Science fiction to biographies: 2019 Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize is a mixed bag

From science fiction to biographies, and from self-help books to cookbooks, the longlist of the Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize is a mixed bag featuring 13 books ranging across a variety of genres.

The annual prize, now in its fifth edition, was initiated in 2015 to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary work of illustrators, designers, and publishers throughout India, it carries a cash prize along with a trophy. 

"The standout cover design is an integral part of the success of a book, designers and illustrators play a vital role in helping a book become emblematic and create recall," organisers said in a statement. 

Featuring in the longlist are Hersh Bhardwaj's self-help book, "A to B: How to Move from Adversity to Breakthrough with Powerful Storytelling", designed by Saurav Das; Yatindra Mishra's biography of Begum Akhtar, "Akhtari : Soz Aur Saaz Ka Afsana", designed by Shoeb Shahid;  Priya Sarukkai Chabria's science fiction, "Clone", designed by Sukruti Anah Staneley; Sonal Ved's cookbook, "Tiffin: 500 Authentic Recipes Celebrating India's Regional Cuisine", among others.

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A children's picture book, "Puu" by C G Salamander and Samidha Gunjal, and designed by the latter is also part of the list. 

The 13 books were longlisted by a jury panel consisting of author and columnist Shobhaa De, politician-writer Shashi Tharoor, philanthropist and art patron Feroze Gujral, along with writer Namita Gokhale, and Priti Paul, director of Apeejay Surrendra Group.  

"The Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize has created an important space to showcase excellence in design and graphic art, honouring the artists who give a visual identity to the wonderful books they bring to life. 

"It's been an honour to be associated with the prize over the last five years and watch it grow from strength to strength," Gokhale said. 

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Other books on the list include "Calcutta Then & Kolkata Now" authored by Sunanda K Datta-Ray, Pramod Kapoor, and designed by Sneha Pamneja;  Anita Nair's "Eating Wasps", designed by Bhavi Mehta; Ramachandra Guha's "Gandhi : The years that changed the world (1914-1948)", designed by Ahlawat Gunjan; "Hijabistan" by Sabyn Javeri, designed by Samya Arif; Shubhangi Swarup's "Latitudes of Longing" designed by Rashmi Gupta; Happymon Jacob's "Line on Fire: Ceasefire Violations and India-Pakistan Escalation Dynamics" designed by Gaurav Saini; Saikat Majumdar's "The Scent of God" designed by Pinaki De; and Andrew Otis' "Hicky's Bengal Gazette" designed by Saurav Das. 

The shortlist for the prize will be announced at the upcoming Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival on January 17 next year, and the winner will be announced at Jaipur Book Mark of Jaipur Literature Festival on January 24, 2020.

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