H. G. Wells
The History of Mr. Polly
Book Cover Design
I was tasked with creating a selection of book covers for a H.G. Wells novel. The book covers themes
such as wealth, suicide and rebirth. First design focuses on revolve around Mr. Polly’s attempted
suicide, in which he sets fire to the house so his wife can claim the insurance and mask his intentions.
The following design connects to his life before and after death. The story unfolds with his unsatisfying existence and develops after the accident, when everyone thinks he has been drowned in an accident,
but instead he has succeeded in escaping. Shortly after, he experiences a new, prosperous life, which
I illustrated through an idea of contrasting matches progressing from the ground upwards to the moon. For the third design, a hidden outline of the phoenix within the flame symbolises his final rebirth.
I illustrated through an idea of contrasting matches progressing from the ground upwards to the moon. For the third design, a hidden outline of the phoenix within the flame symbolises his final rebirth.
