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Well, the art department chose a different background color than the one I’d suggested–but they did a wonderful job with the caltrop! And over all, I think it’s quite striking, and in keeping with the rest of the series.
Whattayathink?
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Dear Iago–
Oh, I’m always interested in the minority report, you might say. [g]
I agree that it would be good if it were possible to achieve a more 3-D effect–though having combed the internet for images for the art people to work from, I’m aware that this is easier said than done, and they’ve done a really good job in getting it to look this way (the “chicken foot” minority report notwithstanding–and they also have a point [g]).
Still, I also know from informal polling here and there than most folk wouldn’t recognize a caltrop as such, no matter how it was depicted; only people with a more than casual interest in military history (or who live where the weed called “caltrop” grows) are likely to know the word, let alone connect it to its use.
That being so–does it matter whether the casual browser stops because they say, “Aha! A caltrop! What does _that_ have to do with this story?” or because they say, “Whoa–what’s _that_ wicked-looking thing?” From my point of view, probably not. From yours, maybe so. [g]
Dear Iago–
Oh–when you say you’re a “non-fan,” do you mean that you don’t/haven’t read the books, or that you have but don’t care for them?
The cover art is lovely!
Also happy to hear, that B.Schnell is “translating away” Sending lots of good work vibrations your way.
Is the German Echo going to be a black background too? Just wondering, since ABOSAa has been in this colour. Being able to choose, I will buy the British version. (Blue is my fav. colour)
Supposing, both versions are identical in content. *g*
Dear Birgit–
Yes, the contents will be identical, for the UK and UK versions. I have _no_ idea what the German cover will look like, though.
I’ve got shivery goosebumps just looking at the cover. Fantastic!
I CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!
The cover looks very striking. Now I can’t WAIT to hold the book in my hands!!!
Dear Diana–
I’m a “non-fan” in the sense that I have read your books (the first two in the Outlander series), and wasn’t blown away by them.
The concept I (kinda) like, but the realisation that I was going to have to read umpteen books to find out what happens was enough to put me off.
To me the process of bringing a book into this world – all aspects of it, writing AND publishing – is interesting, hence my previous comments.
Having said all this, I find you to be remarkably open about what you do, and I admire you for that. If I have over-stepped my mark here, do feel free to have a go at my writing…! Quid pro quo, doncher know.(g)
Dear Diana–
Oh, one more thing… (g) The dumbing down of today’s society is beyond belief, really! Imagine not knowing what a caltrop is.
In my neck of the woods they are known as “Spanish knights”, which I find to be a lovely slur, and obviously a linguistic forerunner to its decendant, the contemporary PG-13 version, the “lazy Policeman”. Your people call it a speed bump, I think.
As far as the chicken foot theory is concerned I think you are well adviced to heed THAT minority report. Clearly it would be Bad Mojo to do otherwise… (g)
Interesting comments, and voluminous, considering the post just went up two days ago! I first read Outlander in 1991 (found it in the library of the old Mather AFB during lunch one day), and was hooked instantly! However, I take issue with the connection that not knowing what a caltrop is has anything to do with the dumbing down of our culture (not saying I disagree that said dumbing down is a reality). I love to read and learn, and I had no idea what it was – it’s not in my Merriam-Webster dictionary (2004), so I had to go to my grandfather’s dictionary – Webster’s 20th Century Dictionary Unabridged (1942)- to find the definition to discover it is not only an obsolete weapon used in the days of cavalry (although I daresay we have similar explosive ones now for use against armored vehicles), but also a term used in botany for such annoying plants as star thistle Oh, and can be spelled caltrap as well – and is not in the current lexicon, since I keep getting that annoying red line under it whilst typing.
Oh yeah, like the cover but prefer the UK version…matter of taste! And someone mentioned black diamond – isn’t that an adamant?
Dear Diana,
I’ve been reading the comments made on this site for a bit and decided to get in on the fun!
Like a previous poster I realized I’d been reading these books for my entire adult life too (started at 18 and still going at 31). In fact, being the naive young student that I was, I sent a gushing email while in University that you were kind enough to reply back to. I believe I was writing a paper on the ’45 at the time…
Anyway. Intro over, gushing aside, my first impression of the cover was that it was quite striking. The black background combined with the golden letters and picture made it really “pop”. That said, I didn’t see ‘Caltrop’. Of course, I didn’t see ‘chicken foot’ until it was mentioned and now I can’t get it out of my head! Actually, what I saw was a celtic brooch. Perhaps if the caltrop was shown from a slightly different angle I would “see” it. Also missed the bit about it being wickedly sharp until I looked closer. Either way, I’ll be buying the book anyway.
So there you go – my two cents.
Iago: Just curious! How did you find your way to this blog site? Reading your comments, I assume you are not a big fan of the Outlander Novels (having no desire to read anymore then the first few books}. I know the blog can be a love fest at times, and there will always be different opinions. I just wondered why you bothered with it.
I had to look up the word caltrop. It isn’t a common word used in this day and age, but it would be appropriate for the books time period. I don’t necessarily think because we don’t use words of a different era that it is “dumbing down”. We are such a diverse country that language will always be evolving (good and
bad).
I love it!!
Sharaf: I had it pointed out to me by a fan, and I bother for the reasons stated above, namely that I am interested in books in general, and thought a more objective view would be of interest.
Not saying fans aren’t entitled to gush, mind you, just that if I were an author I’d probably be more interested in catching the attention of those who aren’t hooked already.
Iago: Thank you for responding to my comment. I’m sure DG has heard and read it all. Criticism can run from good, bad, and down right snippy.
I realize her writing is not for everyone (I can’t stand Vampire novels of any kind no matter how well written). I just think she is one of the best at what she does.
I also think she has stayed true to her belief in her writing. She has let the masses come to her instead of trying to write for the masses. I hope that makes sense.
It is slightly mind boggling to me how different a feeling this cover evokes when compared to the UK cover. I adore them both–thought the skeleton leaf was brilliant, but possibly too peaceful, and I squealed in delight at the sight of the caltrop, which I recognized immediately, but only because they were mentioned last year in a history class I took.
That said, I was thinking back to the images you gave us when caltrops were first mentioned as the shape of the book. Perhaps people would stop thinking of “chicken foot” if the image was more like the fancy twisted wire one you showed us. I thought that one had symbolic possibilities (multiple stories all twisted together in a central “glue” character).
Thanks for sharing!
Eleanor
P.S. I suppose I could technically add my voice to those who’ve been reading your books all their adult lives, but it seems like I don’t really count yet in that respect, seeing as that’s only six years!
Dear Diana,
Kudos to the art department to be able to condense an entire novel into three elements: black background, celtic circle and a caltrop. By the strength and simplicity of the imagery, I can only imagine how the story unfolds. I am so looking forward to reading the next installment of the Jamie-Claire saga.
Wow! It looks great! I seriously can not wait. I just finished rereading the whole series for the 4th time today and am going through withdraw!
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Well, it has the most essential element:
… DIANA GABALDON …
I will not look any further! It will be in my hand and at the checkout in record speed.
As far as covers go, however, I would pick the UK cover if I could choose between the two. The most eye catching element on the US cover is the celtic design, which certainly does catch my attention. The caltrop doesn’t speak to me but the celtic circle does in volumes! So, something for everyone?!?!