Best book covers of 2012 – New Zealand’s finest

New Zealand books this year show a stunning range of covers. This is my pick of the year’s top covers.

• Fonts and typefaces are being used to striking and singular effect.
• Art books may have the advantage when it comes to a stylish cover, but even textbooks can make the cut.
• Sometimes words are enough (see Geoff Cochrane and Sarah Jane Barnett).
• Simplicity is powerful ( see Kobi Bosshard, Erewhon calling, and Simon Sweetman’s On Song)
• Retro is popular – especially 60s and 70s.

Are there any standouts for you?

More book cover delights:

• Matching your swimsuit or nailpolish to your book cover is so hawt right now.
• 2012 50 covers/50 books winners
• The Atlantic’s “25 of the Most Wonderful Book Covers of the Year” (YA books)
• Check out PANZ’s Book Design Awards for lovely local examples.
• Inveterate book sniffers will love Book cover archive.
• The Pelican Project – classic Pelican covers.