The Friday Face-Off: Of All The Words of Mice and Men


Welcome to The Friday Face-Off, a weekly meme here at Books by Proxy. Join me every Friday as I pit cover against cover, and publisher against publisher, to find the best artwork in our literary universe.


The Builders by Daniel Polansky


Welcome to the Friday Face-Off! For this week’s comparison we’re on the look out for covers which feature mice (though all rodents are welcome!).

Published by Tor globally and by Acheron in Italy, The Builders by Daniel Polansky features two incredibly striking covers that just beg for you to turn the first page. Take a look at these two artistic beauties and see which one is your favourite.


Tor – Cover #1

Cover Art by Richard Anderson

Acheron- Cover #2



| The Friday Face-Off: Winner |

I’d like to say the choice was incredibly difficult this week – the runner-up is, after all, an absolutely amazing piece of art – but I can’t help but be seduced by the sheer beauty and atmospheric qualities of Richard Anderson’s artwork. Needless to say, due to my quite clear bias, it was an unfair contest from the start.

But let’s not overlook the details. The Tor cover is dramatic, gritty and gives the reader an immediate feel for the dark (if humorous) writing within while the Acheron cover speaks of comic western violence with its bold, selective palette and blocky typeface. I love the ink-like splatters and watercolour wash of the former and the styalised figures of the latter. But most of all, I love that both covers have instantly recognisable characters and that both transport you instantly into Polansky’s writing. Amazing covers. Amazing book.

Which cover wins your vote this week? Have a cover of your own? – Post the link below!

Amazon | The Book Depository | Goodreads


Post LinksNext week’s theme is:

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars

A cover which features the moon

Remember to check The Friday Face-Off Feature Page for upcoming themes


| Links |

Lynn @ Lynn’s Books

Sarah @ Brainfluff

Mogsy @ The Bibliosanctum

Ronyell @ RabbitEarsProductions

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