Would you judge a book by its cover? Book cover designs on pulses and legumes from the FAO Library collections

Abstract

On the occasion of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) celebrated in 2016, the FAO Library celebrated leguminous crops using its main asset: its valuable and unique book collections. Book covers from the 1910s to the present day illustrate how design has changed over the decades to reflect the content, attract audiences and celebrate art. We are all familiar with the saying: "Don't judge a book by its cover" but can we in fact do so? This poster summarizes the historic and artistic overview of the library’s publications on pulses and legumes with striking book covers and invites anyone to enjoy them for their covers!