CORRECTION APPENDED

Anthony Bourdain, “No Reservations”

The original bad boy celebrity chef (yes, we have those), Anthony Bourdain rose to fame after writing a memoir about how the restaurant industry is a bitch and now spends his time gallivanting around foreign countries and squirming as he tastes the weirdest stuff Food Network producers can find. In his new book, he appears to be doing more of the same while looking as fashionably ratty as ever. He sits on what one can presume to be a third-world stoop, wearing dingy travel slouch pants, a dirty Oxford shirt, and sandals, dangling a cigarette from his forefingers. Never in his wildest dreams could Emeril hope to look this appealing.  [SEE CORRECTION BELOW]

James D. Watson, “Avoid Boring People”

Lovable James D. Watson, the world’s new poet laureate of casual racism, came out with a book in which he shares his thoughts on life and success. And what a book! (Or, at least, what a cover.) He sits blithely on the cover, laughing, pumping his fists up and down, and smiling. Perhaps someone belonging to a minority group just experienced failure. Sounds like a cause for celebration, Dr. Watson!

John Updike, “Due Considerations”

Posing in front of a wall in Memorial Church, John H. Updike ’54 looks like the archetypal embodiment of New England aristocracy. One of America’s most prolific writers, Updike also togs up rather nicely. But is he all that different than so many other men posing on the covers of their books? The dust jacket blurb is surprisingly humble until it reaches the end: “Reading ‘Due Considerations’ is like taking a cruise that calls at many ports, with a witty, sensitive and articulate guide aboard—a voyage not to be missed.” How about this for a deal: If I actually finish all 736 pages of his latest book, will Updike give me the name of his tailor?

­—Kyle L.K. McAuley

CORRECTION: The Nov. 30 arts article "By Its Cover" incorrectly stated that celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain was affiliated with the Food Network. In fact, Bourdain is the host of "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel.