This memoir chronicles the author’s extraordinary personal journey from privileged arrogance to working-class activism. The cover visually represents this transformation of capitalist-turned-communist through a striking colour gradient that transitions from cool blue to warm red, symbolising the shift from detached privilege to passionate advocacy.
The design extends beyond the cover into physical bookbinding elements. Blue and red reading ribbons provide tactile reinforcement of the transformation theme, while blue endpapers at the beginning shift to red endpapers at the conclusion, creating a complete sensory journey throughout the book.
On the back cover, a protesting figure representing the proletarian struggle shatters the barcode elements, symbolically breaking commercial conventions in favour of human dignity and workers' rights.
This comprehensive design ensures that the book's physical form mirrors its narrative arc of personal and political awakening.
What an incredible job Arjan did putting my book together. He is the consummate professional. He led me through every stage of the design process with incredibly detailed suggestions for every possibility. The front cover, the spine, the back, the interior layout, the amazing table of contents and chapter headings, the selection and presentation of pictures, and the small but vital finishing touches that created a sense of unique timelessness... it was perfect! I loved our journey. It was epic. The design and layout, the total “look and feel” of the book amazed everyone. Without Arjan, none of the thrill and pride that I’m feeling now would have been possible. I can never thank him enough.
— Bob Burbank
