Painted Book Covers Return to Literary Shelves
Ramon Casas's 'After the Ball' is a prime example of the painted book cover trend overtaking literary fiction. Tara Anne Dalbow investigates the commercial and artistic appeal of figurative portraits on book jackets. Also featured: Emiline Smith reviews a book on art trafficker Douglas Latchford, who looted Khmer temples for Western museums. Julie Schneider reviews a biography of Anni Albers by Nicholas Fox Weber, based on their 25-year friendship. Hannah Benson explores personal objects of Charlotte Brontë and Octavia E. Butler at The Huntington Library. A summer reading list includes Megan O'Grady's meditation on art and living, a novel lampooning the art world, and Nan Goldin's photo essay.
Key facts
- Ramon Casas's 'After the Ball' is a recognizable painted book cover.
- Tara Anne Dalbow spoke with editors, cover designers, and publishing executives.
- Emiline Smith reviewed a book on Douglas Latchford's looting of Khmer temples.
- Julie Schneider reviewed 'Anni Albers: A Life' by Nicholas Fox Weber.
- Nicholas Fox Weber had a nearly 25-year friendship with Anni Albers.
- Hannah Benson wrote about Charlotte Brontë and Octavia E. Butler at The Huntington Library.
- The summer reading list includes Megan O'Grady, Nan Goldin, and a novel lampooning the art world.
- The painted book cover trend has overtaken lit-fic shelves in the last decade.
Entities
Artists
- Ramon Casas
- Anni Albers
- Nan Goldin
- Charlotte Brontë
- Octavia E. Butler
- Janani Balasubramanian
- Natalie Gosnell
Institutions
- Hyperallergic
- The Huntington Library