Posted on Jan 12, 2022

There is a common misconception that books are all about the words printed on their interior pages. That is, in fact, a falsehood that we are here to rectify. It’s our firm belief that the most critical part of any book is its cover, upon which the book’s merits should solely be judged.

Sorry, writers.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a roundup of the 50 best books—err, best book covers—of 2021. From typography-centric to fluffy, 2021 was a banner year for book cover designs, with our list encompassing an eclectic mix of styles, aesthetics, and vibes.

The Copenhagen Trilogy by Tove Ditlevsen – cover design by Na Kim

Dead Souls by Sam Riviere – cover design by Jamie Keenan, paper engineering and photography by Gina Rudd

O Beautiful by Jung Yun – cover design by Young Jin Lim

Languages of Truth by Salman Rushdie- cover design by Jon Gray

Aquarium by Yaarza Shehori – cover design by Thomas Colligan

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue – cover design by Jaya Miceli

Black Girl Call Home by Jasmine Mans – cover design by Dominique Jones, photo by Micaiah Carter

White on White by Aysegül Savas – cover art by Lauren Peters-Collaer

White on White by Aysegül Savas – cover art by Lauren Peters-Collaer

The Plague by Albert Camus – cover design by Sunra Thompson

O by Steven Carroll – cover design by Jon Gray

I’d Like to Say Sorry, But There’s No One to Say Sorry to by Mikolaj Grynberg – cover design by Arsh Raziuddin with Oliver Munday

A Calling for Charlie Barnes by Joshua Ferris – cover design by Gregg Kulick

Antonio by Beatriz Bracher – cover design by Janet Hansen

Original article: https://www.printmag.com/book-covers/the-50-best-book-covers-of-2021/

(1) It's A Wonderful Life

I make no apologies for picking a film that first hit the big screen 75 years ago. For me, it has to be the best Christmas movie for one very good reason, it’s the best movie that’s ever been made.

The story concentrates on one man, George Bailey. From the moment he was in short trousers all he wanted was to escape Bedford Falls and travel the world. Events conspire, each time George nears the opportunity to pack his oversized suitcase he plans dramatically fall down. Death, injury, finding true love, impending business collapse all play their part in keeping George tied to Bedford Falls. Finally, when an employee loses funds, George faces ruin and imprisonment. His world collapses and wishes his life away. Enter Clarence, his guardian. The unassuming angel provides George with a view of what the world would have been like without him.

James Stewart was simply sublime as George Bailey. Coupled with a superb supporting cast with the likes of Donna Reed, Ward Bond, Thomas Mitchell and many others fine actors. The film takes the viewer across a range of emotions as it deals with the woes that beset George Bailey, however, there is a quiet humour that runs throughout the film and delivered with precision by a talented cast, but especially by Jimmy Stewart (one of the finest Hollywood stars of all time).

We may be surprised now, but the film was not a success when it was released. Frank Capra was an excellent director but it seems that he misjudged the mood of the US. It has to be remembered that it was 1946 and the populace had just emerged from world war two. I believe that the story was a little dark for the time, and there was no on screen punishment for the town’s bad guy. Thankfully, the film did not disappear. It has become a firm Christmas favourite globally.

(2) Scrooge
(1951 version)

Released under the title Scrooge for UK audiences and A Christmas Carol for those in the US. What Christmas movie list could be complete without at least one version of Charles Dickens’ ghostly tale. The reason this appears so high on the list is for several reasons. Firstly, this is the film that I watched many times as a child, it was as much a part of Christmas for me as Turkey dinner. It feels like home, which may be unnecessarily sentimental, but that is the essence of Xmas.

Alastair Sim takes on the main role of Ebeneezer Scrooge and delivers a mesmerizing performance. Obviously, there is little reason to spell out the plot, can’t be many out there who isn’t aware of the tale.

(3) Die Hard

Yes, Die Hard is a Xmas movie! John McClane has journeyed to L.A. in the hope of spending some quality Christmas time with his estranged wife and kids. He calls at her place of work, the imposing, Nakatomi Tower. Disappointment etched on his face as he realises that she is using her maiden name, an argument ensues, how could things get worse?

Alan Rickman plays Hans Gruber, head of what seems a bunch of relentless and skilled terrorists. McClean’s day is about to get rather taxing.

What a great movie with one of the all-time bad guys. Willis was good but Rickman stole the movie. The movie was so good it spawned an entire series with varying success.

(4) Home Alone

It is hard to believe that this movie first hit the big screen over three decades ago. An instant success that has continued to wow audiences both old and young. Smart dialogue coupled with slapstick really makes this a Xmas must see.

Young Kevin after an altercation with his family finds himself accidentally left at home to fend for himself. Not such an hardship until you factor in the two burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. These two have come across Kevin’s neighbourhood and it’s rich pickings. What could go wrong? Well the answer is a 8 year old with a knack for booby traps.

You come away from this movie with three things. Firstly, that warm fuzzy feeling you get from truly enjoying a movie. The second and third are the nagging feeling that both criminals and parents really need to step up their game. Especially, as both seem to make the same mistakes in the sequel.

(5)The Bishop's Wife

It’s back to Hollywood’s golden era for my 5th choice. The Bishop’s Wife really is a master class on how to place a wonderful story in the hands of amazing actors. The three main protagonists played expertly by Cary Grant, David Niven and Loretta Young. 

A priest (Niven) prays for help in his quest to get a cathedral built, an angel is dispatched to aid the priest but not in the way he had hoped, but to show him that some things closer to home are more important. A lovely story with great humour, delivered with precision. Grant is superb.