“A book or set of books of informative articles usually arranged in alphabetical order” An encyclopaedia can therefore be regarded as a comprehensive book containing articles for one’s reference as well as a wide range of subjects as well as detailed accounts of the numerous aspects of a particular field. This information is usually arranged subject wise and in alphabetical order to facilitate reference activities. A myriad of subjects such as history, geography, chemistry, math, bio, technology, space study, physics as well as detailed study of plant, animal as well as human kingdom are embodied in an encyclopaedia. The cover of such a comprehensive book naturally has to be designed keeping in mind its larger purpose. The cover of an encyclopaedia is reflective of the contents within and serves as a visual advertising aid. The cover of the ency. Titled “Factfinder” published by kingfisher is a fine example of the value of the visual appeal which the cover of a book carries. To begin with it has a white background. This provides scope for using any shade of any colour effectively, without having to worry about the highlighting effect. The title per say is printed in a shade of grey. It stands out as it is done in bold letters but is not overshadowing the picture given below. The use of grey is a judicious choice as nowhere else in the collage has the colour been used.
The collage has been colourfully created and every picture is suggestive of a particular field of learning. The use of right colours such as blue, green and red enhance the visual appeal of the cover. The snowy mountain ranges portrayed in the shades of white and purplish grey serve as a backdrop to depict the plant and animal kingdom and at the same time is a symbol of the geographical contents of the book. Different animals and wild flowers have been randomly scattered around the snowy mountains, thus indicating the inclusion of detailed information on and all aspects of various plants and animal species. The incorporation of chemical information is intelligently suggested by the use of chemical compounds or symbols printed in attractive colour. The Saturn depicted immediately besides the picture of the 3-demensional earth suggests that facts related to the solar system as well as those pertaining through the earth and its various aspects are embodied in the book. A miniature map like picture using colours to denote to the physical features of any region for example, green to denote vegetation, brown to denote the mountain has been skilfully used on the cover.
Information as technological advancement is also an integral part of the book. This is demonstrated through the picture of a rocket in one corner of the cover. Subjects like physics and math which are closely related to the technological advancements are also within the encyclopaedia.
A brightly covered Egyptian mask printed in one corner of the cover is suggestive of the fact that information on the history of various ancient civilisations is contained in this book in a comprehensive manner. The mask is probably used to denote the art of cultural aspect of these ancient civilisations.
This encyclopaedia is an embodiment of a store house of valuable information is effectively conveyed through its colourful and significant cover. The use of relevant pictures and illustrations printed in congruent shades of colours which supplement each other serve as a mirror to the content that lies within the book