Jen Comments: This photo doesn’t really do justice to just how wrinkled the man is. But hey, it’s Merlin (I think). He can wear a Godawful headdress and stand in the middle of the ocean if he wants to.
Published 1979
Many thanks to Jen!
Sonya’s Art Direction: Instead of two views of wonder, how about a riot of color and image? Perhaps a plant for every short story in the collection? Oh, and throw in a Frida Kahlo lookalike holding a skull ala Hamlet to show that these are serious stories…
Published 1974
Many thanks to Sonya!
David Comments: Eric Brighteyes by H Rider Haggard (1891) was set in the Viking Age. I have no idea where he found the bikini babe, ray gun or early model Bluetooth headset.
Published 1978
Vikings had lasers… right?
Many thanks to David!
Natalie and Steve Comments: Unfortunately, Davy himself is not as vivacious as his cover suggests.
Published 1976
Many thanks to Natalie and Steve!
Baen Books – Putting all other cover choices to shame since 1983.
Published 2008
Ashton Comments: Everything about the closer man’s outfit is amazing, from his puffy velvet shirt covered with large gold buttons and trousers striped with red and blue, to the leopard print trim on his girdle. The other man’s garbage sack outfit is no match.
Published 1982
Many thanks to Ashton!
Stevie Comments: Jack L Chalker’s Songs of the Dancing Gods cover is bizarre! Crazy wizards, super sultry fairy-women in red and green and a huge mack truck running thru everything. What’s all that crazy action supposed to tell the prospective reader?
Published 1991
Well it’s quickly coming to the end of the summer and we are graced with a final bank holiday weekend, for some of us anyway. That means one thing, honourable mentions! It’s fun times again!
These mentions are special because they aren’t actually sci-fi or fantasy proving that strange and wonderful covers can make their way into other genres.
Thanks to everyone who visits the site! We do love sharing these wonderful books. Enjoy your long weekend, or your normal short one if you have to work on Monday!
Rod Comments: Ooh yeah, sexy nukes …
Tom Comments: This book is neither fantasy nor sci-fi, but it still deserves submission for it’s title alone. It was so arresting that I snapped this pic when I spotted the book at my aunt’s house in 2004, long before Good Show Sir was extant! I feel that it must take at the very least a good deal of metrosexual courage to wear that jaunty red cap.
Good Show Sir Comments: We found this one in a second hand book shop. Not sure what killed the rat but at least he’s getting a patriotic funeral.
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