Book Cover Analysis

1)

The key ideas this design attempts to emit are that of innocence and childhood, prominent themes within the book. The mockingbird depicted, not only ties in with the books title, but also symbolises these themes that are brought up throughout the book. It represents the idea of innocence and the characters who are destroyed by coming into contact with evil, exemplified when Miss Maudie explains to Scout: “Mockingbirds don’t do one thing but…sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sun to kill a Mockingbird”.  As such, the childlike line drawing epitomises the core of the message of childhood innocence which is be damaged by the harsh realities of the world. The contrast of this image on a block black background plays on the psychology of the shade black – that which connotes death (mourning), evil and mystery; ‘a mysterious colour associated with fear and the unknown (black holes)’. Thus, it is a colour that carries negative connotations, supporting the book’s content appropriately.

The use of typography aids the intended impression the book gives. The capitalised bold serif font, ties in with the authenticity and period of the story itself, whilst taking up the majority of space of the design, dominating it. The carrying over of the work mocking-bird places emphasis on the ‘bird’ which is in direct eye line under ‘kill’, highlighting the message to contrast with the innocence of the lone childish drawing below. The size of the type carries great weight, and the choice of white font against the black background mirrors the racial focus of the plot and creates great contrast for the viewer. Consequently, the cover is successful in presenting a minimalistic representation of the key themes and feel of the book itself.

2)

Designed in April 2010 for the 50th anniversary by Grand Central Publishing (Hachette Book Group), this cover offers a more illustrative interpretation of a book cover, and you can tell it was for mass marketing purposes. Being quite a literal translation of the book into image, the design depicts a girl (presumably Scout) standing under a tree looking up at the little mockingbird on the very top branch, the scene is lit up by a moon in the background, aiding the gothic themes within the book. The overall silhouette very much sets the scene of a rural countryside town, nicely aiding the composition of the storyline. Additionally, the bird perched on the barren tree, and Scout’s upward glance allows the viewer to notice it as well. The decision to use silhouettes presents a certain mystery with this style of design, making us curious and highlighting the detail. As such, this works to the designs advantage as the mystery of the plot is a vital factor to its success.

The use of typography here is inconsistent yet strong. The way the title is incorporated into the design, contrasts in style to Harper Lee’s name, distinguishing the variation in scenes from the image to the informative content, yet flowing nicely. The simplicity in colour once more accentuates the monochromatic associations with this time period, as well as creating a moonlit scene that is dark and mysterious.

This cover design differs from the simplicity of its formers, enabling more of a scene. In this way, it is less successful in portraying the books deeper themes. Rather, it conveys the setting and literality of the novel, which somewhat subtracts from the authority the book withholds, presenting it as more of a fictional story (which it is) however subtracting its deeper messages. 

3)

The first edition book art, by publisher J.B. Lippincott & Co and designed by Shirley Smith. was released in 1960 and was the original representation of the book by Harper Lee. With a strong typography, the cover is bold and mysterious, within minimalist depiction to accentuate this notion. The design decision to make 'mockingbird' in lowercase, draws attention to it in a non aggressive way. As such, the idea of the mockingbird being the innocence around all evil is portrayed through this simplistic approach to typographic decisions. 

The cover features none of more iconic images associated with "Mockingbird" but does include the tree where gifts were left mysteriously for the Finch children. The jacket includes a quote from Truman Capote and a photo of Lee by the "In Cold Blood" author, as they were close friends. 

The use of green and red as complimentary colours, aided by the neutrality of a black silhouette, allows for an intended less comfortable design on the eye. The darkness of the shade of red adds to the idea that the bloodshed is stained - the retelling of an old story, or blood that has dried - the passing of time. As the plot is somewhat inspired by Lee's earlier life, this could be a relevant interpretation. Moreover, the light bursts of green, and the representation of nature, notes the rural setting of the story, and the fact that the tree is in full bloom could represent the passing of time, and growth (of a child into adulthood?).