Harry Potter and the cover artists
After posting a query on Memefirst this morning about the different editions of the Harry Potter books, I decided to create a little matrix of them all, to see how they compared. Here it is; for the sake of saving bandwidth, I've used thumbnails for the first four books, and slightly bigger pictures for the most recent one.
| UK edition | UK adult edition | US edition |
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It's clear to me that by far the best covers for these books are the last three episodes of the UK children's series. The first two are too childish: although I do appreciate that they're meant to appeal to younger readers, they don't feel like the timeless classics that they surely are. From the Prisoner of Azkaban onwards, however, we've got beautiful covers: magical and appealing, just like what's inside.
The UK adult edition was, I think, basically a response to the weakness of the first two children's editions in the UK. You could definitely feel like a bit of a willy reading those books in public, so Bloomsbury intelligently brought the same books out with smart and sober covers for those of us over the age of about 13. The first was better than the second, but by the time the third book came out, the adult covers weren't really needed any more, since the children's covers had grown up. Still, the series kept on going (once you've started, it's hard to stop) with a couple of rather peculiar dragons, which weren't up to the standard of the children's books at all.
The latest version seems to have given up entirely: they've dropped the standard design template for something which looks like a mass-market thriller: Robert Ludlum, perhaps, or Frederick Forsyth. And again, the artist is much worse at drawing phoenixes than the person who did the mainstream edition.
But the US editions, I think, are the worst of the lot. While the cover art on books one and two in the UK was not very good, at least the rest of the design was good. But the US publisher created a spiky Harry Potter logotype which they decided had to be used on all of the books, and it got less and less appropriate as the series progressed.
And while the UK editions only got better over time, the US editions got steadily worse. The Goblet of Fire cover, especially, with its inanely-grinning Harry, fails completely to convey the more grown-up nature of this book. With the Order of the Phoenix, Scholastic seems to have realised that the series is actually developing, and tried to reflect that by making the cover monochromatic! Harry's not smiling any more, but he seems to have fallen into a cheesy low-budget haunted-house movie by mistake. And, of course, he's still got his spiky logo, looking more and more out of place.
I'd be very interested to know if there's anyone who prefers the US covers to the UK ones. I can see why Scholastic might want to use its own designers, but does anybody think they actually did a better job? Vote now!
Posted by Felix at 14:04 EST
Comments
It doesn't surprise me that the US versions have big portraits of Harry on the cover - a branding thing, in the spirit of Martha Stewart marketing (although Nancy Drew mysteries always had her portraits on the cover as well). Maybe it's a US marketing idea of creating an icon or something? Also - I just took another look, and it seems that Scholastic either changed illustrators by "The Goblet of Fire", or the illustrator was told to go in a totally new direction - because now Harry looks exactly like the actor who plays Harry in the films... hmm...
I love the UK children's versions as well... they are creative, sophisticated and powerful. They make kids feel like they are picking up magical books. The first 2 US versions are good also. After classes in storybook illustration and cartooning, I understand the elements necessary to create a good cover, and those 2 versions are whimsical and cover all the bases. The main thing I don't like about the US versions is the Harry Potter font.
All this talk and now I need to run out and buy the book!
Posted by: Michelle at 11:40 EST, June 22, 2003
The US versions are definately the best. Mary Grand Pre is an outstanding artist!! (who has done all five of the US covers)
Another interesting bit: Grand Pre is the only artist who is allowed to read the books BEFORE they are published. She is one of the few people who have that privilege. Also, JK has stated that Grand Pre's depiction of Harry is very much like her original sketches of him.
I love the 4th cover. It is remarkable, loaded, but remarkable. And why shouldn't Harry be the focal point of the cover? It IS the Harry Potter series, isn't it?
Posted by: Sam at 18:43 EST, June 30, 2003
US covers rock!
UK covers suck!
Posted by: hoho at 21:42 EST, July 16, 2003
Is there any difference in content between the Adult UK versions and the US versions?
Personally, other than the Goblet of Fire cover, I prefer most of the US covers, but it might only be because I'm used to them...
Who does the artwork for the UK versions? I saw some of JK's sketches in Newsweek and I think her stuff looks superior to the stuff in the US books...
Sorry for all the questions...
Posted by: schu at 2:39 EST, July 17, 2003
The "Adult Editions" contain exactly the same text as the "children's" edition, printed perhaps, in a different typeface, with different margins. The American editions are also partially translated in to US-English: biscuit becomes cookie, jumper becomes sweater. Most importantly, the "Philosopher's stone", becomes "The Sorceror's Stone" divorcing Rowling's work from the rich history of Flanel, alchemy, and transmutation.
It's not quite obvious from the picture above, but the HPOP cover is a soft drawing-- very much different from the cover Ludlum type thriller. Still, I think I prefer the covers of the previous novels.
Posted by: jerwin at 21:42 EST, July 21, 2003
Harry Potter is British so giving it an American flavour is quite ridiculous! I prefer the UK edition. The font doesn't distract from the story as it does in the American edition. But all said and done, when you're desperate to read a Harry Potter, you really don't care about editions... Just my two cents worth!
Posted by: Bia at 11:20 EST, July 27, 2003
I think it a bit silly to have two UK covers for adults and children if they're the exactly the same text. Is this to make the adult readers feel less guilty that they're reading material meant for children? I think I would feel silly if I were carrying around the "adult version", masking my shame for indulging in literature that's allegedly below myself. HP is a great story, period.
As for the US and UK covers, I love the last three UK covers (especially HPOP). They seem so classic like the stories themselves. However, I prefer the style of the US covers overall. I love the rich feeling that the chalk pastels give off.
Posted by: Jamie at 23:45 EST, August 04, 2003
A list of the differences between the UK and US editions in here The rewrites are less extensive than those of the
Philosopher's stone
As for the covers, well, evidently, Bloomsbury wishes to sell to the adult market, and feels that revamping the covers might improve sales--though, the original editions do outsell the others by a considerable margin.
I think that the US covers are absolutely ghastly. They're far too busy, the characters are misshapen, and the titles are all but unreadable.
Posted by: jerwin at 12:06 EST, August 06, 2003
The US covers are descriptive. I like to look at the cover before reading the book. It gives suttle clues to the story. JK Rowling approves all the artwork for the American editions.
Posted by: M at 13:39 EST, August 08, 2003
I think the US versions are by far the better covers. While I like the UK adult versions are OK enough, too bad they didn't keep with the same design elements for the latest book. I don't care at all for the UK childrens covers - the designs are all over the place.
Posted by: Dean at 9:24 EST, August 11, 2003
I've never seen anything wrong with the US versions. I mean they're not the most beautiful covers in the world but the palette is nice and the elements are consistent and well-integrated. The UK children's versions seem static and predictable. The adult versions are snappy but I wonder if they do justice to the content: I've only read the first one but it seems far more whimsical than a monochromatic locomotive-engine can convey. That image makes me think of Anna Karenina.
Posted by: rebecca at 14:11 EST, August 11, 2003
There is actually a US edition missing from your comparison, the mass-market paperback. Check:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/043936213X/ref=lib_rd_ss_TFCV/102-8620543-1097741?v=glance&s=books&vi=reader&img=1#reader-link
And:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0439420105/ref=lib_rd_ss_TFCV/102-8620543-1097741?v=glance&s=books&vi=reader&img=1#reader-link
The mass-markets are a late attempt to capture more adult readers in the US, and the covers are just awful. At least the larger children's releases have a sense of whimsy about them. These just look cheap.
Posted by: Donaldson at 16:56 EST, August 14, 2003
US covers rock??? They are so terrible! They all look like Freckle Juice.
Posted by: Ben Harris at 13:00 EST, August 19, 2003
I think the UK versions of the covers aren't nearly as appealing as the US versions. The colors on the US covers are so brilliant. I love the font, and find it absolutely appropriate for the story. The titles of the books become a part of the drawing, not something written on top of it. They are intriguing, like the books.
As for the spiky-haired comments, Rowling says multiple times in the book that Harry tries to get his hair to lay flat, to no avail. The US covers are just portraying the character that Rowling describes.
I think having separate covers for adults is ridiculous. Get over it.
Posted by: KJ at 13:18 EST, August 20, 2003
In Canada, we get the UK covers, of which I'm very glad. The US covers are (I think) hideous. Order of the Phoenix is slightly less disgusting than the other ones. But seriously, the colours are too bright, the images are cartoony and misshapen, and the logo is horrendous. It all looks air-brushed and tacky. Ew!
Posted by: Brenda at 13:40 EST, August 20, 2003
I think that the US logo is supposed to symbolize Harry's lightning bolt scar. That's what ties him to Voldemort and makes him so unique.
Posted by: Amber at 16:30 EST, August 25, 2003
yes the uk covers r the best, we get tham in canada and i must say they r so much betetr than the us ones. the us ones look like an abstract painting that slightly resmbles harry potter(the glasses and hair). yes the uk covers r the best, and yes the us covers r very very ugly
Posted by: nick at 23:55 EST, September 14, 2003
i think the us covers look more like art work the uk covers look kind of like a little kid drew them. i like the us covers the best, theyre not ugly!
Posted by: ange at 16:48 EST, September 18, 2003
I like the UK covers, because of their semi-realism, but I love the US covers more. There is nothing wrong with them. With the UK covers you get a very sterile use of color not too much room for the imagination. This is unlike the US covers which are full of color, life, and clues about what is going to happen inside the book. All these criticisms about the US covers and Harry's hair, the lighting type letters, too much use of color and space are absolutely ridiculous. These things are what make the US covers unique and interesting and are what sets them apart. Even JK said that her favorite covers are the ones from the US and Denmark in an interview. Now who can argue with that?
Posted by: Leandrabel at 19:49 EST, September 24, 2003
SCREW U!!
UK ONES ROK?!!
THE OTHERS R A WASTE OF SPACE!!
Posted by: sarah at 12:31 EST, October 03, 2003
I like both sets and will collect them for the art work.
The UK versions for the first two are childish as in pre-k school and the US version for HPOP is much more dark and sinister compared to the first four which made me feel bad, buying them.
But the UK Special Editions are the best of all if you dont mind paying double the price for the book.
The UK Adult versions remind me of a serial romance novel utill the last one where it reminds you of a historical documentation of hitler-ruled Germany.
But that is just my opinion, some feel my way others feel thier own way it up to you and your likes and dislikes.
Posted by: Alexandria at 16:37 EST, October 12, 2003
I happen to like the "lightning" Harry Potter font on US covers. I think they made the right decision and it doesn't look childish or outdated at all. What you fail to realize is that people recognize patterns (and pictures) better than just words in a normal font. Before I even knew who Harry Potter was, I remember seeing the books. Reflecting back, I couldn't remember the picture on the front cover (or even the author's name) but I do remember seeing the lighting bolt on the letter "P" in Potter.
Posted by: DRW at 5:06 EST, October 23, 2003
Um... I like the US versions(although Im not too fond of the US Goblet of Fire) and the UK adult first 3.. the whole black and white thing really works for the cover..i think it gives it an edge. I dont particularly like the last two adult versions though...srry. As for the UK children's version..well they just dont appeal to me much... Sorry again. Thats just how i feel. I do however feel both the US and UK cover adult or children give hints to the story that lies within.
Posted by: Jessica at 14:37 EST, November 12, 2003
bloody hell! who cares about the blasted covers!? I'd be a lot more happy if the covers didn't have the stupid cartoon on it. My Favorite cover is the Adult US cover for the SS. It's more mature and has no crappy drawings or "scary" scenes. I hate looking at a drawing of harry potter. I picture Daniel Radcliffe, because he's a handsome little cutie!
Posted by: Natalie at 22:46 EST, November 22, 2003
I can't understand why a person will take a year to write a novel when he can easily buy one for a few dollars.
Posted by: Marcus David at 3:14 EST, December 11, 2003
I think the US publishers are watering down the Harry Potter books, both in terms of the cover and written material. The book covers of the US versions are dull and tacky and the original words in the book, i.e. biscuit, jumper, etc. are being translated to an American audience, even though the author, setting, and characters are all British. Perhaps it would be in the best interests of Americans to culturally expand and reduce their dependence of needing to be spoon-fed all the time.
Posted by: Kevin at 11:02 EST, December 31, 2003
What is the dif between Adult version and childrens version?
Posted by: young adult(Talkative Energized Edequite(NOT) Nuisance) at 18:56 EST, January 07, 2004
Jeezus felix, you really opened a can of worms with this one huh?
I personally use the covers to seed my homegrown and mop up spilt Oban and Guinness. I burn the books to stay warm whilst quaffing stout, smoking eurorolls and blogging my brains out.
I guess that reasons that I'm down for the UK covers too, despite having NO desire to EVER read this Potter malarkey.
Posted by: bafc23 at 1:48 EST, January 08, 2004
Can someone help me please? I have what are supposed to be deluxe, cloth covered editions of these books, with replica author's signatures and imbedded photos on the cover. Would this deluxe version have a different ISBN from others with a different cover, or would the ISBN remain the same, regardless of the cover? Please reply to me at Melrosemiss@aol.com. Thank you, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy at 21:29 EST, March 04, 2004
X.x people actually LIKE the covers of the U.S. editions *shakes head* I've seen middle schoolers who draw a better Harry. And you're right about the font. I prefer the UK adult versions. They just work with how I feel about the characters better . . . it's kinda hard to explain. Plus, they're pretty XD
Posted by: Al at 22:53 EST, May 02, 2004
There are many beautiful book covers in many countrys,you can see them all at:
www.theministryofmagic.org.uk
My favorites are the Us, Uk and Italian versions the Spanish & German versions are very nice too I prefer the Spanish to the german as the German has a 'sharp' look to it. The finland versions are too much fun to look at> I dont care for the adult versions, theres no fun in that, I enjoy the small title illustrations in the US version, although I feel a little cheated, the book should have been left in it original writting with Philosophers Stone and with biscut insted of cookie. We Americans arent ignorant of other cultures and I would have enjoyed it better if It was left more to the UK writtings. If the publishers belived we would have had trouble translating, then they could have included a small word glossary to the end of the book. I think many of the artis were very creative and I belive that all the cover artist should have been allowed to have read the book first before creating their artwork. As an artist I know that its nice to know your subject well to be able to portray them well.
Posted by: Debi at 5:02 EST, May 07, 2004
I am an American and I personally like the US covers. Maybe I am just being defensive and maybe I am just used to the US editions but I think the US versions are by far the best. I happen to like the Harry Potter logo. It shows that the book may be new but it is the same Harry. The UK children version's title just seems to be stuck up at the top like a little kid would do. I don't like the style of the UK version either. It seems to pick one part from the book and emphasise on that. The US version gives little hints about what is going to happen in the book. As for the adult editions, what is up with the balck and white? It makes it seem like these books are from the 1920's.
Posted by: Jessa at 14:10 EST, May 29, 2004
I personally like the UK covers the best. (Even though I am American) I like the 1st 2 U.S. covers, but 3 and 4 suck. All but the 5th aldult cover suck. And the U.K. versions I like 3-5...
Posted by: Brendan at 0:40 EST, June 08, 2004
This is my first time seeing the UK cover art. I specifically was looking for the UK children's versions because I wanted to compare them to the US versions.
I can see where people are coming from regarding the "busy" quality of the US covers, but I do feel that the UK ones are a little boring.
The Serif font used on the UK children's version is extremely boring, especially because it is a children's book. Even though the "Harry Potter" portion of the title is clearly legible, the rest of the title isn't very legible at all, judging from the above pictures. And one thing I've learned from my graphic designer brother is that red lettering on a blue background (and vice versa) is a sure way to make the words unreadable (UK children's COS). I do however, like the cover art for books 4 and 5. They both have a lot more appeal than its predecessors due to the better detail and coloring.
I do prefer the US versions though. I like the fact that they are "busy." I never gave much thought to the cover art before. But after I had read the books, I went back and looked at the cover art. That was when I really appreciated the details in the cover illustrations. I am very impressed with the US illustrator.
Posted by: Jill at 17:31 EST, June 10, 2004
I live in the U.S. and am a much bigger fan of the UK kids covers. I was in Ireland when I bought books one and two, and didn't realize they were different until I was back in the states. It has been a disappointment buying books 3-5 with the U.S. covers, especially after just now seeing the UK children's ones on this site. Any good British book-buying web sites?? Go Harry Potter.
Posted by: Jonathan at 12:35 EST, June 14, 2004
Well...there's certainly a controversy! I don't like the US covers all that much, because they're just a little weird, and too busy, as someone put it. The first two adult UK covers are definitely better than the first two children's covers. However, it seems like there was some sort of change in the artist or something for the last three books, because the children's covers are better than the adult ones, for those books.
The dragon on the adult cover for Goblet of Fire looks like the monster from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! It just doesn't work for the book. So, there's my thoughts on it.
Posted by: Sean at 0:57 EST, June 23, 2004
I have a preference for the UK editions, as I believe they do the job a book covers are supposed to do and thats the catch your eye, not tell you whats in the book. Never mind the subtle hints that are shown in the US versions, if you want subtle hints for the story read the book don't look at the cover. The adult editions are boring, the dragon on the Goblet of Fire adult version looks like its face has been put through a mangle, not at all the majestic creatures I envision dragons to be. The UK cover art for the first two is childish but as I was more or less a child when i read them that didn't bother me. The cover art for books 3-5 gives away one part of the story, just one. Leaving the other odd thousand bits to be found by 'you' the reader. The art itself look like alot of effort has been put into the drawing to make it look good. The dragon looks impressive as does the Hippogriff. The human characters depicted could almost be real. I like the fact that the UK editions are not influenced by the films. As the US editions seem to be, believe it or not ladies and gentlemen but the book did come before the film. I think at this point i should point out that I may be biased as I'm english.
Just one more thing the artwork for the Goblet of fire is completely out of place considering that the artist supposedly read the book first, therefore we can assume she would know the storyline from beginning to end. Lets take into account the woes of Harry starting with the loss of his parents, the death of a friend in front of his eyes, the betrayel of wormtail (again) the return of the most feared wizard of mankind, due to his own blood (somewhere he's gotta be nagging himself saying it's his fault). The return of his parents only to lose them again, the loss of cho the girl he likes to depression over her dead boyfriend, the fact that he cannot go with sirius his godfather and to top it off having to live with the dursleys. I've probably missed out quite a few but the point is...would you be smiling the biggest, goofiest, grin ever if all that happened to you?
Posted by: Thomas at 5:51 EST, July 01, 2004
Personal, I think all three of them could need changes. The UK version has changed their cover artist about 4 times and it still lookes the same. In the first one Harry lookes like a old man and in the second one his waay over wieght and so is Ron. The third one is better I soppose but Harry's face is to big for his leg. The forth one is just a big disappointment... Harry's great on this one but the dragon looks like a lizard... The fifth one is even a greater disappointment. The cover suits the book but the back side is much better then the front! Of course... There's one good thing about the UK's and that's the fact that the covers don't give away that much , atleast compaired with the US version.
The adult ones are just a big joke... It's rather silly that they do adult books when it's the same contens! Ofcourse, the next two books may be different since we all know that the content will be darker and more "adult" reading in those. The covers are even more of a joke since the art work is WAAAY much better on the "child" version. And that dragon??? It looks like it's been run over by a tank. Just a huge disappointment.
The American covers are nice. The're a little bit to fiction like for my taste but I guess that some other people might enjoy them more. They give away to much though... The first one practically tells the whole story! Fine it shows a unicorn and fine it shows a owl and dumbledore but hell!! You can't put Fluffy on the cover!! The thing about the covers is that you think about them through the entire book. And that's why it's just unacceptable that they put her there!!
I've seen the covers of more than 100 different Harry Potter covers (from different countries ofcourse) and There is only one that speaks to me. And that's the Swedish covers. Their absolutely wonderful. Tapia has done a great job with all of those.. (Though Harry looks a little young on the forth one..) Go TAPIA!! And Sweden of course ;) Love Kat
Posted by: Kat Hallin at 10:03 EST, July 06, 2004
I live in the us and i am 11 years old. At first i liked the us covers because i thought you got the same cover every where. But when i found this web page i saw that i was wrong. The Uk covers are much more interesting than the us ones. The us dosnt reflect the story its to colorful. The uk ones though are detailed and show what is going to happen more. Like for instance on the 1st us edition it just shows harry flying in a random space while the uk one shows harry at the station. I think the worst two covers are the us oder of the phoinex and the goblet of fire.
EVEN THOUGH I LIVE IN THE US I DON'T LIKE THE COVERS THE UK ONES ROCK FAR MORE THAN THE CRAPPY US ONES UK HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Katty at 7:58 EST, July 30, 2004
I really like the covers for the UK adult versions, except for the last two. I like the fact that they look more like photos (are some of them, I can't tell becasue I don't have a real copy) Some how it makes the whole book seem more real for the time your reading. It's kind of nice to know that not everything is all flashy everywhere. I really think that corperate america (sadly I'm from the US) really underestimates people who read books. I definately agree that the covers are looking more martha/logo/your face on everything, and thats not really a good thing at all.
Your missing some covers though, I've seen US adult covers in paperback that are much less colorful, but they still have the spikey harry potter title. They're not good, but it's another compareable catagory.
Posted by: Stevie Kay at 13:54 EST, August 25, 2004
I prefer the US jackets.
The whole cover is a strong, cohesive, eye-catching illustration, like a poster. The colors are appealing (well, except the pink one). The logo is an integral design element, and it tells you instantly what you're seeing.
Harry himself is stylized and distinctive--whether you find him attractive or not, you recognize him.
The main fault is that the titles are hard to read. Still, the overall design is so recognizable that this isn't as important as it might have been: the whole image serves to identify the book.
The paper stock and embossing make it obvious that this is a treat, something special.
(Yes, I think they should have left the text alone. I'd rather read the UK books, but look at the US ones. Argh.)
The adult covers, whatever they look like, just shouldn't exist. :P
The UK versions look like budget editions.
The title treatments are dull. The fonts and graphic design look quick and cheap.
The illustrations might be nice, but they are generic: they could be for any children's fantasy books. (Also, they don't stand out from a distance, or at this reduced size.)
The newest one is the best; it's more cohesive (with the top and bottom bars being a consistent color); but there's still nothing to differentiate it from a shelf full of other kids' books.
They don't even look all that related to each other.
True, the original design was chosen (presumably) before anyone knew HP would be a phenomenon. That's fine, but it doesn't make the covers any better.
Posted by: kate q at 2:56 EST, September 03, 2004
Okay, guys. I don't see why there is such a big deal over cover art. The writing is what matters. But, I do think that the US versions are way better. Mary Grand Pre does a wonderful job and they are beautiful. They make you want to read it even more. I know peaople say not to judge a book by it's cover, but whether or not I want to read a book is sometimes affected by what the cover looks like.
To me it does not make SENSE to have 2 versions of the book in the UK just so ADULTS won't feel guilty or childish reading them! If someone is going to read Harry Potter they SHOULDN'T be ashamed of it!
Sorry, though. I guess I am being a bit defensive because I'm American and I'm used to the covers. But WHAT is going on with all the America-bashing over here! Just because we don't know what the difference in UK is between a BISCUIT and a COOKIE! GEEZ, PEOPLE! We are NOT the ignorant culturally-unaware people think that we are!
Learn a bit more about the people of a country before you judge!
ps- The US OotP cover art is the BEST of ALL of them! It is beautiful!
Posted by: Savanna at 22:10 EST, September 12, 2004
Bit of a pointless discussion really, as long as you enjoy the book the covers should make no difference as you will still buy the book right?
If I were stranded out in America when book 6 comes out I wouldn't wait to go home to get it just because I think the UK cover is prettier, I'd grab the first one I saw regardless of what it looked like.
Is there any point in stereotyping people? There are plenty of culturally aware Americans out there as I'm sure there are plenty of culturally ignorant English people out there, that's just the way the world works. No country is better or worse than the other. Just enjoy the books and stop bickering about cover art; the content is the most important thing. ^_-
Posted by: Ria at 21:23 EST, December 25, 2004
I actually prefer the covers of newer UK adult editions from Bloomsbury; they match the fifth UK adult cover above:
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/mhacdebhandia/potter1.jpg
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/mhacdebhandia/potter2.jpg
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/mhacdebhandia/potter3.jpg
http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/mhacdebhandia/potter4.jpg
Posted by: Chris Adams at 6:44 EST, December 30, 2004
Personally, I prefer the US jackets overall. The UK adult versions, in my opinion, are just pointless--they don't convey any of the depth and splendor contained within the books, and misrepresent them for the sake of some older person's weak self-esteem (in reality, how many people would go around taunting somebody just because their book cover "looks too young for them"?). The US versions only give HINTS as to what will happen in the book. That's all. For everyone that I know, the "cover hints" make them want to read the book more so that they can find out the significance of each character or object on the cover.
I do agree that the US cover for Goblet of Fire isn't in keeping with the tone of the book. While Harry is as happy as can be on the cover, the book is filled with sorrow, fear, etc. But that's the only big flaw--if you changed Harry's portrayal to something more serious, the cover would be perfectly acceptable to me.
As for the UK children's editions, the last three were definite improvements on the first two. Yet I don't like how, with the exception of OotP, they (GoF in particular) choose one specific event and give away much more about that event than the hints do in the US editions (except the US PoA, which pretty much does the same thingas the UK children's edition).
I like the vibrant colors in the US editions--they make the book seem more lively, and the way the characters are drawn simply show even more that this is a fantasy world that you can escape into, not just a regular novel that just happens to have magic in it.
The reason for the use of jagged letters in the title is obvious--it relates to Harry's scar. Also, I have never met a single person who says that the jagged lettering makes the title hard to read. In fact, just as other people have said, it makes the cover more unique and instantly recognizable in contrast with the typical, mundane fonts used in the UK editions. The UK title fonts make the children's edition blend in with every other book on the market, and the adult editions are even worse, distracting from the fantastical, whymsical feeling of the books and placing their design among that of mystery novels.
If it comes down to it, just buy the hardcover books and remove the jacket if you don't like it. End of story.
Posted by: Kayla Wilson at 16:18 EST, December 31, 2004
I'm from the UK so I guess I'm going to be biased in this, but I do prefer the UK Children covers. This could be because i am used to them. The US version to me seems to have no taste, the colour scheme is all wrong. I think the font on the childrens version is classy and British, which is where Harry Potter is set. The US version is a bit too commercialised for my liking.
The adult version of the UK version is just plain boring. Harry Potter is exciting and full of magic. These covers don't do it justice. The best of the 5 is the fifth book, but I'm still not keen.
Posted by: peas at 16:48 EST, January 08, 2005
I think to make a true judgement on this you have to see the different versions in real life. I'm from England and a lot of the criticisms of the UK children's covers were a little surprising to me, like the comment about them looking like 'budget editions'. This was the exact thought I had about the US versions when I first see them, to me the British versions are sharp, sophisticated and almost luxurious, whereas the US versions appear to be a little haphazard, confused and sketchy. Of course, it has a lot to do with what we are used to and what, to each individual, has the Harry Potter 'feel'. I love the bold and distinctive look of the UK versions and that is what Harry Potter is to me.
Kayla - not that it really matters, but the UK hardback versions have the same design on the actual cover of the book, it is not a plain cover underneath the jacket.
I think it's a shame that they changed the text in the US versions, it is unrealistic for British people to be using words like 'sweater' or 'trashcan'and as the books are set in England I think it prevents people from getting the true feel of the book.
I have a question, how soon after the books were first published in the UK were they published in the US?
Posted by: Susan at 19:44 EST, January 08, 2005
I think I've seen them all.
And as I'm from Sweden, I have the swedish books (and the originals), but I really think Sweden have the best covers.
It was a long time ago that I actually read the swedish version, but sometimes I just take them out and look at them. There is just so many details and my heart just fills up with pride, 'cause we really have the best covers. And to get "the feeling" you have to HAVE the book.
I'm so sure of this, so next time you stumble across the swedish covers, look a little extra.
Love Sofia
Posted by: sofia at 21:18 EST, January 09, 2005
I strongly disagree with the person who said that the UK books covers are better than the US covers. Mary Grandpre' did a much better job at depicting Harry than the other UK artist did and the font for the US used for "Harry Potter" is much more magical and specified than that of the UK cover. I'm sure most agree with me on this.
Posted by: Mario at 0:48 EST, January 11, 2005
Harry Potter English! Sheesh! I had a yarn with J.K. and she told me she could only think about America the whole time she was scribbling the Potter novels. Indeed, she told me the next novel may even be set in Dallas or Fort David. I think it is an attempt to pay tribute to the spiritual home of the Potter books. I mean, we all know, the South has produced some of the most influential wizards in peons, and it is high time we paid homage to the hard work and broom technique handed down to us.
J.K. and I certainly intend to.
Posted by: Randy OafÈ at 5:16 EST, January 17, 2005
SCREW U BRITS TEH AMERICAN OENS TEH BEST CUZ UK SUXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Posted by: jim at 10:22 EST, January 27, 2005
I love the Swedish covers and Sofia I agree with you on your opinion about the books. im from england but my dad is from Sweden so I own both the brittish and the swedish books and I think the Swedish covers are better than the uk and the us covers.
Posted by: rebecca at 12:20 EST, March 08, 2005
The US editions are way better than either of the UK editions. They are so full of detail, and i like that they tell parts of the story. Its so ridiculus that the UK needs an adult version anyway! I have to say though, that it is so stupid that they made JK change the title of the philosopher's stone! I really dont get it. Im american and i still would have read hp if it had that title. I think some of the american translation is unnessisary, i mean, come on!! were not that stupid over here!!
Posted by: sarah at 23:03 EST, March 12, 2005
why do you people discuss if the us or uk version is best?. Take a look at the swedish covers and you will agree with me. Swedish covers are definetely best!
http://www.mugglenet.com/books/bookcovers/sweden.shtml
Posted by: Alexandro at 4:59 EST, April 04, 2005
why do you people discuss if the us or uk version is best?. Take a look at the swedish covers and you will agree with me. Swedish covers are definetely best!
http://www.mugglenet.com/books/bookcovers/sweden.shtml
Posted by: Alexandro at 4:59 EST, April 04, 2005
I'm not sure where I read it, but in an interview, J.K. Rowling said she preferred the American covers to all of the other versions.
Personally, I think the U.K. children's covers are the worst. They seem so old and outdated.
Posted by: Dani H. at 12:47 EST, May 07, 2005
I Find the American Covers very irritating. They just do not cover the idea of Harry Potter. It is not untill the Half Blood Prince have we seen some actual artwork from the American artist. Which it does start to get the idea. Showing us how the books have evolved. Although the American "Deluxe" artwork is a foolish attempt at trying to mimic the British attempt.
I prefer the British Artwork simply because it standardises the title art and we can more easily tell the books appart rather than some kiddies multi-coloured fantasy world. The title's are easy to read and its a simple design that works and is a unique way of identifying the series. But The American version just looks out of place and the books 1 -4 make it look as though its set in the middle-east. The title's hard to read...the characters are very 2 - dimensional and Buckbeak looks more like a seagull.They are too complex 4 what is needed and are trying to give clues to the storyline, which is simply wrong.
The reason the poll has tipped in the favour of the Americans is because both the british vote is split and the fact that there are many more Americans.
The UK adult editions have slowly progressed over time from silly books that look as thoug hthey were printed in the 70's to the OotP which has poor drawing to the HBP which is the first of those to look cool. A simple photo of an Advanced Potions Book.
Posted by: Alan Lewis at 17:59 EST, May 14, 2005
No doubt about it - the UK covers are best. The US covers set completely the wrong mood, sort of light and comical; cartoony.
Posted by: Sharon Blyth at 15:01 EST, May 16, 2005
No set has a monopoly on either crap or quality.
Here is the breakdown:
Stone:
UK editions, both bad, really bad. US very good.
Chamber:
UK children's horrible. UK adult really nice. US very good.
Prisoner:
UK editions, both really really horrible. US good.
Goblet:
UK children's horrible. UK adult beautiful. US very scary bad.
Phoenix:
UK both crappy. US very nice.
Posted by: jeff poggi at 2:48 EST, May 28, 2005
I'm from sweden. i've seen many of the covers to the books. but i wish i could find a "scanned" cover - picture of the swedish ones.
I REALLY THINK THE SWEDISH COVERS ARE WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY BETTER THAN ALL THE OTHERS. IT'S NOT A PATRIOTISM THING. THEY OBVIOUSLY LOOK BETTER.
uk and us - covers look so .. ordinary cartooned. they're like normal comic books-pictures. but on the swedish ones it's like a painting. it's many different colours and shades and the characters look more like humans on the swedish ones, not like cartoons as much.
one thing that you can't see on the pictures of the swedish ones is that on the swedish ones there's A LOT of silver/glittery/shiny details. like the "harry potter" -text and sparkling details all over the book. it's to bad that you can't see it on the pictures on the internet. once i left my books in the daylight and the sun reflected images on the wall .. you know like when you're watch reflects the sun .. sunspots! i think. anyhow, the "harry potter" text was actually reflected on the wall. on the "goblet of fire " one there's the skull you know, with the snake coming out of the mouth .. and the whole skull is green with sparkling (almost like those mini-mirrors you can find on india-inspired clothes) details mixed with the "green tounge" of the skull. and the dragon behind ron, harry and hermione really looks scary with fire shooting from his mouth (also mixed with mirror/shiny/sparkling-details-something). they're so pretty .. the next time you watch a swedish cover (IN REAL LIFE) then look closely how nice they are.
my brittish friends "mya" and "anna" agrees with me, she says the uk & us ones look more budget-ish. my mom has a american boyfriend and he also agrees with me.
the pictures of the swedish covers on the internet doesn't make the covers justice. imagine those covers a 100 times better in reality, then we're talking.
yadda yadda, i won't nag anymore. but the swedish covers are BEAUTIFUL, not just cool or funny. they're both grown up and fantasy-like and truly .. truly, the best.
Posted by: Felicia at 14:02 EST, June 30, 2005
I have to wonder if those of you who hate the US covers have actually seen one. I'm not talking about an image on the web. I mean holding the book in your hand. The US books are actually quite nice. The font isn't nearly as detracting in real life. The covers have a nice texture to them that doesn't come across in an image. They also have art on the whole cover instead of just the front. They look great on a shelf together because of the consistancy of the artwork.
Although I'm no longer the Potter fan I once was, I continue to collect the US editions as soon as they come out, thinking they will be nice for my future children.
Posted by: M at 17:20 EST, July 06, 2005
the uk covers are much better, and big plus is that they are the original.
what i realy want to know is.....is there any difference between the story-lines of the uk child covers, and the adult ones?....i know that there is a difference between the us and the uk stories as i have heard it from jk herself....but i dont have a clue if the stories are difefrent....i want to know.....is it just the covers to make it look more grown-up for adults, so its less emarrasing for them to get out on the train jorney home....i only wana know because ron seems like the type of person who swears allot....and the lack of him swearing (and only having this.."and ron said something that made harmiony say 'Ronald..!!'..")really bugs meknow what i mean....?
just wondering....email me if you have any clue...or you own a copy of the adult version and the childrens...please share...
Posted by: adam at 13:46 EST, July 19, 2005
I have exactly the same doubdt as you do... I by mistake bought the children's version (didn't even remember to look for the adult's one when I was buying) and I would like to know if the texts are the same. If you have any idea please post or email me :) thanks
Posted by: Hugo at 5:04 EST, July 21, 2005
I agree with M. Looking at a picture does not do the US version justice. You really have to hold them and see them in person to understand why many people like the US version. The texture, the embossed logo - they all convey the feeling that the book you're holding is something special. I also like the stylized Harry Potter logo. It's quite eye-catching, in my opinion. As for the artwork, I think it looks cool. The funky artwork I think sets the books apart from other children's books. It's definitely not boring, that's for sure. For some reason, I like the covers of the last 2 books (5 & 6) more than the earlier books. They're monochromatic, but I feel that it's appropriate considering the darker feel of those books.
Do I like the US version more than the UK version? I can't say, since I only have experience with the US version. But as you can probably tell, I like the US version a lot (although not so much for "Goblet of Fire").
Posted by: Ariel at 20:07 EST, July 21, 2005
Well i have never seen the UK versions in person, but the US versions, i can honestly say are the only covers that have ever interested me enough to examine. The features I like about the US versions are its strong use of detail not only on the front but on the back as well. I also like the texturized front cover, and when you take off the front cover you can also find detail that was given to its spine. i dont know about the UK version but the US version is high quality from what i can see
Posted by: abb at 22:40 EST, July 21, 2005
O my god, finally someone who has realised how beautiful the swedish covers are!! I am from holland, where the covers are quite nice as well as they don't have any picture of harry at all, just the surroundings. But I was so relieved to finally discover pictures of harry, ron and hermione which looked like real people, handsome, cool and exactly as I had always pictured them in my mind while reading the story! Because the UK, US editions, any other edition actually, are just HIDIOUS. Harry looks like the biggest nerd ever.. as we all know he isn't! I sooo wish I could actually see the real swedish covers, Felicia how can I get a swedish harry potter???
Posted by: Annick at 11:57 EST, July 30, 2005
I found that the US editions of harry potter are amazingly childish where was US editions of other authors ie Stephen King are actually better than the UK editions.
Posted by: Andrew at 5:07 EST, August 02, 2005
I'm a Canadian visiting the US, and just I noticed they have different covers. In Canada, we use the same UK covers.
So now I have come to appreciate and love the original ones; they're so much better!
</lame reason for being proud of being Canadian> ;P
Posted by: Gary at 21:52 EST, August 05, 2005
PEOPLE!!! Take a look at the swedish cover. That is a true Harry Potter cover. The we can invite in the cover cover in the discussion
Posted by: marie at 13:56 EST, August 06, 2005
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on the uk & us -covers harry look ugly and nerdy with flat hair.
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KLICK ON THE LINKS TO SEE KINDA BIG PICTURES OF THE SWEDISH COVERS.
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the first book and the last one is the only pictures with quality-scanning. all the other ones looks to bright like you've held a flashlight against them. picture them more dark (in real life) :P
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AND REMEMBER, IMAGINE THESE BOOKS 100 TIMES BETTER IN REAL LIFE.
WITH SPARKLING DETAILS AND GLITTER DETAILS ALL OVER THE BOOK (INCLUDING THE TITLE OF COURSE).
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http://images.google.se/imgres?imgurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/shop_image/product/840e3aa40069cb807048cd843ce68456.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/1080&h=396&w=300&sz=19&tbnid=8DwStyQ3YAcJ:&tbnh=120&tbnw=90&hl=sv&start=48&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dde%2Bvises%2Bsten%26start%3D40%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Dsv%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DN
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http://images.google.se/imgres?imgurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/shop_image/product/L-7814_harry_potter_kammare.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/1077&h=394&w=300&sz=25&tbnid=b-Op0KskTskJ:&tbnh=120&tbnw=91&hl=sv&start=11&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhemligheternas%2Bkammare%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Dsv%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DG
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http://images.google.se/imgres?imgurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/shop_image/product/L-9025_harry_potter_fangen.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/1090&h=394&w=300&sz=27&tbnid=5FIlQCvtDQAJ:&tbnh=120&tbnw=91&hl=sv&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3Df%25C3%25A5ngen%2Bfr%25C3%25A5n%2Bazkaban%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Dsv%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DG
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http://images.google.se/imgres?imgurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/shop_image/product/L-8054_harry_potter_bagaren.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.barnbokhandeln.com/butik/artikel/1083&h=393&w=300&sz=25&tbnid=nDTJxKMgzBYJ:&tbnh=120&tbnw=91&hl=sv&start=6&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dflammande%2Bb%25C3%25A4garen%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Dsv%26lr%3D%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official_s%26sa%3DN
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http://www.harrypotter.nu/pics/88879046_a.jpg
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spank you very much.
P.S. I know that some of the links are very very long. but just double klick. "copy" .. then "paste". i think you know the routine.
thank you again.
Posted by: felicia at 8:27 EST, August 09, 2005
Oh. I agree with Felicia. My mom's swedish and my dad's american. And i ALLWAYS ask for the swedish book everytime we buy one. I have to say that the links you posted is big enough Felicia. BUT! they don't (as all potter-book-scans) do the books justice. Specially consid. that there are beautiful sparkle and glitter-details on the Swedish books that you can't see on the computer-pictures.
"Harry Potter And the Half Blood Prince" is very nice in the UK/US. But they don't have the beautiful oil-painting-thing going on with (as i said) glitter. Besides, harry looks the most handsome on the Swedes. But the ULTIMATE Harry Potter-picture is the one on the bookmark you can get in sweden. The Bookmark Looks EXACTLY like i've imagined Harry!
If you get your hands on a swedish bok sometime, look at it >closely
Posted by: sarah at 8:42 EST, August 09, 2005
(I don't know why, but i can't post all the stuff i wrote. Here's the continuing of the post above).
Posted by: Sarah at 8:44 EST, August 09, 2005
I've compared my US-ones to the swedish ones. And it's like looking at "beauty and the beast". The UK and US-one is "OKAY". But the Swedish books are "WOW! WOW! WOW!"
Posted by: Sarah at 8:48 EST, August 09, 2005
I'm glad that other people agree on the Swedish book covers being the best! I found some high res scans of the Swedish covers a few years ago (the link has since died), and I loved them so much that I printed the fourth book cover out and made it into a bookmark. In fact, I was searching "harry potter swedish book covers" in google, looking for working links of cover scans when I found this page.
The Swedish books really are beautiful to look at ... and I didn't know the books had sparkles!
Posted by: Krystal at 16:31 EST, August 09, 2005
First of all, I love Mary Grandpre's art, not only on the US covers, but in the work she has done for some Harry Potter calendars. The calendars give her more freedom to illustrate very specific scenes. My favorites from the 2006 calendar include Detention with Umbridge, Stinksap, and Blackmailing the Beetle from "Phoenix," The Flying Keys from "Stone," and Cage of Light and The Pensieve from "Goblet." If you enjoy Grandpre's art, I recommend getting this calendar.
I feel that Grandpre's art (on the covers and from the chapter headings) has grown stronger as the series progresses. The covers of books 1-3 are rich in detail, but I think Grandpre seems less sure of herself on these covers, especially when portraying Harry. In books 4-6, she seems to have a solid idea of how Harry looks. I do agree that Harry on book 4 is a little too...happy...for the tone of the book and for my taste, but otherwise it's a beautiful cover (especially Cedric. *wistful sigh*) I like that Grandpre limited her palette on 5 and 6. Can't wait to see the art for book 7. I'm thinking that if she continues her limited palette, we may see a red/black book? I also love the soft quality the chalk pastels gives her work, especially on 5 and 6.
As for the American limited editions...it's complicated. There are leatherbound (or imitation leather...leatherette?) limited editions for books one and two. Green for "Stone," red for "Chamber," with an inset of the cover art on both. "Stone" had a bonus frontispiece of an early Harry drawing by Jo, "Chamber" had a looseleaf of the complete cover art without text. As of today, there are no American limited editions of "Prisoner" or "Goblet." There are deluxe editions of "Phoenix" and "Prince," which I greatly prefer over the limited 1 & 2. Both are slipcased, and both are clothbound in black (very elegant looking.) The dustjacket of both editions is different than the standard hardcover jacket. The jacket on "Order" depicts Harry and the Advance Guard landing at Number 12. It's done in the same blue tones, and has no text whatsoever. Taken off the book, it looks like a poster, and is quite nice. The standard jacket art is used as endpapers in the deluxe edition. "Prince" is much the same. The jacket depicts Harry and Dumbledore in the pensieve at the House of Gaunt, again in the same purple and green tones, without text. It also contains a color plate depicting Bellatrix following Narcissa to Spinner's End. There is also a 32 page section with large versions of all the interior art. The two deluxe editions are very nice, and look great on the shelf next to the standard hardcovers. Highly reccomended if you are a fan of Grandpre's work.
Okay, about the UK cover art. I don't see how anyone can say Grandpre's art is cartoonish when you compare it to 1 and 2 UK. I absolutely abhor those covers. 3 and 4 are okay. They just seem mundane, predictable, ho-hum. My favorites are 5 and 6 UK. 5 is very nice, beautiful job on Fawkes. 6, I feel, is by far the best. Very exciting and dynamic. I especially enjoy that the US and the UK 6 depict events that happen just a few minutes apart, but are so utterly different. Different artists, different visions. Beautiful work on both counts.
A quick question. Are the UK children's covers all by the same artist?
I think my biggest gripe with the UK books is their lack of cohesion. Books 1 and 2 go well together, as do 3 and 4, and 5 and 6. But each pair looks as though it was done by a different artist. Aside from Harry looking slightly different from book 4 on, Grandpre has been consistent, and the US books look like parts of a whole.
Sorry I've rambled on for so long. Hope I haven't bored anyone to death. : )
David Larson
Posted by: David Larson at 2:56 EST, August 11, 2005
Just another quick note...
The Swedish editions...gorgeous. Since I've seen the pictures of them, I've been hunting for copies. I found a site where they are $40-$60 each. Yikes! But I think they might be worth it. From what I can see on the tiny pics, they look incredible.
I also like Danish covers and the German covers. The French covers are AB-SO-LUTE-LY hideous. Find them online. Look at them. Wallow in their unrelenting ugliness. From what I remember, they are orange and brown and black. Orange and brown for the fleshtones, black and brown for the backgrounds. They are...geeeeeeeeelaaaaaaaachhhhhhh. I can't describe their monumental awfulness. Go see for yourself.
David Larson
Posted by: David Larson at 3:06 EST, August 11, 2005
YEAH! krystal! they DO have beautiful sparkling and glitter details. the green skull on the GoF-cover is filled with glitter mixed with the green snake-ish thing coming out of its mouth! and the fire from the dragon is also mixed with sparkles :D they're pretty much everywhere.
every single swedish book is sparkled with "mirror-like" stuff. and on the backside, there's allways like .. skisses? with silver. it's like the testrals, they're on the bak to on Ootp, but only in skissed silver. it's like somebodys painted some of the stuff in silver. and inside the book, every page has stars on it. and at every ending of each chapter, there's a totally black page with only stars on it. everybook has a set of stars through the whole book. and you can say it's like a theme. every book has different kind of stars.
and the "HARRY POTTER" is also in silver. and the describing text on the back of the book is also in silver :D
my favorite covers this far is GoF and Ootp. they are so powerfull.
and if you ever get hold of a swedish copy! then you don't have to buy it. but LOOK at it! :D:D
Posted by: F at 20:36 EST, August 13, 2005
and up on "felicias" links! THE LINK THAT SHOWS A PICTURE OF "the goblet of fire".
in that picture. in the fire!, you can aaaaaalmost see a little little little bit of all the sparkling details. look closely, the black marks in the fire is a little little part of all the glittery stuff.
well well, gotta go. see you.
Posted by: F at 20:43 EST, August 13, 2005
Both the UK and US covers are lacking, in my opinion, though I do think that the most recent monochromatic US versions are a vast improvement. But as an American, I must say that there's *no excuse* for that god-awful US GoF cover... eeewww!! However, I do kind of like the new UK adult covers - not the B&W ones shown here - though they're not fabulous. As an adult, I prefer them because of their simplicity and because *everything* is left to one's imagination. But as far as children's covers are concerned, I like the Danish, Swedish and even the Italian (though they're more cartoonish). But the Finnish ones are too funny, and the French ones are downright horrible.
Posted by: Virginia at 9:51 EST, August 25, 2005
haha @ david larson: the swedish books cost around 15 € (around 13$ i think) so plz don't think about buying them for 40-60$ !!!???
actually i'm right noiw sitting in sweden visiting family and i just came from a bookstore where i simply took photos of the book covers with my digi cam (res 1600*1024)
perhaps i'll be able to post them later
cya ali;)
Posted by: Ali at 7:43 EST, September 02, 2005
haha @ david larson: the swedish books cost around 15 € (around 13$ i think) so plz don't think about buying them for 40-60$ !!!???
actually i'm right noiw sitting in sweden visiting family and i just came from a bookstore where i simply took photos of the book covers with my digi cam (res 1600*1024)
4 thos who want a copy u can contact me via email then i can send u the high resp pix;)
be happy*sing*
ali;)
Posted by: Ali at 7:47 EST, September 02, 2005
oops made a double post:p
Posted by: Ali at 7:49 EST, September 02, 2005
hey ali i'll send u a mail this evening. please send me a copy of the swedish covers!!
Frank
Posted by: Frank at 10:08 EST, September 02, 2005
I think US covers are great. They portray the story , the magical quality, the fantasy, and they give the reader bits of hints, or "peeks" into the story. As someone who has talked with hundreds of children about storytelling and how words and pictures go together, I often hear from the kids who are reading the Potter books that they absolutely love the various things poking in and out of the cover scenes. For them it is like a puzzle to figure out and to find out how that thing will present itself in the story. It encourages them to investigate it for themselves. It allows them to make a discovery and to feel more connected to the story. I also think that the US artist listens to how the author describes Harry and the other characters better than the other artists on the other books. I believe that is the responsibility of an illustrator, and I think she does that with style and flair. And on that note, you should also check out the inside art..... another example of her ability to give the reader a tasty hint of what's to come at the beginning of each chapter. Very nice black and white tonal drawings. I think the US Potter series, along with the logo type has served to give the sereies it's own look, one of fantasy, magic, discovery, atmoshpere and fun. Bravo, US edition.!
Posted by: Ellen at 15:07 EST, September 10, 2005
OH MY GOD. My bonus-sister is Swedish! And I live in London. I asked her to bring her books. OH MY GOD. I almost feel sorry for my UK books. The Swedish Books are so be-a-utiful. Harry is so well-done and everything. I had no idea that there where GLITTER all over the books. And stars on every page in the book. I have to buy the Swedish books now! Or maybe steal them from my sister.
THANK YOU GOD FOR "TAPIA". The artist who created the swedish covers, accordingly to my sister, he's italian or something. HELLO! Da vinci. Michelangelo .. does it ring a bell?!
Haha, Well well. Gotta go and admire the Swedes covers. Lucky bastards.
Posted by: Nina at 6:10 EST, November 01, 2005
I think that the UK covers are much much mcuh better than the US covers beacues the US ones are too childish there something that would only apeall to a kindergardaner US are made for readers with more sense and are older and i like only some of the Adult covers but i was woundering is there a diffrence in the text and writing of the adult and childrens? please e-mail me and let me know phoenix_on_fire_506@hotmail.com thx im from Canada they should make an Canadian cover too!
Posted by: Phoenix DuBois-Oka at 21:32 EST, November 14, 2005
Hi there,
the discussion about the different book cover versions is probably long gone but I just saw this website today and I wanted to stick up for the US cover versions. Sorry if I disappoint anyone, but Harry Potter IS a children's book and thus the US covers are much more in style with the contents of the books. And yes even though the books get more serious it still remains a children's book. I find the UK adult covers simply ridiculous, a joke. The US covers convey the humor, spirit and magic of J.K. Rowling's story and that is what a cover shoul do. The UK versions are plain boring and not a bit creative.
Posted by: Lesante at 14:38 EST, November 18, 2005
I collect both the US and the UK versions. I have to say that the US beats all in that category. The covers are wonderful, and, in the hardback versions, the picture goes all the way across the cover when you stretch it all out. The UK version looks as if someone just doodled on paper in the middle of class (at least the first two do). In the US version, not only is the cover illustrated, but every single chapter is, too, and the point of the chapter is portrayed with these drawings. Also, if JK Rowling approved it, it's fine by me.
Oh, and for those who hate the titles on the US versions because they are too "spiky", get used to it. They're all OVER the movies, so, obviously, Rowling liked the title enough to have it in them.
One thing I don't like, though, is when the books are Americanized. Most American's don't CARE if the language is a little different. They want the story the way it was written.
HP books are awesome, though!
Posted by: Joel at 22:14 EST, November 26, 2005
SWEDISH COVERS! END OF STORY. THEY OWN ALL OTHER COVERS ASS. US AND UK ARE FINE. BUT NOTHING AT ALL LIKE THE SWEDISH COVERS. GAAH!
Posted by: Sabina at 13:49 EST, December 25, 2005
The Swedish covers is absolutely the best of all i've seen....compared to the first two british books.....they look too cartooned...and not to talk about the french ones....all of them are(excuse me) horrible....there's nothing else I can say....Thank you Alvaro Tapia for giving us the swedish Harry Potter covers....you can see them here
http://www.harrypotter.nu/
then press "Om b?rna" and thre you are..
I promise you that you haven't seen anything like it.....OhYeah
Posted by: Hero Watson at 14:03 EST, January 29, 2006
Goodness!! They're RIGHT! The Swedish covers are so much better!!! I just might have to buy them and paste them onto my US books.
Posted by: L Hanke at 23:47 EST, February 15, 2006
I personally like the U.S. versions the best. The children U.K. ones seem to childish, and the adult ones are way to gray and boring. The U.S. illustrator, Mary GrandPre, drew Harry exactly as the books describe him. I enjoyed her use of the lightning bolt in the "P" of "Potter." The one thing I do not understand is the portayal of Harry in the fourth cover. GrandPre drew him smiling; Harry was not a happy character in any part of the book.
Posted by: Ben at 12:45 EST, March 26, 2006
Personally, I like the US versions better, I think that they very well capture what the story is going to be about. I always want to know a little bit about a book before I read it, because I don't want to waste time reading the first half of the book before deciding it is dumb. Now, though, I'd read a million page instruction booklet on how to get rid of scabs if JK wrote it. Of course, is Goblet Harry hardly smiles. In Order of Phoenix, though, its completely appropiate, and I like that.
The books describe Harry that way... I think it looks much more realistic than the UK books do.
However, I do agree that they shouldn't have changed "jumper" to "sweater" and so on.
Posted by: Weirdo at 14:07 EST, July 01, 2006
You should all check out the Swedish covers, they are by far the best ever... Check it out on www.harrypotter.nu. You don't want to miss them.
Posted by: Malin at 7:04 EST, October 16, 2006
Haha! Well now, a British person saying that the British covers are the best and the American covers are the worst. How shocking, really.
I took a look at the Swedish covers, they are beautiful. I really do love the American covers though - the pastel technique and everything. With the UK version, every book looks differently. I really like having books of a series "fit together" on my shelves.
The worst ones are probably the UK Adult covers - what a horrible Photoshop job, just terrible. You Brits should stick to the writing, which you do so well - leave the art to the Europeans and Americans.
Posted by: Ashley at 20:51 EST, October 30, 2006
UK RULES AMERICAN CAN KISS MY *** SORRY BUT OH CANANDA RULES 2 KK UK BOOKS RULE HARRY HAS A HAIRY DICK OOPS HE TOLD ME NOT TO TELL UH OH!!
Posted by: Shawna at 20:41 EST, November 02, 2006
I think (like it matters though right) that too many people are sounding nationalistic in my opinion. I was searching for a great illustration of Harry Potter by one magazine and I fell upon this page.
The covers are unique, but I think everyone can universally agree that the adult UK covers arent that great. The phoenix in the UK child version is absolutely brilliant. However ghastly some may think of the US versions, they are all "the same". They all have a certain theme to it, and even though each Harry Potter is different, they show how he, like the story line, has progressed.
UK are very nice, but I believe the US ones are great. Well, happy arguing mates! I'm going to check out those Swedish ones.
Posted by: Jimmy at 20:33 EST, November 22, 2006
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