January 11, 2025: I Miss Book Covers

When I was a schoolboy – last millennium – I remember being somewhat enthralled with book covers. These were either "official" store-bought covers, or homemade ones crafted from paper grocery bags. I'd put them on my schoolbooks, as well as my beloved paperbacks and hardcovers. I recall my now-disintegrated Advanced Dungeons & Dragons Player's Handbook had a particularly snazzy design – no doubt enhanced by markers and stickers.

Once I hit college, I never thought about book covers again. I'm not sure why; book covers are pretty cool! In addition to being a spot for handy notes or at-my-fingertips references (especially the paper ones), they also let me try out my terrible art skills (or, nowadays, my graphic-design capabilities).

How about you all? Anyone adorning their beloved GURPS Basic Set with covers? Is there an underground book-cover-aficionado community I've never heard about? Feel free to share your personal anecdotes and observations on the forums!

-- Steven Marsh