“The sea is everything. It covers seven-tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and life-giving. It is an immense desert place where man is never lonely, for he senses the weaving of Creation on every hand. It is the physical embodiment of a supernatural existence… For the sea is itself nothing but love and emotion. It is the Living Infinite, as one of your poets has said. Nature manifests herself in it, with her three kingdoms: mineral, vegetable, and animal. The ocean is the vast reservoir of Nature.” – Jules Verne (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea)

Jules Gabriel Verne, the master storyteller of the Science Fiction Genre was born on the 8th of February 1828. On his 183rd Birthday we honor this pioneer science fiction genius who gave birth to such fabled tales like Twenty Thousand Leagues under the sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth and Around the world in 80 days by showcasing some of the vintage book cover images of his novels.

All these book covers represent a bygone era in publishing and they still stand proudly as fine examples of captivating graphical packaging for literature. What makes them extra beautiful are the fact that almost all of these covers where designed in the 1800s making them good inspiration for retro style designs in modern day.

“A bell is no bell ’til you ring it,
A song is no song ’til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn’t put there to stay -
Love isn’t love
‘Til you give it away.” – Oscar Hammerstein, Sound of Music

In this edition of Design Inspirations we are doing a special coverage on the Saint Valentine’s Day. Commonly shortened as Valentine’s Day, every February 14 fills the air with the smell and warmth of love across the globe and we are showcasing 18-gift ideas perfect for a Geeky Valentine.

Dating back from the 4th Century AD this day dedicated to the expression of love and care is the perfect occasion for a perfect gift. As George Herbert said “Love, and a cough, cannot be hid.” Express your affection and love to your companion with these geeky gift ideas.