Book covers are some of the most accessible art, and are often one of the first forms of visual art we’re exposed to. It can be so affecting that we need to be reminded that there’s an actual book attached to the cover, and we shouldn’t judge it by what we see on the surface.
Older books like Dracula have a multitude of cover designs. Each cover is a reflection of its era, the popular art of the day, and even the socio-economic climate of the time. Here are 15 of the most beautiful and interesting Dracula book covers through the years:
First Edition
Published in the UK in May 1897. An unsigned first edition of Dracula will sell for $5000 (USD) or more. A signed copy will get upwards of $10,000. The design is simple and stark, with striking colours.
First Edition, US
The first American edition of Dracula came out in 1899. This cover is more decorative, although less colourful.
1901
This cover from 1901 surprised me with its cartoonish illustration. Dracula himself makes an appearance, looking properly monstrous and showcasing his unnatural ability to climb down a wall face first. This edition gives a good indication of what the story is about.
1916
The artwork is a more realistic version of the previous cover, also showing Dracula climbing down the castle wall. Despite his activity, he looks more human than he did previously.
1928 Broadway Play Tie-In
These days we’re used to movie tie-in covers, but in 1928 Doubleday published a tie-in to the Broadway play starring Bela Lugosi (the movie also starring Lugosi came out in 1931). This cover brings Dracula into the 20th century, with a more modern (Art Deco-influenced?) art style, design elements (the nightgown and bed), and font.
1933 Irish Edition
I think the Art Deco influence is more pronounced on this cover (especially in the font). The inclusion of the wolves and bats are a nice touch. This edition translated the original text into Irish (ironic since Bram Stoker was Irish).
1947
Dracula went full pulp in 1947. The Count’s look now mimics Lugosi’s Dracula, while the design elements are contemporary.
1950
Still pulpy, although not the classic pulp look of the 1947 edition. This cover features a more contemporary looking Count, with fangs on display. We’re also informed of how many copies have been sold (maybe that’s where McDonald’s got their inspiration).
1966 Trade Paperback “Comic Book”
Although described on the cover as a comic book, this edition is in paperback form, making it closer to a graphic novel. In any case, a more experimental decade brought a more experimental edition of Dracula. His fangs are on display again, and he’s got a more zombie-like look to him, especially with the graves around him. Also, it it just me or does he look a little like Jack Nicholson?
1970
Photos on paperback covers became popular in the 1970s. This edition’s cover focuses more on one of the Count’s victims (probably Mina), giving her a Victorian-esque look, but with contemporary hair and clothing. Only Dracula’s hand makes an appearance, but his grip and claw-like nails (as well as the way it’s reaching out from the shadows) hint at his monstrous nature.
1986
Although not my favourite cover design, I do have a copy of this edition. Dracula seems pretty happy to be showing off his fangs (and eyebrows, one presumes). He’s still being patterned after Lugosi (with a touch of Grandpa Munster). The bloody font is a nice touch.
1997
This is a beautifully designed cover, which isn’t something you always get with public domain novels. The gold foil lettering and font are fantastic, and the artist decided to portray Dracula as a (fanged) bat, reminding us that he can shape shift. The design is clean and modern without being sparse.
2003
In the 2000s, classic novels were often given covers featuring classic art, in this case the painting “Vampire” by Edvard Munch.
2017
This independently published book makes great use of minimalist design on the cover. This Dracula is the most vampiric looking (in my opinion) of all the covers I’ve shared here.
2022, Dracula’s 125th Anniversary
This special hardcover came out in 2022, the 125th anniversary of the publication of Dracula. The cover is reminiscent of the artwork of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, including the font. It’s a fitting design for the occasion. If you didn’t know anything about Dracula, seeing this you’d get a good sense of its subject matter and importance.
Which cover is your favourite (or least favourite)? Share in the comments…
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Cheers,
Aspasía S. Bissas
Aspasía S. Bissas 