European Book Covers

One of my favourite things to do on my travels is to visit a bookstore for there\’s something about British published books that are just spectacular. I\’m not sure why there\’s such a design difference since there are many fabulous designers and writers in America. Yet it seems to me as though the European counterpart is almost better looking in terms of design, style and imagery. Especially when it comes to home books.The above books have caught my attention in more ways than one. The Gentle Art of by Jane Brocket was a very large, beautifully covered book with charming stories and ideas inside – mainly geared to those who knit, I think. It reminded me so much of my friend Alicia, that style in look and content. Jane also has a web site called Yarnstorm.Falling Cloudberries by Tessa Kiros literally caught my eye – the spine on this is gorgeous. It\’s the same size and style of her Apples and Jam book and beautifully done inside. This seems to be better liked than the Apples and Jam (and if you\’re in the US, you should note that Anthropologie put Apples and Jam on sale for something like $12!). I couldn\’t eat a lot of the recipes so it isn\’t a usable book for me but just having that sitting on the shelf would be enough reason for me to buy it.Emily Chalmers, how I adore her work. I only discovered her last year when I bought the Danish version of Cheap Chic called, \”Nyt og Brugt\”. Her book, Table Inspirations, was beautifully laid out with wonderful photos and great ideas. I like that it\’s a square paperback which makes for easier reading in bed late at night.And lastly, Nigella. She\’s everywhere in America and for the most part, her books are the same on both sides of the water. However I really liked the simplicity of the UK version of How to Eat and the fact it was also softcover. This felt less intimidating to me so I actually ended up doing a quick read through the book.Why there\’s such a difference I\’ll never know but what I do know is that my suitcase becomes very heavy on the return trip home.