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Known as one of the best novels ever written in the English language, F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, though always regarded as a classic, has been thrust back into the limelight recently with the hype surrounding the film's remake starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Having hit theaters this past week, the film itself has gotten mostly negative reviews, as it gives people a story of beauty over substance.
We hope that the major motion picture doesn't tarnish the novel's legacy. In anticipation of the film, a new cover of the novel was released with a mysterious DiCaprio pictured center page. Though there have been many covers since the novel's release in the 1920s, the original, designed by Francis Cugat, is one of the most iconic images of the roaring twenties. A recent New York Times article disputed the two covers and what they mean for the iconic literary work moving forward. In light of the recent conversation, we decided to weigh in ourselves by bringing you The 15 Best Great Gatsby Book Covers, some that actually exist and some that have been made by fans of the story. Enjoy.
Wonderous City
Designer: Francis Cugat
Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons
Year Released: 1925
Sometimes you just can't beat the original. There is a reason this cover has been around (and lasted) since the 1920s.
Sailboat
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Seacrest Publishing
Year Released: 2004
We think this cover captures the darkness and loneliness in The Great Gatsby perfectly, foreshadowing that perhaps there is a "storm" on the horizon.
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Cigar
Designer: Ellen Rutt
Publisher: Unknown
Year Released: (not officially released)
This is probably the most artistic cover of the novel we've seen, though it was made by a professional designer and not released. Not only does it make for an aesthetic collage, but dudes just look badass when smoking cigars.
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Cocktails and Conversation
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Penguin Modern Classics
Year Released: 2000
We can't decide if it is more helpful for the illustrator to provide you with some image of the character, or for the reader to decide for themselves. Either way, this is a dope cover.
Looking Out
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Penguin
Year Released: 2000
This cover of Gatsby and Daisy in black and white demonstrates their search for fulfillment as they're captured looking far out over the dock.
Den Store
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Thaning and Appel
Year Released: Unknown
This is a foreign cover of The Great Gatsby, but color scheme is striking, and the illustration pictures the climax of the novel, which is unique amongst the other covers we've seen.
Daisy
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Penguin
Year Released: 1998
A perfect close up of Daisy's bob, but you can't see her eyes. We'll leave it up to you.
Invitation
Designer: June Parrish Cookson
Publisher: (not officially released)
Year Released: (not officially released)
Another fan contribution, this looks like an invitation to one of Gatsby's elegant, extravagant parties. It definitely makes a fitting cover for the novel.
Green
Designer: Mikey Burton
Publisher: (not officially released)
Year Released: (not officially released)
Green is the color of envy and money, not to mention tha this sort of looks like a dollar bill. It's an interesting contrast of typography and black and white, as well, which was actually done for a Senior thesis project.
$$$
Designer: Alvin Lustig
Publisher: Unknown
Year Released: 1953
Money is a huge theme in The Great Gatsby, and one could even argue that the novel is entirely about materialism. Regardless, this cover is simple, but appealing in a sort of haunting way, as well. It was designed by the famous artist Alvin Lustig only two years before his death.
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Triangular Eyes
Designer: Mina Boch
Publisher: (not officially released)
Year Released: (not officially released)
This cover is awesome for its deep symbolism, although it wasn't actually released by a publishing company. Obviously the triangle is a symbol for the love affair between Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby. The eyes and conjoined heads of Gatsby and Daisy force the reader to consider their similarities and relationship.
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Gatsby Himself
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Penguin Modern Classics
Year Released: 2000
Gatsby is conveyed as a man of gentlemanly qualities, but there is something sinister to him, which we think is captured well on this cover.
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Black Tie
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Wordsworth Classics
Year Released: 1993
This design is most interesting because of its modern look. The people don't look real at all, which perhaps suits the moral of the story best.
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Classy Y
Designer: Aled Lewis
Publisher: (not officially released)
Year Released: (not officially released)
Gold and high class are synonymous with the figure, Jay Gatsby, and this design embodies the vibe without being too simplistic. Although this cover was not officially released, it is one of our personal favorites.
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Martini Glass
Designer: Unknown
Publisher: Bantam Books
Year Released: 1945
Martini glasses, fast cars, and parties on the lawn. What else says Jay Gatsby better than everything featured in this cover?
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