Although many covers have no resemblance to any events described in the book, they are nonetheless examples of superb visual SF, and stand as artistic works unto themselves. And on those occasions when a cover does depict a scene from the book, and is done with the proper balance of the artist's own inventiveness and faithfulness to the text, a work of art is produced that both stands alone and complements the book it illustrates.

     Here are a few of my favorite book covers from my own A.E. van Vogt collection, each with its own short commentary on these fantastic works of art. A great many more covers can be seen at the main Book and Magazine Cover mainpage.

The Darkness on Diamondia 
art © by Wayne D. Barlowe

Destination: Universe!
art © by Steve Hickman

Earth's Last Fortress       
art © by Ed Emshwiller

Empire of the Atom
art © by Wayne D. Barlowe

The Gryb                 
art © by Colin Hay

The House That Stood Still
art © by Gerry Daly

The House That Stood Still
art by Tony Roberts (?)     

Mission to the Stars
art © by Ed Soyka

Mission to the Stars  
art © by Gerry Daly

Pulsar 1                                    
art © by Adrian Chesterman

Renaissance                  
art © by Gerald Grace

The Voyage of the Space Beagle
art © by Gerry Daly

The War Against the Rull        
art © by Don Ivan Punchantz

The Weapon Shops of Isher
art © by Gerry Daly          

Covers Mainpage