In this special series, we are releasing the cover designers’ exclusive musings on their creations. In hearing their thoughts, we hope the depth and creativity behind the covers bursts forth, bringing a new light to the face of Hendrickson’s books.

Written by Keri O’Brian, cover designer of Reflecting the Eternal by Marsha Daigle-Williamson:

The cover design for Reflecting the Eternal is intentionally layered with meaning because it needed to speak to C.S. Lewis and Dante scholars in equal measure. Divided into two sections, the cover has a portrait of C.S. Lewis in the top left, and in the bottom right, peeking through beneath the portrait, is Gustave Doré’s engraving depicting two figures in front of the celestial rose. In the iconic engraving, those shadowed figures are Dante and Virgil. However, in the context of this book, I wanted to raise the question: “Is that Dante and Virgil, or Dante and Lewis?” The juxtaposition of the 19th century engraving and Lewis’ photograph is dynamic, an energy matched by contrasting typefaces and pops of red in the cover design.

To learn more about this fascinating book, read this interview with Marsha Daigle-Williamson, this review of Reflecting the Eternal, this blog series on the book, or visit our website.

More photos of this beautiful cover: