Modern Library covers (1977–80 reissues)

Gordon B. Neavill (1979). The Modern Library Series: Format and Design, 1917–1977. Printing History, 1(1), 26–37:

In the mid-1970s, as the prices of both paperback and hardbound books escalated, Random House began to hope that there might again be a market for comparatively inexpensive hardbound editions of classics. In the spring of 1977 thirty-two Modern Library titles were reissued in newly designed jackets and bindings. The reissues included titles from the old regular and Giants series and were priced between $4.95 and $7.95.

A classical appearance was sought for the reissues, and an attempt was made to keep costs as low as possible. The dust jackets, designed by Random House’s corporate art director R. D. Scudellari, employ a uniform typographic design and are printed in two colors on uncoated tan paper. [S. Neil] Fujita’s version of the torch-bearer appears in ocher and the author and title, lettered by the free-lance typographer Ray Cruz, are in one of four colors: dark maroon, blue, dark gray, or green. The binding material is smooth, rust-colored Kraft paper. The books are perfect bound instead of sewn. In contrast to the 1960s, when the Modern Library switched to offset printing for most titles, many of the reissues are printed letterpress.

Thanks to Paul Shaw for his help researching this series.