Random House redesigns Louis de Bernières

Book publisher Random House is redesigning the entire back catalogue of Louis de Bernières’ novels to coincide with the launch of his new book, The Partisan’s Daughter.

The design work is a collaboration between Random House creative director Suzanne Dean, illustrator Rob Ryan and designer Anna Crone, and aims to give the books a ‘series’ style.

Dean says she wants to reflect that The Partisan’s Daughter is a departure for de Bernières.

Her aim is to hint at previous covers, while making the hardback look more contemporary.

The cover for the new novel depicts a woman’s silhouette and coloured motifs across her dress, with each image holding relevance for the novel’s title character.

Dean says, ‘The idea behind the design is about the reader getting to know this woman.’

The design depicts three elements: linnets, because the Partisan’s Daughter is fond of the birds; cigarettes and wine glasses, as she smokes and drinks a lot; and an apple with a diamond inside, because that is a story the character remembers her grandmother telling her.

Ryan, the illustrator, is also responsible for the covers of the paperbacks: the Latin American novels – The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts, Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord, and The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman – as well as Captain Corelli’s Mandolin and Birds Without Wings.

The book jackets in the Latin American trilogy are linked by dark backgrounds, while the blue of the Captain Corelli cover is reminiscent of the Greek sea, sky and flag, and also references Jeff Fisher’s original cover design for the book.

The title for each novel is hand-drawn by Dean, while the title lettering is by Crone.

Dean says, ‘Ryan uses a silhouette style with lots of details that can take out bits from de Bernières’ narratives and show the novels’ magical and comical elements, as well as the violent side to his writing.’

The designs seek to allow the reader to discover new elements each time they are viewed.


REDESIGNED TITLES


All of Louis de Bernières’ back catalogue, which comprises:


• A Partisan’s Daughter
• Birds Without Wings
• Captain Corelli’s Mandolin
• Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord
• The Troublesome Offspring of Cardinal Guzman
• The War of Don Emmanuel’s Nether Parts

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles