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12 Classic Covers Reimagined

inspiration , , 12 Classic Covers Reimagined

Classic novels have timeless appeal, but sometimes publishers want to update their book covers to appeal to contemporary audiences.

These design-forward cover designs for classic stories bring out their themes and characters in completely unique ways…


1. Anna Bond In Bloom Cover Designs 


Anna Bond, lead designer of Rifle Paper Co, has lended her beautiful illustrative style to these redesigned covers for Puffin.

Bringing a contemporary floral look to much-loved titles including Little Women and Heidi, these covers are brought to life with punchy color combinations and gold metallic foiling.

Looking for more color inspiration for your designs? Discover our pick of the most stunning color combinations here.

a little princess classic book cover design modern twist redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloomheidi by johanna spyri classic book cover design modern twist redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloomanne of green gables by l. m. montgomery classic book cover design redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloomlittle women louisa may alcott classic book cover design redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloomclassic book cover design modern twist redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloomclassic book cover design modern twist redesigned puffin anna bond rifle paper co in bloom
Design: Anna Bond, Rifle Paper Co.


2. Manuja Waldia Covers for Pelican Shakespeare 


These digital-inspired covers are as modern as you can get. Flat-style line drawings rendered in bold brights highlight the strong symbolism of Shakespeare’s plays.

Replicate the look in your own designs with neon colors layered over stark black backgrounds, and keep your illustrations minimal and sparse.

king lear classic book cover design redesigned shakespeare manuja waldia pelicanmacbeth classic book cover design redesigned shakespeare manuja waldia pelicanmacbeth back cover classic book cover design modern twist redesigned shakespeare manuja waldia pelicanromeo and juliet classic book cover redesigned shakespeare manuja waldia pelicanromeo and juliet shakespeare manuja waldia pelican

Design: Manuja Waldia


3. Artist-Designed Covers for Penguin Essentials 


The Penguin Essentials series commissions a wide range of very different artists to redesign covers for vintage and modern classics. The aim is to introduce contemporary audiences to classic literary treasures, which may otherwise have been overlooked.

The result is a range of completely unique interpretations of the moods and themes of the novels, some with a pop art twist.

steppenwolf herman hesse penguin steppenwolf herman hessepenguin essentials susan hill i'm the king of the castlepenguin essentials the man in the high castle book coverpenguin essentials on the road kerouacpenguin essentials the big sleepclassic book cover design modern twist redesigned penguin essentials the big sleep

Design: Various Artists for Penguin Essentials

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Wanting more? Browse more of our book cover inspiration, or brush up on your book design skills.