The influence of Penguin Books as a recognizable iconic brand on popular culture is as irrefutable as their approach to publishing and their impact on the paperback design as we know it today. The initial two and half cents editions with their three horizontal bands, colour coded to match to a particular series, have become sought after jewels for book collectors and lately a springboard for art and decor inspiration. Not only does Penguin Books publish great classics and new exciting, contemporary and award winning authors but they seem always as in 1936 one step ahead in their design aesthetic approach for book covers. Here is a small ode to the publishing giant and a demonstration of how the mighty Penguin has infiltrated art, design, culture and our everyday existence.
ART
Harland Miller, artist and writer, has approached the iconic Penguin classic in a rather humouristic, hard hitting satirical way which refuses to be ignored and is allegedly adorning the walls of one Sir Elton John. Browsing through them I can not help but snort with unapologetic laughter at some while simultaneously admiring them. Read more on Harland Miller at Whitecube, Millers London Gallery and his interview with The Guardian
COVER DESIGN
Penguin has taken cover design into a new direction with a collaborating initiative aimed at saving lives. They have partnered with RED™ in their ongoing effort to raise funds to eliminate AIDS in Africa. The campaign which reads 'These books saves lives' has commissioned designers to rejacket 8 of the Penguins' most well known classics to form part of the Penguin Red Editions series.
Some of my favourite of these designs are:
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
ISBN:9780141194363
Charles Dickens R140.00
‘The most nakedly haunting book Dickens ever wrote’ Guardian
THE SECRET AGENT
ISBN:9780141194394
Joseph Conrad R110.00
‘Elevated the spy story into literature in a way that would inspire Greene
and le Carré’ Observer
For more information on the Penguin Red Editions click here
MEMORABILIA
Postcards from Penguin is a collection of 100 postcards featuring some of Penguin's most iconic book covers spanning over seventy years. Mine has just arrived and it is hard to choose which ones will adorn my wall or be sent off to equally bookish friends.
Postcards from Penguin
ISBN: 978014104468
R 230
There are also coffee mugs and even deck chairs inspired by Penguin covers for the die hard fans, just reach for the Google search button.
(images: Remodelista, In between days, Apartment Therapy)
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