Audiobooks have been available to the public since the 1970s when libraries started stocking cassette tapes of popular books but it wasn’t until the 1990s that audio really took off as it became more portable.
Since 1926, Book of the Month has been one of the most successful and unique subscription services out there. Each month customers are allowed to pick one hardcover book from a selection of five to receive for the inexpensive fee of $14.99 per month. Unlike other book subscription boxes, Book of the Month allows their subscribers to skip a month with no charge if none of the books selected that month interests them.
In 2008, design studio MinaLima produced editions of classic children’s stories quite unlike any before. These copies maintained the simple beauty of the pop-up book while encasing it in a cover that looked deluxe and gift-worthy. Their covers harp back to a time when novels were bound in leather and imprinted with gold lettering but bright colours and unique illustrations bring a modern twist to these beautiful collector’s pieces.
Twelve times a year subscription box company FairyLoot sends 6-7 bookish goodies out to their customers along with a signed, hardcover new release to add to their bookshelves.
Out of all of the elements of the term Gothic - think haunted mansions, glowing candlelight and howling winds - great works of literature come to mind. Perhaps the most infamous example of these is the literary masterpiece that is Dracula by Bram Stoker. There have been many different editions of Dracula since its publication date in 1897 but when it comes to the cover designer’s choice of typography one style reigns triumphant: Old English.
Within the world of the book lover, perhaps the most comforting and reassuring place to be is in the bookshop. Whether settling down to do some work at the coffee shop within, or simply browsing the shelves to wait out a rainstorm, there’s nothing quite like being surrounded by books.
