What Kind of Ugly Should a Book Cover Be?
Briefly

The new all-in-one edition of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan quartet has faced backlash on social media for its unattractive cover design. Critics argue that both the new and old covers are ugly, but the original designs had an iconic charm. The new design features a mix of font styles and sprayed edges, which many feel reflects a trend towards excessive gimmicks in the publishing industry. This has raised questions about what constitutes an acceptable type of ugly cover, as it seems to detract from the essence of the original novels, which were known for their unique appeal.
The redesign of Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan quartet has sparked criticism on social media, with many finding the new cover 'ugly' and reflective of desperation in design.
Original covers of Ferrante's novels, while also considered ugly, had an iconic charm that is lost in the new all-in-one edition.
Current trends in book cover design showcase an uneasy relationship with aesthetics, where gimmicks often overshadow substance, exemplifying a broader issue in the publishing industry.
There's a certain allure to a garish book cover that resonates with readers, which highlights the difficulties faced by new designs in maintaining that charm.
Read at Vulture
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