I’ve got one splendiddly-rriffic contest to share.

(Worry not, Ray Bradbury in his tighty whities is up in a few.)

If you’re a graphic artist, old fashioned artist, writer, appreciator of literature or sci-fi nut, this is going to knock your socks off.

Next year year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the publication of Ray Bradbury’s classic dystopian novel, Fahrenheit 451. To celebrate the occasion, publisher Simon and Schuster have set up the The Fahrenheit 451 Jacket Design Contest.

The prize?

Fame! Fortune!

Or something not far off if you’re a geek like myself.  The winner’s cover design will be used on the coveted first printing of the special 60th anniversary edition of Fahrenheit 451 when it’s released and sold across the U.S. (and online). The lucky designer will also receive $1,500. How freakin’ awesome is all of that?!

Various Fahrenheit 451 Covers, with the original (published in 1953), top left.

The basic rules are as follows:

• The Submission must be in jpeg format.
• The Submission must be in English.
• The Submission must be an original jacket design for the 60th anniversary edition of the classic novel, FAHRENHEIT 451, by Ray Bradbury.
• You may submit up to three (3) entries. Submissions must be different and not substantially similar.
• Participation open only to legal residents of the fifty United States or the District of Columbia who are 18 years or older as of date of entry.

For more detailed rules and guidelines check out the Official Rules.

I’m a big fan of Mr. Bradbury (see my tribute/obituary for him here), so although I am a little bummed that this contest is only open to U.S. residents, I’m still stoked to see what sorts of designs the potential winners come up with. And I’m hoping that for those of you who are U.S. residents, this might stir up some inspiration and perhaps an entry or two. You can check out the contest’s main page for the most up-to-date display of entries. They are, as expected, fantastic, so far.

Now, as promised, a picture of the iconic author in nothing but his skivvies and a necktie. It’s not the most elegant portrait you’ll ever lay eyes on, but I’m a woman of my word.

I came upon this eye-popping shot in what is definitely one of my very favourite articles this week, Christopher King’s Writers in Underpants.

Yes, he may hold the distinguished title of Melville House’s Art Director, but Mr. King still manages to pull together quite the “casual” slideshow featuring everyone from William Carlos Williams to Ernest Hemmingway, William Faulkner to Eugene O’Neill, Stephen Spender to Allen Ginsberg, James Agee and Erza Pound, among others.

Trying to conceive of a fresh perspective to bring to a classic book’s cover, I thought, perhaps presenting a similarly “unique” view of some well-revered authors might inspire you

What do you think of Simon and Schuster’s Fahrenheit 451 cover contest? Anyone interested in entering?

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Hear ye image courtesy of teawithhunni

4 square shot of various covers image courtesy of Book Riot

Image of Ray Bradbury courtesy of Melville House

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