Jazz and Twelve o’Clock Tales

by Wanda Coleman
Black Sparrow Books

Designing for Black Sparrow Books was always a challenge. Barbara Martin’s highly regarded work for the the original Black Sparrow Press always loomed in the background, so my solution was to avoid any attempt at imitation or homage, while also making sure the books were distinct from the Godine list. Wanda Coleman is best known as a poet, but the stories in Jazz are sui generis – lyrical, yes, but full of crisp observations and precise phrasing. Wanda provided some generous and pointed input as I developed the cover illustration, which really made a difference in the finished artwork. I think she liked it very well.

Hardcover with jacket, 6 × 9"