C.S. Lewis Space Trilogy Book Cover Redesign

This cover redesign project was a modern visual tribute to C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy, aiming to repackage the series in a way that captured both the philosophical depth and interplanetary wonder of the original novels. The central concept was to blend a retro-futuristic aesthetic with celestial motifs, creating a look that felt timeless yet distinctly fresh. Each cover needed to stand on its own while also contributing to a cohesive set when viewed together.

Book Cover Design | Print

Concept & Execution

The execution began with in-depth research into mid-century design, vintage sci-fi covers, and the symbolic themes within each book. From there, I created mood boards, selected fonts reminiscent of 1960s speculative fiction, and developed a system of recurring visual elements to tie the trilogy together.

Design Details

Patterns & Backgrounds: Each background was created using AI-generated celestial imagery, then manually edited and layered to create abstract, otherworldly textures. These backgrounds hint at each book’s setting—Mars, Venus, and Earth—while maintaining a consistent cosmic tone.
Color Palette: A custom palette was crafted to reflect the era and tone of each book:
- Out of the Silent Planet uses dark navy and mustard for a mysterious, exploratory tone.
- Perelandra features sky blue and deep navy, evoking water, purity, and spiritual tension.
- That Hideous Strength incorporates ochre and pale golds, nodding to Earthly power structures and corruption.
Shapes & Layouts: Clean, geometric elements—circles, rays, grids, and trajectory lines—symbolize both the scientific and spiritual forces at play in the trilogy. Each cover has its own unique composition but shares these structural design cues to unify the set.
Typography: Custom-styled display type was selected for its retro-futuristic character, evoking the golden age of sci-fi while remaining legible and impactful.

“This book cover redesign was about capturing the timeless awe of Lewis’ cosmic vision with a modern twist that still honors its vintage soul. As a fan of his collective work, I enjoyed the process of exploration of this series” — Brian Haitz

Outcome

The final result is a striking, collectible set of paperback covers that honor Lewis's vision while appealing to modern design sensibilities. The trilogy now feels re-energized, ready to capture the imagination of new readers while paying homage to long-time fans. The covers work as a cohesive unit, whether stacked or displayed individually, and evoke the philosophical grandeur and narrative excitement of the original texts.