Sometimes a cover doesn’t match the tone of the book it’s wrapped around. Such is the case of our most recent Unfortunate Cover candidate:
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.
The world’s most listless treasure hunt. I feel like the artist was working with some models who weren’t that into it.
Cover Artist: “Alright, we need some action here. Bend forward a bit, and you, boy, robotically raise your arm like you’re moving.”
“Okay guys, Treasure Island is a ripping adventure story. Show me an expression like you’re just about to find a chest full of gold!”
“Never mind.”
Click the links below to read previous Unfortunate Covers posts:
Excellent. I wanted one more close up.
And is that a brachiosaurus hiding the background?
I’m not seeing it – man if they slipped a dinosaur into this cover and I didn’t catch it, I’m gonna be upset.
On a similar tricorns-and-knickers theme, I’d like to nominate the early 90’s(?) Laurel Leaf edition of Johnny Tremain, which comes complete with stiff poses, impossible perspective, and bonus ghostly redcoat.
I will be looking into the Johnny Tremain you speak of – thanks for the tip!
Sorry Cap’n forgot about your peg-leg.