Special Collections > Mortimer Rare Book Collection > Online Exhibits > Charles Skaggs > Book Jackets with Original Artwork

Book Jackets with Original Artwork

Charles Skaggs wrote that when he arrived in New York City in 1945, it seemed to him “that two of every three trade book jackets used calligraphy to some extent—even if only to display the title and author.” The Skaggs Collection contains hundreds of original book jackets, preserved in virtually pristine condition. Some are available online here to accompany this exhibition. There is also some original artwork by Skaggs for these jackets, a selection of which is shown here.

Great Essays Houston Peterson, ed. New York: Washington Square Press, 1960 Charles Skaggs designed many books and bindings for Wasington Square Press. Here are two designs for the same title: one as original art (l) and one in printed form on the paperback cover (r).

A History of the Modern World R. R. Palmer  New York: Alfred A Knopf, c. 1950 Palmer’s world history was printed in a number of editions from 1950 until the 1970s. A book jacket for this title is shown here along with a sheet of original lettering by Skaggs. Skaggs provided all the words used on the book jacket, but wrote them so they fit on the page; of course, they were photographed and rearranged for use on the printed book jacket. The use of lettering or calligraphy on book jackets in the 1940s through the 1960s was quite common, sometimes as the only lettering and sometimes in combination with printed typefaces.

The Black Prince and Other Stories Shirley Ann Grau New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1954 This original drawing and lettering (left) by Skaggs is marked by him on the back “Knopf  Feb, 54 (NOT USED)”. However, the published book jacket (below), with author portrait, states: “Jacket, typography, and binding design by Charles E. Skaggs.”

Abraham Lincoln Benjamin P. Thomas New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1953 Here is the finished printed book jacket as well as two original designs by Skaggs for this biography of Lincoln. Skaggs has written on the back of the two designs: “Alternate sketch NOT used.”

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