Virgin Books Releases Cover Art for New Edition of Ligotti's My Work Is Not Yet Done

An oddly modern and unassuming cover has been released by Virgin Books for the new edition of Thomas Ligotti's My Work Is Not Yet Done due out in February, 2009. Seeing the disgruntled figure of Frank Dominio on the cover is a bit strange, at least as far as Ligotti books go. Historically, surreal horror art or plain, antiquarian-like covers typically protect his bleak words. This looks almost like something out of Fight Club or X novella of corporate politics turned dangerous. Which is essentially what Ligotti's work is, with a deeper twist of weird existential horror and the supernatural. Here's the publisher's synopsis for those not in the know on this work:

Is Frank Dominio just paranoid or are his employers out to steal his ideas, destroy his reputation and ultimately fire him? When the endless boardroom protocols and the deceptive behaviour of his colleagues leads to his sacking, it seems there was more than a grain of truth to his persecution fantasies. But as he prepares to wipe out those responsible for his demise, he unwittingly finds an ally with something very old and sinister and inhuman - a dark supernatural force that will allow him to avenge himself in the most ghastly ways he can imagine. But like so many before him, who have been in league with the seductive emissaries of timeless evil, perhaps the greatest price of all will have to be paid once his work is done. This gripping, perfectly observed and demoniacally funny novel will strike a chord with anyone who has ever been disgruntled at work.

Results from the selection of this cover will be interesting to watch. It's unclear how broadly this British re-release of the 2002 novella will be. If it creeps into major bookstores, this marketing ploy may cause a slight bump in sales. However, that may not entirely be due to this artwork. With record job losses and career shifts, My Work Is Not Yet Done may find a new audience in those who have recently experienced their own corporate horror and longed for vengeance.

-Grim Blogger