15 Most Iconic Book Covers in History

Earlier this summer, the original cover art for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone sold for a staggering £1.5 million. Despite the book being over 25 years old, the record-breaking price illustrates the lasting impact of iconic book covers.

With the rise of Instagram and BookTok, aesthetics in literature have gained prominence, making book covers more important than ever. The adage “never judge a book by its cover” seems increasingly outdated.

Take Fitzcarraldo Editions, for example. This independent publisher boasts an acclaimed portfolio and has maintained a consistent look for all its covers. Their fiction books feature a blue background with white font, while their non-fiction titles invert this scheme.

These minimalist covers generate excitement about the books themselves, based purely on their visual appeal. Purchasers often showcase their collections on social media, signaling their literary tastes to their followers.

But which covers, like that of the Harry Potter series, have truly stood the test of time? Below are 15 classic covers that have adorned t-shirts, tote bags, and bedroom walls for decades.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville (1851)

Herman Melville’s seminal work Moby Dick features Rockwell Kent’s mesmerizing depiction of the white whale, a cover art that has remained influential since its inception. The original edition also featured 300 additional sketches by Kent, adding to its classic charm.

The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

The 1925 cover of The Great Gatsby, illustrated by Francis Cugat, is arguably the most iconic book cover ever. Fitzgerald was so captivated by the design that he incorporated it into the book itself, describing the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg in vivid detail. This cover continues to adorn reprints and inspire artwork on sites like Etsy.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)

Designed by her sister Vanessa Bell, the cover of Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse embodies the modernist aesthetics of the Bloomsbury Group. Bell’s work captured Woolf’s poetic prose and remains a striking visual representation of Woolf’s literary style.

A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway (1929)

The cover of Hemingway’s classic was the second-ever published Penguin book, marking a shift towards making literature more accessible. The iconic orange cover became an enduring symbol of affordable, quality literature.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (1955)

Despite over 210 different covers, one stands out as the definitive image of Nabokov’s controversial classic Lolita. This particular cover features imagery that has become closely associated with the book, enduring in popular culture.

Naked Lunch by William S Burroughs (1959)

Burroughs’ Naked Lunch delves into addiction with a raw brutality, and the cover art reflects this. Featuring a bald man with a single constricted pupil, the unsettling imagery captures the novel’s intense themes.

The Godfather by Mario Puzo (1959)

Designed by S. Neil Fujita, the cover of The Godfather is iconic, often replicated on merchandise and integral to the brand’s marketing, including for the famous film adaptations. The marionette control bar on the cover cleverly symbolizes Don Corleone’s manipulation and control.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961)

The cover of Catch-22 is as timeless as the novel itself. Designed by Paul Bacon, it was a departure from the formulaic covers of the time and has influenced book cover design ever since.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (1962)

Following Stanley Kubrick’s film adaptation, David Pelham created the “cog-eyed droog” cover for A Clockwork Orange. This immensely popular cover captured the essence of the novel and has been in print for over 25 years.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (1963)

The original cover of Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar reflects the book’s themes of mental illness and existential despair. It remains a powerful visual representation and is often used in reprints, despite some controversial redesigns.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (1969)

Eric Carle’s children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar recently celebrated its 55th anniversary, and its cover image has permeated popular culture. From cakes to Google doodles, the caterpillar has become a beloved figure worldwide.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thompson (1972)

Ralph Steadman’s illustrations for Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have become legendary, contributing significantly to the book’s cult status and inspiring numerous adaptations and fan costumes.

The Women’s Room by Marilyn French (1977)

Marilyn French’s The Women’s Room showcased a striking silver cover with a keyhole design, symbolizing empowerment and drawing immediate attention. This visual became synonymous with the feminist movement of the time.

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis (1991)

Marshall Arisman’s art for American Psycho shows a well-dressed, faceless man against a blood-red backdrop, capturing the novel’s unsettling themes. The cover remains controversial and is even sold in special wrappers in some libraries.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge (2018)

The cover of Reni Eddo-Lodge’s influential book uses simple typography to create a powerful message. The white font on a white background initially seems blank, compelling readers to look closer and engage with the book’s provocative title.