Blown Covers: New Yorker Covers You Were Never Meant to See
by: Mouly, Francoise

Hardcover. NY, Abrams, 1st, 2012, Book: Very Good, Dust Jacket: Very Good, Hardcover, 128 pages. Francoise Mouly takes us behind the scenes at the New Yorker and reveals how the magazine creates its signature covers commenting on the most urgent political and cultural events of the day. She shows the shocking and hilarious sketches that didn't make the cut and explains how these are essential stages in the evolution of a cover that stands the test of time but retains its edge. Her book captures contemporary history--from the farce of Monica Lewinsky to the adventures of Michelle and Barack to nuclear meltdown in Japan--in images that are as acute as they are outrageous. More than that, it shows how the magazine that exemplifies journalistic excellence in America also dares to cultivate a sense of humor when grappling with complex moral and political issues.