Favorite Translation Covers of 2011?

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Scott Esposito

I was a little disappointed to see that only one translation (The Selected Canterbury Tales) made it up on Publishers Weekly's 10 top covers of 2011 list. As Matt Rowe put it on our Facebook page:

I think Melville House, Archipelago, Europa, Open Letter, Dalkey Archive, and New Directions all do great jobs with their covers, often with the advantage that the publisher or series is immediately recognizable at a glance. PW seems to prefer covers that stick out, though I don't get some of their choices.

We agree, and in the sprit I've corralled some 2011 translated book covers that I think exemplify great design. Tell us your favorites! Email me at sesposito AT catranslation DOT org.

 

 

 

This is a great example of a powerful, understated cover that works perfectly with the title and substance of the book. Props to Dalkey Archive on this one!

 

 

 

Here, Melville House used their longstanding "Art of the Novella" design in an intriguing new way, putting together 5 books all titled The Duel that were released on the same day. And 4 of them are translations.

 

Here's a fun cover that captures the feel of the book and makes the most of the fact that, yes, this is a book from a foreign place being sold in the English market.

 

All of Open Letter's titles have a great unity of feel, even as each cover is distinct. This one uses a nice layering of words and visual effects to play off the key word of the title.

 

Here's a great work by a classic Spanish author. The cover perfectly embodies what the title tells you, and the black fade on the orange backround really stands out.