It’s clear that most books covers, both hardback and paperback, are typographical these days, mostly over an abstract or decorative background. The type tends to be large so that you can read the title at matchbox size on Amazon. In addition, there are often two of three quotes added into the mix. So, it's a pretty restricting menu for the poor cover designer.
I've kept a lookout for what has been going on over the past year or so to see how designers are coping with publisher's ever-tightening straightjacket.
Here is my selection of typographical hardback covers, (there may be a couple of paperbacks in there). Anyway, none are an insult the reader.
Amazingly this group is minus any quotes (hooray!)
Designed by Jamie Keenan
Designed by John Gall
Designed by Jack Smyth
Designed by Jamie Keenan
Designed by Jamie Keenan
Designed by Tyler Comrie
Designed by David Pearson
Designed by Janet Hansen
Designed by Jamie Keenan
Designed by Luke Bird
And the designers of this little group escaped over the wall, to freedom (Hooray! Hooray!)
Designed by Designed by Peter Mendelsund
Designed by Pablo Delcan
Designed by Oliver Munday
Designed by John Grey
Designed by Thomas Colligan