The cover of National Geographic is an invitation. ‘Come look,’ it says. ‘See what wonder the world contains.’”—Chris Johns, former Editor in Chief

The first cover photograph to appear along with the magazine’s classic yellow border was in September 1959, of a U.S. Navy fighter jet. Since then, the cover images have brought readers to every continent, to the ocean depths and into space as part of the magazine’s acclaimed storytelling. National Geographic’s new book, The Covers, continues this journey with backstories about the subjects and the photographers.

We have combed through over 600 illustrated covers to bring you gems that caught our eye in categories we are known for: people and culture, exploration, and animals. So far we’ve featured