No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
Date
Credits
- Osamu Dazai Author
- donald keene Translator
- Rodrigo Corral Designer
Format
- Softcover Book 44
- Book 676
- Book Cover 215
Type of Work
- Finished work 5469
- Photo(s) 137
- Book 92
Publishers
Media
- paper 1254
Techniques
- printing 411
Dimensions
Printed Pages
Locations Made
- United States 649
- New York 355
The cover of "No Longer Human" by Rodrigo Corral exemplifies a 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.
Originally 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. This specific edition came out in 2001 and was first published clothbound by New Directions Publishing in 1958 and first published as New Directions Paperbook 357 in 1973.
The starkness of the cover design evokes a sense of isolation 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. The rest of Dazai's novels from New Directions Publishing are also of the same font and style of shapes with a modernist take for overall cohesion.
The 2001 edition of "No Longer Human" by Osamu Dazai features a cover designed by Rodrigo Corral, a prominent figure in contemporary graphic design. Corral is known for his innovative and thought-provoking designs, which often marry simplicity with profound visual impact like in the popular novel “The Fault in Our Stars”. In designing the cover for "No Longer Human," Corral embraced the minimalist aesthetic that aligns with the existential themes of Dazai's work. His use of stark typography against a plain background evokes the novel's deep sense of alienation and introspection. Corral's design choices create a visual representation that resonates with the novel's exploration of identity and societal expectations, making the cover a compelling introduction to the text. Furthermore, Corral's modernist take ensures cohesion with other New Directions Publishing titles, reinforcing the publisher's commitment to visually unified and intellectually stimulating book designs.