The Art Of Sci-Fi Book Covers

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  • Опубліковано 27 жов 2024

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  • @AtticusHimself
    @AtticusHimself 6 років тому +1498

    A complete list of books/stories shown in this video:
    •The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
    •The Ultra-Elixir of Youth by A. Hyatt Verrill
    •The Tissue-Culture King by Julian Huxley
    •The New Accelerator by H. G. Wells
    •Off on a Comet by Jules Verne
    •The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar by Edgar Allen Poe
    •Buried Treasure by Miles J. Breuer
    •The Terror of the Streets by George McLociard
    •Into the Green Prism by A. Hyatt Verrill
    •The Radio Ghost by Otis Adelbert Kline
    •The Stone Cat by Miles J. Breue
    •The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
    •The Purchase of the North Pole by Jules Verne
    •A Columbus of Space by Garrett P. Serviss
    •The Man Who Could Work Miracles by H. G. Wells
    •A Trip to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne
    •The Moon Metal by Garrett P. Serviss
    •The Moth by H. G. Wells
    •The Skylark of Space by Edward E. Smith
    •Armageddon-2419 A. D. by Philip Francis Nowlan
    •The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells
    •The Second Deluge by Garrett P. Serviss
    •The Red Dust by Murray Leinster
    •Amazing Stories (October 1927):
    •Æpyornis Island by H. G. Wells
    •Around the Universe by Ray Cummings
    •Treasures of Tantalus by Garrett Smith
    •The World at Bay by B. Wallis and Geo. C. Wallis
    •The Appendix and the Spectacles by Miles J. Breuer
    •The Fifth Dimension by Clare Winger Harris
    •After 12,000 Years by Stanton A. Coblentz
    •Locked Worlds by Edmond Hamilton
    •After 12,000 Years by Stanton A. Coblentz
    •Locked Worlds by Edmond Hamilton
    •Through the Crater's Rim by A. Hyatt Verrill
    •Unlocking the Past by David H. Keller
    •The Ambassador from Mars by Harl Vincent
    •The Star by H. G. Wells
    •An Experiment in Gyro-Hats by Ellis Parker Butler
    •The Story of the Late Mr. Elvesham by H. G. Wells
    •The Moon Pool by A. Merritt
    •The Visitation by Cyril G. Wates
    •The Story of the Late Mr. Elvesham by H. G. Wells
    •The Moon Pool by A. Merritt
    •The Visitation by Cyril G. Wates
    •Faster Than Light by Harl Vincent
    •The King and the Pawn by Seven Anderton
    •Beyond the Veil of Time by B. H. Barney
    •In the Abyss by H. G. Wells
    •Seeds of Life by John Taine
    •Dramatis Personae by Joe W. Skidmore
    •The Demons of Rhadi-Mu by Miles J. Breuer
    •Crompton Divided by Robert Sheckley
    •We Can Build You by Philip K. Dick
    •Solar Lottery by Philip K. Dick
    •On Wheels by John Jakes
    •Ape and Essence by Aldous Huxley
    •The Hole in the Zero by M. K. Joseph
    •Strange Doings by R. A. Lafferty
    •Lost Horizon by James Hilton
    •The Legion of Space by Jack Williamson
    •Second Foundation by Isaac Asimov
    •Astounding Tales of Space and Time by John W. Campbell Jr.
    •The Worlds of Frank Herbert by Frank Herbert
    •The Phoenix and the Mirror by Avram Davidson
    •The Evolution Man by Roy Lewis
    •A Case of Conscience by James Blish
    •The Drowned World by J. G. Ballard
    •The Wind from Nowhere by J. G. Ballard
    •Time and Again by Clifford D. Simak
    •Tiger! Tiger! a.k.a The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
    •Make Room! Make Room! by Harry Harrison
    •Destination: Void by Frank Herbert
    •A Plague of Demons by Keith Laumer
    •The Wanderer by Fritz Leiber
    •The Squares of the City by John Brunner
    •Bill, the Galactic Hero by Harry Harrison
    •Rork! by Avram Davidson
    •Berserker by Fred Saberhagen
    •Davy by Edgar Pangborn
    •A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
    •The Terminal Beach by J. G. Ballard
    •The Four-Dimensional Nightmare by J. G. Ballard
    •The Planet of the Blind by Paul Corey
    •The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
    •The Winds of Limbo by Michael Moorcock
    •The Goblin Reservation by Clifford D. Simak
    •Of All Possible Worlds by William Tenn
    •Guardians of Time by Poul Anderson
    •The Aluminum Man by G. C. Edmondson
    •The Greks Bring Gifts by Murray Leinster
    •Analogue Men by Damon Knight
    •Telepath by Arthur Sellings
    •A Mirror for Observers by Edgar Pangborn
    •Odd John by Olaf Stapledon
    •The Alley God by Philip Jose Farmer
    •The Stainless Steel Rat Saves the World by Harry Harrison
    •The Abominable Earthman by Frederik Pohl
    •The Stars Like Dust by Isaac Asimov
    •Needle In A Timestack by Robert Silverberg
    •To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip Jose Farmer
    •Driftglass by Samuel R. Delany
    •Long After Midnight by Ray Bradbury
    •The Bull and the Spear by Michael Moorcock
    •A Scanner Darkly[Norwegian version] by Philip K. Dick
    •The Swords of Lankhmar[Norwegian version] by Fritz Leiber
    •Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
    •Yellow Men of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
    •The Jewel in the Skull by Michael Moorcock
    •Lords of Atlantis by Wallace West
    •Brain Wave by Paul Anderson
    •A Drama in the Air by Jules Verne
    •Gone To Be Snakes Now by Neal Bell
    •The Two-Timers by Bob Shaw
    •Fantastic Adventures (May 1940)
    •Bedlam Planet by John Brunner
    •The Burning World by J. G. Ballard
    •High Vacuum by Charles Eric Maine
    •The Ballad of Beta 2 by Samuel R. Delany
    •Valis by Philip K. Dick
    •So Bright The Vision by Clifford D. Simak
    •The Phaeton Condition by Douglas R. Mason
    •Down to Earth by Louis Charbonneau
    •Historien som ikke ville slutte: fantastiske tekster og noveller by Reidar Jensen
    •Down in the Black Gang by Philip Jose Farmer
    •Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

    • @kintrap5376
      @kintrap5376 6 років тому +48

      Atticus thank you so much for saving me all that time

    • @MartinThmpsn
      @MartinThmpsn 6 років тому +16

      I was disappointed not to see Out of the Silent Planet by C.S. Lewis. All throughout my childhood I was completely fascinated by the cover art for that book (actually the whole series, we had these ones: i1.wp.com/thewardrobedoor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/space-trilogy.jpg ). I would sometimes pull them off the shelf and just stare at the cover and wonder what could possibly be inside, with such strange and wonderful artwork. Finally one day I read the series, and I think reading them ruined some of the mystery those great covers held.

    • @AtticusHimself
      @AtticusHimself 6 років тому +7

      I just want to add that I find it funny that nerdwriter says "accessible", when the Amazing Stories issues he showcases go for $3,000 on eBay :P

    • @israelmendes329
      @israelmendes329 6 років тому +12

      DAAAAAAMN!

    • @nedimgery-buyukyuksel513
      @nedimgery-buyukyuksel513 6 років тому +2

      Yeah, well they were back in the day. But nowadays you can find ballantines, bantams or penguins with awesome art, even very rare ones, for next to nothing, especially if you look well. Unfortunately the good old specfic magazines like Amazing Stories and Weird Tales are not, and some are pretty expensive, though more commonly found issues can be purchased for 15 pounds or so.

  • @ItsMikeArre
    @ItsMikeArre 6 років тому +1936

    Literally inspired me to go and hunt for old books now haha

    • @shuckacuck
      @shuckacuck 6 років тому +31

      As opposed to figuratively.

    • @artbylouie2077
      @artbylouie2077 6 років тому

      same!

    • @dirtypure2023
      @dirtypure2023 6 років тому +10

      Of course _this_ would be the top comment. It so aptly captures the futility of hipster vanity.
      #MakeLibrariesHipsterFreeAgain

    • @lyricbot8513
      @lyricbot8513 6 років тому +6

      Ancient Friend nothing hipster about it.

    • @dirtypure2023
      @dirtypure2023 6 років тому +3

      Geo Globe, everything about it is hipster. Going off on a scavenger hunt for dingy old books in a local library at the behest of some UA-cam personality is the epitome of a hipster activity.

  • @ElectronicGems
    @ElectronicGems 6 років тому +76

    Love me some retro sci-fi art

  • @luarmusic
    @luarmusic 6 років тому +230

    I've been a huge fan of Nerdwriter for so long, favourite channel on youtube by far, its honestly such an honor to have my song featured on the outro!
    Thank you for listening Evan! and keep on working on some of the most amazing content on this platform.

    • @FishBoneD14
      @FishBoneD14 6 років тому +5

      Luar congrats! Always great to have ones work recognized.

    • @luarmusic
      @luarmusic 6 років тому +2

      thanks alot!

    • @devon6236
      @devon6236 5 років тому

      It really is a great song!

  • @eferro7903
    @eferro7903 4 роки тому +7

    I remember watching this the day it came out and since then it is one of my favorite UA-cam videos ever. The style and the voiceovers and everything about this video is perfect. Literally inspired me to go to a bookstore and start collecting vintage paperbacks. Keep up the great content!

  • @LetsbeHonestOfficial
    @LetsbeHonestOfficial 6 років тому +1203

    This is SO nerdy. Really fitting the channel, and I love it

    • @mcnuggieguy
      @mcnuggieguy 6 років тому +2

      thx 4 being honest

    • @rafaelonesko6347
      @rafaelonesko6347 6 років тому +3

      Let's be Honest Official Dude, the Channel is called NERDwriter, what was you expecting? Lel

    • @LetsbeHonestOfficial
      @LetsbeHonestOfficial 6 років тому +1

      Thanks, Sherlock..

    • @dirtypure2023
      @dirtypure2023 6 років тому +2

      Brilliant, groundbreaking top comment.
      _Why_ statements of the painfully obvious are liked by hundreds of "people" remains unclear.

    • @marco.nascimento
      @marco.nascimento 6 років тому +1

      Yo guys, there is actually an artbook about it just waiting to be funded!! Check it out: unbound.com/books/wonders-and-visions/ let's make it happen please I NEED this book

  • @lawrencecalablaster568
    @lawrencecalablaster568 6 років тому +441

    Heck yes, I love cover art.

    • @rolanddeschain6089
      @rolanddeschain6089 6 років тому +7

      Oh hell yes. I have spent so many times more money on a book or a movie because it had a nicer cover than the "normal" version. For the same content. That's kind of stupid. I have no exhibition in my apartment. I do not see it most of the time. It's just there, in my shelf.
      I feel so stupid but I just love good art, good artwork.

    • @marco.nascimento
      @marco.nascimento 6 років тому +3

      Yo guys, there is actually an artbook about it just waiting to be funded!! Check it out: unbound.com/books/wonders-and-visions/ let's make it happen please I NEED this book

    • @latenightcashews
      @latenightcashews 5 років тому

      ME. TOO.

  • @alfino116
    @alfino116 6 років тому +334

    Are you judging these books by their cover?

  • @Masquerola
    @Masquerola 6 років тому +142

    There should be a museum dedicated solely to book covers (if it doesn't exist already)!

    • @Sickkities
      @Sickkities 6 років тому +1

      Masquerola but they’re books you read books. (Covers look better on a nightstand/art looks better when you live with it)

    • @jedigecko06
      @jedigecko06 6 років тому +35

      I believe they are called libraries.

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому +1

      Masquerola I agree!!!!

  • @juffan
    @juffan 6 років тому +71

    Further supports my notion that putting stickers on the cover of books or movies should be a crime punishable by life imprisonment. Publishers who tack on "Now a Motion Picture," or "New York Times Bestseller" should also receive at least a fine.

    • @nestorlovesguitar
      @nestorlovesguitar 3 роки тому +3

      Yes. It is the tackiest, most disgusting thing they do. Or putting the movie poster as a cover... that s*** makes me vomit. But, hey, as long as tacky people buy them they will keep that practice.

  • @lawrencecalablaster568
    @lawrencecalablaster568 6 років тому +108

    One cover that instantly jumps out to me is that of a Barnes & Noble edition of Lovecraft's "At the Mountains of Madness" which used the twisted and haunting image of "The Trumpeter" by Zdzisław Beksinski.

    • @matchington1148
      @matchington1148 6 років тому +3

      Lawrence Calablaster
      Although I do love this, didn’t Zdzisław leave all his paintings untitled?

    • @guest_informant
      @guest_informant 6 років тому +3

      Inspirational ua-cam.com/video/MpVYhMtHgow/v-deo.html

    • @lawrencecalablaster568
      @lawrencecalablaster568 6 років тому +1

      Matchington 1 Yes; I believe that's just a common name by which people call it.

  • @AcolytesOfHorror
    @AcolytesOfHorror 6 років тому +6

    It's always a treat to see an artist that not only created a whole new form, but then consistently outpaces all of his imitators and contemporaries. Evan just gets better and better

  • @meris8486
    @meris8486 6 років тому +245

    I'm not a nerdy hipster that reads old sci-fi books.
    I am now an art collector.
    Thankyou

    • @Cheshiremd
      @Cheshiremd 6 років тому +2

      headbite alien, top comment

    • @meris8486
      @meris8486 6 років тому +1

      Cheshire
      I can dream :)

    • @ErebosGR
      @ErebosGR 6 років тому +1

      If you're romanticizing art, you're still a hipster.
      If you don't, then you're a collector.

    • @meris8486
      @meris8486 6 років тому +1

      Interesting idea

    • @jedigecko06
      @jedigecko06 6 років тому +1

      ....Oh; and I'm not a hoarder!

  • @b.sharp.
    @b.sharp. 4 місяці тому +1

    I come back and rewatch this video maybe a couple times a year. Now I always go straight to the sci fi section when I go thrifting or walk through a book store, antique shop, etc.
    I just picked up a 1972 copy of Fahrenheit 451 with THE most incredible cover art. It's gnarly and beautiful and awful all at the same time. It's a fun and cheap hobby to have! Which is good, because most of my hobbies are stressful and expensive.

  • @MadMrMatter
    @MadMrMatter 6 років тому +22

    I want to thank Nerdwriter for exposing and teaching me about such a fascinating topic, and the content it contains. Everything about this video is beautiful and fantastical.

  • @mugiwaralee9592
    @mugiwaralee9592 6 років тому +2

    Fantastic video. You hit the nail on the head about the used bookstores, Its not even just a book store, it's also like an art gallery.

  • @JustinY.
    @JustinY. 6 років тому +598

    If anyone wants to see bizarre artwork in a fantasy setting, I highly suggest checking out the art of Berserk. The amount of detail that the author puts into the (frankly ghastly) images is astounding.

    • @ayapapaya1195
      @ayapapaya1195 6 років тому +17

      Justin Y. You're here too

    • @oinoi8373
      @oinoi8373 6 років тому +30

      Why are you literally everywhere?

    • @oinoi8373
      @oinoi8373 6 років тому +37

      I think your spending too much time on the internet, but... if i see you everywhere that must mean i am also spending too much of my time on the internet cause i see you everywhere... pfhh ill never be ashamed of spending too much time on the interwebs.

    • @JustinY.
      @JustinY. 6 років тому +40

      Berserk is well known to the average anime fan, but it's not that well known outside of that fandom.

    • @efenestration
      @efenestration 6 років тому +2

      Justin Y. I know you are liking your own comments

  • @johanneshauswirth7799
    @johanneshauswirth7799 6 років тому

    You are such a wonderful journalist/artist. Thanks a lot. You shaped my view on art so drastically when school didn't find it's way to. You mr. Evan Puschak are a huge source of inspiration for me. You treat your essays in such a careful and dedicated way, i always shut out the world around me when i watch them.
    I sometimes stumble upon thoughts out of your works throughout my day. They have a lasting impression.

  • @mors9757
    @mors9757 6 років тому +28

    I hate how they have stopped making covers for old sci-fi books that are my favorite, it is impossible to find a cheap copy of Solaris for example that had it's original cover

  • @cariboowho
    @cariboowho 6 років тому

    My favorite part of this channel is that it helps me appreciate the world around me a little bit more. I never would have paid attention to my old sci-fi book covers if not for this video. It's such a small detail in my life, practically inconsequential, but now I really appreciate it. Thanks for an excellent video.

  • @SideNote233
    @SideNote233 6 років тому +9

    *I come here for your editing skills. It's just amazing, teaches me so many things*

    • @yourecompletelytrue1401
      @yourecompletelytrue1401 6 років тому

      SideNote channel - Science and History hahah.... curiousity brought me to your channel and good that I did. Your editing too is clean and Nerdwriter-ish..... You earned my sub!

  • @freddylubin
    @freddylubin 6 років тому +1

    An essay on album covers would be interesting. The joy he expresses here over having a great cover on his bedside reminds me of how wonderful it was, in the 60s, to ENJOY and love a LP cover, especially when you're listening to it for the first times.

  • @nightmonster8690
    @nightmonster8690 6 років тому +36

    This was such a cool video. You should do "The Art of Sci-Fi Movie Posters" next.

    • @JJMza
      @JJMza 6 років тому

      xoxo, Jo Calderone that's the same thing. How about the difference between actual event movies and movies with events that happened but storyline was side tracked.

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому +1

      xoxo, Jo Calderone I hope such a video highlights how boring movie posters have become with their tendency to just plaster the faces of all the cast members, instead of conveying any message about theme in a creative way. I really enjoyed The Shape of Water's drawn art poster, and that made me realize how lacking in this area American films generally are. Bollywood films, on the other hand, often just copy posters of popular Hollywood films, so no luck there either for me. K. Rant over.

  • @mayukhgosavi1990
    @mayukhgosavi1990 6 років тому

    Man... AWESOME work... Been following your channel for quite a while and I ALWAYS feel inspired to push my own boundaries as a designer after watching your masterfully constructed video essays! Just amazing! You are truly an inspiration!
    I'm thrilled you even touched upon this subject as I'm a huge fan of science fiction and more importantly the cover art! But I never really got the chance to discuss it with anyone in depth! Thank you for that...

  • @thinkpiece4334
    @thinkpiece4334 6 років тому +25

    Interesting as always Nerd. Surrealism is probably my favorite art style, great to see so much of it featured on these covers.

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому +2

      Think|Piece Tell me you are a fan of Salvador Dali, pleeeeease. He is the only surrealist artist who I know by name and whose works I have carefully looked at. I love him. He is nuts to me. Work that is hyperreal in attention paid to dimension and details, but so, soooo strange in all the right ways.
      I guess what I am trying to say is that it is one of my favourite art styles as well :P

    • @thinkpiece4334
      @thinkpiece4334 6 років тому +1

      haha yes!! tbh he's the only surrealist artist I know by name...woah i wrote that before reading your second line...creepy lol. or maybe he's just the only really famous surrealist artist lol. I was lucky enough to go to a museum which if i remember right was dedicated solely to his work and it was awesome! probably my favorite museum experience ever. completely agree on what you said, you describe it perfectly! brb looking at his art lol

  • @awkwardity5615
    @awkwardity5615 5 років тому

    One of my very favourite genres, and it was super cool to see the book covers slide and fade in a dynamic way thanks to your editing!
    The way you described how the books become part of one's daily surroundings was beautiful, really hit the nail on the head for me, this is exactly how I feel, and why I'm always on the lookout for used books on flea markets and the like.

  • @ManSeekingMeaning
    @ManSeekingMeaning 6 років тому +19

    Best video topic in a long while, and - as always - masterfully edited! Loved every second of this and now I have so many new artists to look to for inspiration.

  • @JayShayy
    @JayShayy 6 років тому

    So great when someone you love focuses on something you love. I've spent so much time in second hand bookstores loving the old paper-back covers. Thank you!

  • @mechajay3358
    @mechajay3358 6 років тому +20

    Sci-Fi is such an under-appreciated genre.

  • @potmki6601
    @potmki6601 6 років тому

    The cut from film to cover on about 0:53 gave me shivers. Your montage is so so awesome that presentation of book covers is mesmerizing to watch. I often start reading books just because of their covers and sometimes end up in disappointment, but sci-fi had actually never betrayed me. And that's how Sci-fi had started for me - with strange beautiful cover of sci-fi anthology at grandma's home back in childhood. And now I feel very inspired to go look for new old sci-fi books and their covers
    (Sorry for bad English)

  • @Soulr
    @Soulr 6 років тому +5

    The video was gorgeous. Love the editing

  • @sephivedewlap746
    @sephivedewlap746 6 років тому

    As a kid I always looked at these covers and was absolutely amazed by them. Fantasy and Sci-fi book illustration is what initially got me drawing. Now I've just finished my first year of art school and am hoping to do it as a career! Absolutely love the video - not enough people know about this form of art!

  • @manthanpakhawala6365
    @manthanpakhawala6365 6 років тому +39

    Just when you think that you've figured out Nerdwriter1's video genres, he pulls out a sci-fi book art on your face.

    • @spinakker14
      @spinakker14 6 років тому +3

      Manthan Pakhawala that's what I thought!

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому +3

      Manthan Pakhawala I just love how much of a Jack of All Trades he is. Art, film, music - he leaves out nothing. 😭😭😭😭😭

  • @kariidokan7106
    @kariidokan7106 6 років тому

    I've discovered your channel a few months ago, and since then I cannot help but wait eagerly for your next video. And each time you inspire me more and more to learn and seek knowledge. You made me understand that the beauty of life is in its details. So, thank you for that!

  • @FullFatVideos
    @FullFatVideos 6 років тому +7

    This is a fantastic analysis!

  • @luuketaylor
    @luuketaylor 6 років тому +2

    This episode was absolutely nothing short of beautiful and inspirational. As a musician, I would *love* to see a video covering album art.

  • @cheesecakelasagna
    @cheesecakelasagna 6 років тому +3

    Junji Ito's works are literally gut-wrenching art.

  • @88Jako
    @88Jako 5 років тому

    Ive been reading Sci Fi since I was a boy, and I've always loved those weird covers, that usually are not related to the actual story of the book. I love that feeling of looking at the cover when you are already into the story, thinking about it, about what has happened and about what is going to happen. I always create a nice relation in my head between the story and the cover.
    And, It's been a while since a seen a video that I liked so much! Just discovered your channel today. Totally subscribing!
    Thanks a lot!!!

  • @camolog
    @camolog 6 років тому +27

    "monochromatic kaleidoscopic images."
    ...you don't hear that in a sentence everyday

  • @thexmsjoker
    @thexmsjoker 6 років тому

    You are doing the best videos on youtube! Please never stop this format and "go bigger". Its a perfect way to present as it and has space to evolve.

  • @TenThumbsProductions
    @TenThumbsProductions 6 років тому +7

    I wish ol Franky P could do an album cover for me.

  • @sonholee5769
    @sonholee5769 6 років тому

    this is like my love of old jazz album covers.
    I love them so much, that I almost, almost started an LP collection.
    Alas, I have a growing family and a constantly shrinking home.

  • @Nkanyiso_K
    @Nkanyiso_K 6 років тому +9

    First thought 0:00 *Someone watches* *_Extra Credits_*

  • @old-moose
    @old-moose 6 років тому

    What a walk through my teens! I had many of those covers in my room. The content behind them molding me into the man I became. I still have a box or two of those books around somewhere. I feel a need to go find them again.

  • @victer6050
    @victer6050 6 років тому +148

    Defining how UA-cam should be done

    • @Windrammer
      @Windrammer 6 років тому +1

      LeMiTranslate Meh I think Ali-A is a way better youtuber

  • @TheRetroRoadshow
    @TheRetroRoadshow 6 років тому

    Absolutely love this video and subject. I've been casually collecting vintage / pulp sci-fi paperbacks since I was a kid, with a special attention toward the 'double-novels' published by Ace. I've got a couple hundred of them now, and I regularly turn them face-out on my shelf, creating a rotating and endlessly-exciting collection of beautifully weird art. Thank you for highlighting this wonderful corner of literary / artistic history!

  • @daniellado2523
    @daniellado2523 6 років тому +11

    I live sci fi books, especially ones that use science in a very unique way. I recommend the expanse series if anyone wants a more recent book series.

    • @Windrammer
      @Windrammer 6 років тому

      Daniel Lado The Hunger Games trilogy is perfect science fiction.

    • @CharlieQuartz
      @CharlieQuartz 6 років тому +1

      Jack Windrammer I never thought of The Hunger Games Trilogy as SF while I was reading it. The ‘science’ part of the series seemed far removed from the main drama and societal commentary. For instance, I don’t remember nearly any environmental context in the first book to suggest in what time period it was set; I think I first realized it was the future when Collins described the costumes the tributes were wearing. A term I do like is ‘Speculative Fiction,’ in which I think The Hunger Games perfectly fits.

    • @Windrammer
      @Windrammer 6 років тому

      Charles Cordts I don’t have time to argue with a mental midget. It is flawless literature

    • @snacksaregreat
      @snacksaregreat 6 років тому +3

      Jack Windrammer Now that's a constructive comment you just made mate!

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому

      Charles Cordts I did not know about the term "speculative fiction". Sounds dope, I am going to check it out. Thanks.

  • @Miguel-jq6ol
    @Miguel-jq6ol 6 років тому +1

    I absolutely love the works of John Harris, his art book has a permanent place on my desk. I think it's also kind of poetic that the look of Star Wars, the biggest sci-fi saga on the big screen, was so heavily defined by the art of Ralph Mcquarrie and Colin Cantwell who were both part of this weird little chapter of art history.

  • @fuzzyheadted
    @fuzzyheadted 6 років тому +15

    This content has reminded me why I even use UA-cam. Thank you.

  • @ocara50000
    @ocara50000 6 років тому

    I love those covers, whenever you see an old scifi book on a library you have a nice surprise

  • @ianblackburn2645
    @ianblackburn2645 6 років тому +21

    I really like the last book u put in this video fahrenheit 451 good read to any one looking

    • @YellowTwerker
      @YellowTwerker 6 років тому +1

      Ian Blackburn ah yes the final book to burn all bokks

  • @KostikaD
    @KostikaD 6 років тому

    I adore old sci-fi book covers. I have many many many old sci-fi books partially for their covers. They are just so wonderful.

  • @olivia.martin
    @olivia.martin 6 років тому +5

    0:44 Favorite movie alert!!

  • @amararanchan2
    @amararanchan2 6 років тому

    Growing up my family had a collection of Michael Whelan's art. His illustrations were fascinating to me and I absolutely love going back and look at his work.

  • @SweetasSugar42
    @SweetasSugar42 6 років тому +20

    This is why it's way better to buy second hand books in charity shops.

    • @janwojciechowski8446
      @janwojciechowski8446 6 років тому +4

      Exactly, that's how I got Orwell's "1984" or Tolkien's "Hobbit" (with hand notes on the margines). The fact someone, somewhere read the same exact copy of the book I now have fascinates me - they had their feelings and emotions while reading it and then decided to pass on these books to other people.

  • @Bandogphoto
    @Bandogphoto 6 років тому

    I used to work at a book store, and I found a lot of my favorite books because of the covers. Cory Doctorows' "Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town" is an excellent book that I picked up because it had a Dave Mckean cover that was incredible. And I knew Dave Mckean already because of the covers he did for The Sandman. Covers are a very important part of Sci-fi, and literature in general.

  • @EpicDonutDudeMemes
    @EpicDonutDudeMemes 6 років тому +100

    Is Justin Y. also subbed to this channel is the question

  • @UnknownGunslinger
    @UnknownGunslinger 6 років тому

    Being fascinated by the sci-fi paperback covers in my dad’s library as a child, in all their weirdness and creativity, is I think what made me pursue art in the first place. Growing up in a post-Soviet Country, that library was a weird mashup between Western and Soviet writers. Strugatsky and Bradbury, Lem and Asimov sitting quite comfortably next to each other. Thank you for this video, and for reminding me of my childhood.

  • @BartAllen
    @BartAllen 6 років тому +7

    *Something on Stephen King please :3*

  • @breannaw7254
    @breannaw7254 6 років тому

    wow I didn't know there was an entire sub-genre behind this art phenomenon! I had seen similar works (like the News of the World artwork) but never exactly could pinpoint what it was called or why. Thank you so much for introducing me to this unique and uncapturable form of art and the artists that go by so underrated! This has truly sparked my love for this style of art!!!

  • @artsvanberg
    @artsvanberg 6 років тому +3

    What an amazing video! I would like to see your take on "This is America - Childish Gambino" =D

  • @Sawrattan
    @Sawrattan 3 роки тому +2

    I won't lie, I had always been a snob about these book covers precisely because the most 'fashionable' book covers in shops today are bland and tell you nothing about the genre. But you've really made me appreciate the older cover art, and I'm determined to visit some second-hand bookstores now 👍

  • @aliparslan1339
    @aliparslan1339 6 років тому +75

    Please do something on Childish Gambino or Frank Ocean

    • @efenestration
      @efenestration 6 років тому

      Alip Arslan G E L M E Z

    • @thegermaniclanguagebranch1117
      @thegermaniclanguagebranch1117 6 років тому +9

      kaptainkristian has done both

    • @mcmurph42
      @mcmurph42 6 років тому +2

      KaptainKristian did videos on both of them, go over to his channel if you haven't already seen them.

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому

      Alip Arslan I would DIE
      ohmygod I hope he listens.

  • @cvbattum
    @cvbattum Місяць тому

    I think one paragraph of this video applies to all book covers, and it is important to why I personally prefer owning physical books with great covers (over owning digital books or books with poor covers): The cover art is part of the experience and I don't mean that in the vague and sometimes degrading way people often talk about something being part of ✨the experience✨. The art is with you and on your bedside table and everytime I look at it, I'm reminded of the story that unfolds between it. It holds the traces I imprinted on it: smudged gold foil from my sweaty fingers, creases and tears from carrying a book around with me all the time. Book covers are some of the most inspiring art I've ever seen and sometimes I literally pull out a book from my shelf just to look at the cover for a minute. Think about all the things that story reminds me of, the time when I read it, the realizations it awakened in me. It really is an important part of my reading experience.

  • @snolan1990
    @snolan1990 6 років тому +7

    Don't judge a cover by its book.

  • @shaunm6383
    @shaunm6383 4 роки тому +1

    You have to do another video on the design of book covers. This one was amazing.

  • @GerryBolger
    @GerryBolger 6 років тому +18

    H3H3 and The NerdWriter notifications within the same minute? Sometimes UA-cam works very well 👍

  • @parikshithshashikumar849
    @parikshithshashikumar849 6 років тому

    Thank you so very much for this video. I I've collecting science fiction cover art for for four years now. Funny thing is I've never told anyone or even admit to my self that I've been collecting art as well as books. Yet my phone and desktop wall papers, even Instagram feed are blowing up with the picters of SF cover art. I remember my ears perked up when to mentioned you were doing a course on Sf. But to think you'd actually do a video on the cover is just, very moving. Thank you.

  • @greydef
    @greydef 6 років тому +3

    I can almost smell that old paperback smell...

  • @roboticzamat
    @roboticzamat 6 років тому +1

    THANK YOU!!!!
    I kept thinking that I was the only one who enjoyed the mental stimulation to read with these amazing pieces of cover art!!
    ☺️
    Stay awesome!!!

  • @NateandNoahTryLife
    @NateandNoahTryLife 6 років тому +4

    Sometimes you just know a video is going to be great from the title.... and the fact that’s it Nerdwriter.

  • @kotymcneal8589
    @kotymcneal8589 6 років тому

    This is exactly what I needed. Thank you. I love old sci-fi covers, or just in general mass market paperback covers from the 50s-60s onward.

  • @remittri
    @remittri 6 років тому +9

    It makes me upset that a lot of sci-fi book covers today go for the drab look that most fiction has. S.F Masterworks seem to know where it's at though.

    • @mileskay7566
      @mileskay7566 6 років тому

      In contrast, I've always loved the vibrant colors against a black sky that sci-fi ZX Spectrum games had. They're like book covers brought to life, and they serve as the inspiration for our indie game.

    • @LittleV179
      @LittleV179 6 років тому

      I love the SF Masterworks books I got The Affirmation by Christopher Priest given to me years ago for my birthday and its stunning!

  • @timeholesandmonsters
    @timeholesandmonsters 6 років тому

    Please, never stop making videos. They're always a treat, and always give me something to dive into researching or developing a new taste. Top shelf youtubing

  • @laurenbreeze94
    @laurenbreeze94 6 років тому +4

    Any book recommendations? I’ve run out of books to read.

    • @HGAMES69
      @HGAMES69 6 років тому +1

      Lauren K read The Wall by Jean Paul Sartre. It's a short story

    • @XxCorvette1xX
      @XxCorvette1xX 6 років тому +2

      Anything by Albert Camus, anything by Terence McKenna, anything by Yanis Varoufakis, anything by Russell Brand
      All have written some of my favorite books

    • @lilelbee423
      @lilelbee423 6 років тому +1

      I'm currently reading a compilation of Arthur C. Clarke's short stories. He's the author of 2001 A Space Oddysey. The science is accessible and not overly complicated and each story has an interesting twist or gotcha! moment

    • @Croatz
      @Croatz 6 років тому +2

      Obscure little science fiction novel called Fable Hill by Christopher Uremovich. The story is damn good but the writing style is super weird, not distracting, just weird. I read 420 pages in a single sitting.

    • @frierennacht
      @frierennacht 5 років тому

      DUNE BY FRANK HERBERT

  • @thegandalf666
    @thegandalf666 6 років тому

    i've felt this for a while now, i'm happy you made a video about it sharing even more great covers. thanks!
    I've recently discovered old soviet covers of a lot of sci-fi books which are really incredible.

  • @parimalrode2409
    @parimalrode2409 6 років тому +11

    Please make video on 'This is America'.

    • @Tselel
      @Tselel 6 років тому +2

      David Rode I'd like that, but maybe a year out to give it time to simmer.

    • @tommy2buttz668
      @tommy2buttz668 6 років тому +1

      David Rode Whoopi Goldberg already covered that on the view

    • @bestofmovieanalysisandvide1452
      @bestofmovieanalysisandvide1452 6 років тому

      Nitpix did a video on Sacha Baron Cohen and he covered TIA

  • @colemarie9262
    @colemarie9262 3 роки тому

    That cover of The Wanderer at 3:18 is one of my favorites and I never knew the artist or anything about it. Thank you!!

  • @pascalscherr5206
    @pascalscherr5206 6 років тому +6

    Maybe something on Transformers, Suicide Squad, or the later installments in the Fast and Furious franchise next?

    • @smileydog5941
      @smileydog5941 6 років тому +2

      Untitled Document
      I think the emoji is a more contemporary/appropriate subject to make a video essay on

    • @oof-rr5nf
      @oof-rr5nf 6 років тому

      xD

  • @simonprice8737
    @simonprice8737 6 років тому

    Thank you I collected and read so many UK imprints of these in the sixties and seventies especially JG Ballard, Phillip K Dick, Heinlein and Moorcock the covers were always a joy like mini Album Covers.....

  • @BanditRants
    @BanditRants 6 років тому +69

    Hey Nerdwriter, you looking for an extra video editor?

    • @matiassantiagovfx
      @matiassantiagovfx 6 років тому +2

      BanditRants I support this. Vfx artist here

    • @narutosheep1239
      @narutosheep1239 6 років тому +9

      You comment on famous UA-camrs all the time

    • @tropecal1015
      @tropecal1015 6 років тому +3

      I recommend to contact him on email or something, then he would find your post easier!

    • @KABOBkabob
      @KABOBkabob 6 років тому +9

      looool good luck. His videos aren't THAT content-dense and he clearly has it pretty under control. Spamming popular UA-cam channels isn't the best way to find work.

    • @syholsinger
      @syholsinger 6 років тому +3

      Dear all, he isn't looking for a job, he comments on famous youtube channels so you go and check out his own channel. it's just a self-promotion gimmick and by the looks at some comments on his video it works. e.g. hey, just came from a pewdiepie video, great job

  • @mandrakescreams
    @mandrakescreams 6 років тому

    Great video. My parents moved into a house where the owners had left stacks of old science fiction books behind and most of them now live on my bookshelf. Some truly amazing artwork indeed, you've inspired me to go take a look and see what I can find out about some of the artists.

  • @connor338
    @connor338 6 років тому +3

    good video 10/10 -ign

  • @andrewcleary9952
    @andrewcleary9952 6 років тому

    Cover art is an insanely underappreciated medium. There are several times I've gone out of my way to buy copies of books I already own just to get that edition's cover on my shelf. Foundation in particular has at least three editions of amazing art

  • @drmoreno98
    @drmoreno98 6 років тому +3

    This dude is sooo pretentious

    • @shuckacuck
      @shuckacuck 6 років тому

      Mr. Wolftastic Agreed.

    • @MrTheNaboo
      @MrTheNaboo 6 років тому

      Why do you think so?

  • @SillyCelly411
    @SillyCelly411 6 років тому

    I'm an art student studying sequential arts (comics, concept art and storyboarding) so the next time I make a sci-fi comic book cover I'm going to go straight to the used book store for inspiration. Thanks for making this video and helping to inspire me.

  • @DoctorThumbMan
    @DoctorThumbMan 6 років тому

    I, for one, absolutely love the Sci-Fi genre. So, with that in mind, thank you so much for making this video! The book cover art inspired my imagination whenever I read a story. I love how much meaning an image can have!

  • @prashantrai4176
    @prashantrai4176 5 років тому +1

    I am in the final editing stage of my loosely "sci-fi" novel. Thanks for this great video. It gave me great ideas for cover. Creating captivating covers is an art form and I don't want to delegate it, like my story.

  • @jameslankester3940
    @jameslankester3940 6 років тому +1

    I can see and hear how much effort you are putting into each individual video and it's just amazing. Well done.

  • @jonnyjozo7270
    @jonnyjozo7270 3 роки тому +1

    I started collecting scifi pulps a few years ago. If anyone is in the UK and can get to Wigtown in scotland (probably post-lockdown) get there and visit the 13 or so book stores for some treasure, you wont be dissapointed :)

  • @Carols989
    @Carols989 6 років тому

    My dad has a ton of those books, the covers are crazy! I never really cared for this kind of art, not really my style, but this video made me appreaciate them a whole lot more. Maybe I'll take a time to check those books again

  • @gothamgirl
    @gothamgirl 6 років тому

    I'm slowly falling in love with scifi book cover art 😍 as an artist those are just a huge inspiration right now, thank you for sharing!

  • @atomcraft
    @atomcraft 6 років тому

    This subject is right up my alley. I love Pulp fiction Sci- fi. Panther books from the 60's had some great cover art. I've got a good collection of 60's sci-fi novellas from Asimov to Herbert. I absolutely love the art work. Thank you for bringing this to light.

  • @vks_productions
    @vks_productions 5 років тому

    Wonderful video. It honestly hit so close to home as I've adored the "Amazing Stories" covers by Frank R. Paul and have had an immense exposure to the fantastic art of those mid 20th century science-fiction novels. Thank you so much for this piece of pure appreciation.

  • @kurthallsman
    @kurthallsman 6 років тому

    Well done! These books and their great cover art were a big part of my teens and 20's. Richard Powers, Ian Miller, Jeff Jones!, the Dillon's. As the saying goes: "They just don't make them like that anymore." I wish I still had a lot of those old copies.

  • @Lmjacks
    @Lmjacks 6 років тому

    Man these videos are awesome. I didn’t know i cared about scifi cover art but now i do because it seems you can speak about anything with passion and truly convey your interest and thoughts

  • @not_them
    @not_them 6 років тому

    This makes me appreciate sci-fi/fantasy cover art so much more, really interesting to see how it's changed and where it's come from

  • @mussoletart8485
    @mussoletart8485 6 років тому

    This is my favourite video of yours now. Cover art is one of my favourite things in the world (especially for fantasy), and this video is so informative. Thank you!

  • @AdamSDoyle
    @AdamSDoyle 6 років тому

    As a professional cover artist and lifelong lover of books, I really appreciate you highlighting the individuals that make the jackets. Your notion of the form allowing you as a reader to have a personal relationship with the images is what motivates me to do good work. Cheers!

  • @Biogrrrl
    @Biogrrrl 6 років тому

    What a great video, I was just at the art museum last week because they had an M.C. Escher exhibit. It was so amazing to see his work in real life, the fine details were just incredible.