This project, Alison Lurie: A Revival, is a design exercise born from the belief that author Alison Lurie deserves to be recognised as a forgotten master of American fiction. Known for her witty, academic, and incisive social satire, Lurie's works offer a timeless commentary that remains incredibly relevant today.
The goal was to reimagine three of her iconic novels—The Nowhere City, Real People, and Foreign Affairs—for a new generation of readers. The covers are designed to elevate her status and give her work the distinctive visual weight and literary gravitas associated with the Penguin Classics brand.
As an illustrator and designer, the visual approach for this series focuses on balancing sophistication with subtle, narrative-driven detail, reflecting Lurie’s own writing style.
Illustrative Style: The covers utilise a mid-century modern aesthetic, consistent colours, and a hand-made collage visual language.
Each cover design incorporates a central visual element that serves as a subtle metaphor for the book's core theme, avoiding simple plot recreation.
This undertaking was driven by a deep personal appreciation for Lurie's distinctive voice. It represents the intersection of technical skills as a designer and personal passion as a dedicated reader. The result is a unified, cohesive series that aims to do justice to the intellectual and emotional depth of her enduring work.
The Illustrations
The GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGN
fiNAL Designs with illustrations