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Long story short: My grandfather wrote a book a few of years ago about his experiences in WWII. I helped him set it and get it published, but, frankly, I didn't do a very good job. Young, inexperienced, etc.
For his Christmas present I'm re-setting the whole thing properly and publishing a nice hardback through Lulu.
I've done the interior (and will post it up for crit soon, in a different thread), but I'm struggling with the cover. All illustrations were done by my grandfather for the first edition, and I'd like to re-use them for sentimental (his) reasons, but don't be precious about critiquing them too, I'm not. I've chosen Gill Sans as the book's titling face for it's obvious historic references. It definitely evokes war-time britain IMO (though the book is of course set mostly in France and Germany, so maybe I've goofed there...)
Here are two directions I've taken, any and all comments would be wonderful and welcomed:


Thanks in advance,
Jordan
14 Nov 2005 — 8:16am
Jordan,
I favor the second illustration over the first, although perhaps without the inset images at the bottom. I can't say I am a big fan of the CAPS mixed with small italics, though.
Perhaps there's some inspiration here:
http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-posters/american.htm
or here:
http://www.rare-posters.com/ww2foreign.html
14 Nov 2005 — 10:59am
#1 is perfect! Far more appealing and looks right for the era.
18 Nov 2005 — 1:46am
I do not like the typography or the illustrations in the second version. Number one is much better in composition, you do not need to complicate things such as in the second design.
18 Nov 2005 — 1:50am
My grandpa is probably getting some new socks!