dobbs
Howards End
Lady's Maid
Instruments Of Darkness
When Maidens Mourn
Where Shadows Dance
What Remains of Heaven
Where Serpents Sleep
Why Mermaids Sing
When Gods Die
Shadowfever
Before Ever After
The Sugar Queen
Garden Spells
After the Night


Joanne's favorite books »
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