All right – my publisher and I have decided to bring out a hard-bound copy of the Adelsverein Trilogy, all three volumes in one handy and perhaps rather cheaper yet more durable format. There are two versions of the dust-jacket being suggested: which do you think is more attractive on the shelf, keeping in mind, of course, that we cannot afford original art — because otherwise I would so hire someone like Don Troiani.

Which of these works better — version one, using a picture taken on the grounds of old Fort Martin Scott…

Or version two … which continues the South Texas landscape motif of the single -volume covers?

I can’t make up my mind, really — which is why I am throwing it out there. Your preferences and feedback are welcome.

5 Comments

  1. The first one seems to have a stronger focal point. As much as I like the type face for the title, I think it will cause problems: (a) people won’t know whether the first letter is A or U; (b) others will think the book is written in German. Just a thought. . .

  2. The fraktur typeface is the same as we’ve used on the three individual books of the Trilogy, and it hasn’t been a problem so far … heck I’d love to actually have the Trilogy available in German translation, I would so clean up from all the Karl May fans…

  3. I happen to like the second dust jacket better, but I agree with knightofswords about the typeface.

  4. I prefer the first picture and must admit I didn’t notice the possibility of the title font being confusing until it was pointed out. The first letter certainly could be mistaken…

  5. I’m more drawn to the picture with the barn.