THE ART OF BOOKS: JUDGE ME BY THE COVER

Books. We all have a few stored in our cupboards and shelves. Many have been pigeon-holed into reviews, stories and familiar characters. The story itself is the most important part. As the popular saying goes, "don't judge a book by the cover". So much so, it’s been hijacked for first time encounters, product packaging and popular fiction. But is the popular saying contradictory? Especially as the cover of a book is the first thing that grabs our attention.

You see, this wasn’t always the case. Spanning back to the middle-ages, books were often highly decorated objects that were equally about the aesthetic as much as the contents. During the Middle Ages, books often contained holy scripture and as a result were viewed as sacrilege. Scripture was often focused on the communal and would often signify social status, especially with books being an expensive commodity.

Beautiful Books of the Past

Illuminations, illustrations and stylistic calligraphy were popular among luxury manuscripts in medieval times. It was an important way for readers to engage with the story and characters. Writers during this time were like modern day influencers, and popular titles were seen as viral posts and clips. It was important for popular writers to differentiate their work, and this was achieved through an ornately designed book cover.

Book covers were like the phone cases or designer brand clothes but for popular titles. Prior to the invention of the printing press, books were expensive and were often reserved for the wealthy and nobility. For example, King George the third arranged for his emissaries to collect rare books for his library. You can see King George the Thirds library at the British library at the centre in a large glass tower.  

Luxury Medieval books were hand-painted and hand-bound using materials like encrusted jewels, gold and silver. This process was referred to as “treasure binding”. Only a handful of elite book collectors or senior clergy men were able to commission such books. The wealthy elites during the renaissance would use their skills to create elaborate book covers and designs. In fact, the word illumination translates to “light up” in Latin, reflective to how these designs would bring “light” or clarity to the story being read.

A history of Javanese Courts

Hymns for Augustine Friars- A mauscript decorated in hand painted illustrations and gold.

Beautiful books of the present

Artsmith books seasonal editions

With the rise of social media, we’ve seen publishers printing more decorative and aesthetic books. Book influencers are keen to buy exclusive editions of their favourite books. Sprayed edges, foiled covers and new illustrations are all the range when it comes to purchasing new editions. Sprayed edges are when edges of a book have been spray-painted. This can be a block colour but there’s also lots of cool patterns and designs.

Book themed merchandise and collectables have also become a staple with pin badges, mugs and prints themed around memorable characters and scenes. There is a plethora of businesses that create fun and exciting book boxes for fans filled with bookish goodies and merchandise. A quick browse online shows how many book lovers enjoy taking candid snaps of their favourite book with stunning backdrops and landscapes.

Book lovers are also keen on decorating their bookshelves with ornaments, figures and book nooks. With the rise of social media, the aesthetic of a book has become more important. Book fans are more likely to purchase a book if it has a beautiful cover. There’s poetic symbolism in purchasing a book because of both for the aesthetic and the knowledge. I can’t count how many books with lacklustre covers I purchased where I didn’t like the storyline. As a result, they become a dreary reminder of money lost that could have been spent on a book with at least a pretty cover.

As an Artist and librarian, I've always been in interested in books with gilded spines and decorative covers. A stark contrast to the dreary and mass printed covers at modern bookstores.  It made me realise how not long ago; books were appreciated for their appearance as much as their contents. Like a beautiful ornament you could cherish and display. 

I wondered how interesting it would be if I could turn create a collectable Art piece in the shape of a book. An item that could be personalised and gifted as well as being a decorative object for the shelf. A book you could buy without worrying if you would enjoy the story. A book you could judge by the cover. And this was how the idea for the first Artsmith book was born.

If you are an avid reader and enjoy Art, the Artsmith book is one novelty that looks beautiful on any bookshelf. Check out our bookstore to view the latest editions on sale.

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