5 Dec 2012

A LIBRARY FIT FOR PENGUINS.

You'll be pleased to hear that for once I'm not wittering on about the merits of e-books versus tree-books (well, maybes a little bit) but rather the old-look Penguin English Library versus the new-look Penguin English Library.


To celebrate the launch of the Penguin English Library, this video was commissioned from award-winning director Woof Wan-Bau. 



First launched in the 1960's Penguin English Library (PEL) fast became a popular series because it was both cheap and easily portable. Criticised for its 'new technology' - it exploited cheap colour printing for its dust jackets ......

How ironic that the endeavour to bring back the Penguin English Library is in part, part of Penguin's fightback against the growing culture of literary downloads.

Originally with 150 titles in the series, the books were not just ultra cheap but, unlike many other dust jackets that were dull and colourless, had vivid covers. Now, more than 25 years after the series came to an end, Penguin has re-released its PEL books with a set of 100 beautifully designed, abstract covers featuring the work of Coralie Bickford-Smith.

So, which cover do you prefer ..... the 1960's edition pictured left OR the new 2012 edition pictured right?



I'm pleased to announce that since I first drafted this post some time ago Penguin have announced the complete list of books to be released as the Penguin English Library (Click HERE to view).

 Want a chance to win with Eurostar and Penguin English Library!
Simply answer the question HERE and you could be in with a chance of winning 100 free PEL books!



7 comments:

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

I personally like the scenery. Draws me in more.

I know that penguin has been doing a lot of reprints of classics. Too cool!

Kelly said...

Neither version would prevent me from buying, but I do think I prefer the one with scenery. If, that is, it actually reflects the story.

The Bookworm said...

I like the scenery better too. It suits the story.

Suko said...

Let me "jump on the bandwagon" here. I, too, prefer the "scenic" cover, but both are nice (that little penguin is cute).

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I really like the new version. Granted, it's not that exciting but these are also classic books and don't really need an OMG look at me cover to draw people in.

Gina said...

Hmm, to choose between them is like choosing a favorite child. I love the first because it gives you more of a feel for the story, but the clean nature of the new edition definitely speaks to me as well. I want my cake and to eat it too. ^_^

DMS said...

I actually like both covers- for different reason. Thanks for sharing this great information!