Don't Judge a New Cover by the Old Book

I found an article while researching that I found very interesting it was written by Jen Doll in 2013 where she interviewed Penguin designers about why it is important to re-design old classics.
It talks about how classics have been around for so long there is bound to be many covers creating to keep them up to date.

My favourite book designer Coralie Bickford Smith is quoted saying 

"I truly admire some of the iconic covers from the past for certain classic pieces of literature, but from a selfish point of view as a designer of books, if the original cover had stuck, I would have never have got to design covers for such a incredible bunch of historic authors."

"If I don't understand and immerse myself in the content how can I communicate the insides on the outside in a way that will speak to an audience?

I highly agree with this as I feel it can be hard to be able to design for a book without knowing the content as how can you best promote the story inside. Its like trying to sell a house that you've never seen inside of.

Another of my favourite designers was also featured in the essay, Paul Buckley. 
He was quoted to have said

 'We are here to represent the book, to get readers excited about the book, and to sell it — and we have a split-second to catch your eye as it scans the crowded bookstore. Hence the cover must stand out with distinction, the copy should be readable, and the overall effect should be enticing. This is true for every book, regardless of genre.'

I am talking about one of each of their classic collections within my essay as I feel they both have cleverly modernised classics to stand out on modern day bookshelves. 

Paul Buckley Drop Cap series

Coralie Bickford Smiths Cloth Bound Classics