Book cover art

I like buying used books. Something about the act of hunting through shelves of books, never knowing quite what you're going to find, the history behind every beaten-up paperback, and the smell of old books- not to mention the prices- appeals to me a lot more than simply going down to a chain bookstore and getting exactly what you came for. I also like to read older books, mostly Science-fiction and Fantasy from the turn of the last century up to the early 80's, so used bookstores tend to have more of what I like to read than new ones. One of the interesting features of used books is all the different cover art available. Most of these are frankly mediocre at best, but sometimes you find a gem- here are three of my favorites:

First- The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin, cover by Yvonne Gilbert. This is one of the best non-Tolkien high fantasies. She creates a well thought-out world, with perhaps the best handling of magic I've ever seen. The cover captures the story well, I like its muted colors, Ged's clothing, in particular, looks like it belongs together and has seen some wear. It really captures what I try to do on most of my fantasy paint-jobs, especially my Dark Tower miniatures.

 Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov, cover by Michael Whelan. My favorite volume of the classic series, the cover illustrates the Mule in the disguise of Magnifico playing his Visi-Sonor in the Ruins of Trantor. It's almost surreal with its yellow and green highlights, contrasted with the bright colors of Magnifico's clothes.

The Silver Warriors by Michael Moorcock, cover by Robert Gould. I actually haven't finished this one, having just gotten it Friday. It's the first Moorcock I've read and I'm really enjoying it. It has the trapping of a good Robert E. Howard story, with a well done atmosphere. The cover is set up almost like a medieval manuscript, and reminds me of Tolkien's Thror's map from the Hobbit.

Disagree with my choices, or have a favorite of your own to share? Leave a comment!