Book Cover Preference

[ESPcomposites]

I really didn't know where else to ask this question, but since engineers are the final audience, I can't think of a better place.

As a working engineering, which would you prefer in a book cover?

Option 1: Faux leather with foil stamping. Just the title, author, and perhaps a simple image would appear on the cover, much like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Practical-Str...1405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312791095&sr=8-1

Option 2: Or a "typical" book with a high resolution image and modern design?

Personally, I like the simple book with faux leather. It looks more professional and just has the necessary content. I find other covers too busy and a modern image today is a dated image tomorrow. But I want to please the reader first so I might change that opinion.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[ESPcomposites]

I am still kicking it around, but either way, the title and spine will be very clear (high contrast). The graphics will be minimal, but relevant, as shown in the tentative designs.

I think it will come down to the quality of the faux leather. If it is convincing, durable, and "appropriate", I will probably choose this route. If it does not meet my standards, then I will just go with a conventional litho wrap book.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[berkshire]

Brian,
If you can do it, put the type reading horizontal on the spine, so I do not have to cock my head to the right to read it. That way I can find your book faster on the bookshelf.
B.E.

The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor

 

[ESPcomposites]

berkshire,

I will try to, but it will depend on the title length, spine width, font size, etc. It is a very easy thing to implement if it makes sense.

The other way is use a "unique" color scheme, such that it stands out from other books (i.e. you can recognize it by the overall look). For example, I plan on using a blue background with white letters, which is not common. This will also has high color contrast. I am amazed at how many books have low contrast, which makes them hard to read. Either way, the spine design will not be taken for granted.

Brian

http://www.espcomposites.com

 

[SomptingGuy]

I have three favourites and pick the by colour:

Purple: Kreyszig
Yellow: Heywood
Red: Numerical Recipes



- Steve

 

[thruthefence]

Perusing my Limited edition "Far Side" boxed set, I notice the books are bound in conventional "Book stuff",titles gold embossed, but the slip-box is illustrated with flying cows, which adds to the perceived value.

 

[zdas04]

Be careful with the unique color. I've got two turquoise books on my shelf. One is a useful Fluids book and the other is a worthless Statistical Thermodynamics book. I hate the statistical thermo book so much that I can't even see the fluids book on the shelf. Guilt by association is a tough thing to overcome.

David

 

[kontiki99]

Not really what the OP was looking for, but I like to cover books that I might carry around in my soft bag or napsack for awhile.

I found that Tyvek shipping envelopes make nearly indestructable water proof book covers.

That stuff is amazing.