Concentric shapes exude different feelings depending on how the designer uses the visual device. Sometimes, a different character or time period is contained within each layered, concentric circle, as in Middlemarch and The River of No Return, seen below. Other times, radiating lines create a sense of nervousness and unease.

Here are dozens of covers that all use some form of radiating shapes. Explore the tag “concentric” to see even more covers that use this engaging design element.

*Blog post cover image is by Jasper Johns