No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
Date
Credits
- Osamu Dazai Author
- donald keene Translator
Format
- Softcover Book 42
- Book 607
- Book Cover 195
Type of Work
- Finished work 5319
- Photo(s) 112
- Book 79
Publishers
Media
- paper 1115
Techniques
- printing 353
Dimensions
Printed Pages
The book cover of "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai has contextual significance within postwar Japan. This period saw designers embracing simplicity, clarity, and functionality in their work, a departure from the ornate styles of the past. The cover of "No Longer Human" exemplifies this minimalist approach, featuring stark typography against a plain background. The cover's minimalist design serves as a reflection of the existential themes explored in Dazai's novel and the broader cultural context of postwar Japan.
Released in 1948, "No Longer Human" grapples with issues of identity, alienation, and societal expectations, mirroring the existential angst prevalent in Japanese society at the time. The starkness of the cover design evokes a sense of isolation and introspection, aligning with the novel's exploration of these themes. Its minimalist aesthetic transcends language barriers, making it accessible to readers across cultures. There are multiple versions of the book cover that exist.