Edit.

Any chance you can ask for a gift certificate to buy it yourself instead?

Failing that, just simply explain, "This book has artwork by several different artists within it. I don't know why they chose that to go on the cover, but it doesn't reflect the content accurately."

Good luck. :x

The other request could be to ask for money, or something, and then buy for self afterwards. Then it is technically from Christmas present money. I know the problem, for those things I normally buy myself the item with my money after holidays.

I think buying it yourself would be a better bet. Thats what i would do i think.
I've often been intregued by artwork, but seeing as my mom has to order books, i'm put off by the front covers, knowing she'll jump to the wrong conclusion.
I hope you find away around it.

Yeah, I agree, ask for money for Christmas to buy it for yourself or ask for other things for Christmas and just get it for yourself.

Great minds must think alike, I was about to say exactly what everyone else is saying, before I sctolled down and went, "naw smartie pantses"
Nice looking book by the way.
So yea my advice, ask them first, they might surprise you and agree, if not ask for money and buyit with that money. ^^ goodluck

Try to make your parents understand, explain to them that the book has no pornography or nothing of the such. It depends on how strict your parents are. Just don't lie. Tell it to them how it is.

Maybe you could get it yourself if you get any money for Christmas. :D
But I don't see anything wrong with it..it's not that showy and it art. If the book is okay, then its fine. ^^;
EDIIT: Maybe when your at the store, show you parents the pictures inside the book so they won't be so against buying it because of the cover.

I'd just ask for it. I fail to see why people get embarressed about stuff like that. But I guess you could always do what I do and ask for money. Hopefully I'll be getting a wii... From 5 people... Last year I got boots. I always ask for cash because what I want is hundreds of pounds...

I say the gift certificate idea would totally work or save up your money to buy it your self.

(such a slow site)..

just try to get it yourself with the gift certificate or through some other person :3

Is it only available online? Because if you're confident that the contents aren't the same as the cover, you can always offer them to flip through the book beforehand...everyone knows that sex sells; I'm sure that's why they gave it that less-than-desirable cover, and your parents should understand this too (even if you don't want to say it in so many words :)).

If it is only available online, then I would suggest showing them and explaining about the art styles and how it's just a drawing guide, rather than some sort of soft porn book or something to that effect. ^_~ Your parents should be encouraging of your creativity, so chances are that they'll listen.

I looked at it, and it's not too bad. And the samples from inside are of different styles from that one. So I would ask your parents and if at a bookstore flip thought it, or show them the samples on the website.

Edit.

I dunno about that one, it'd be a hard sell to try and get your parents to buy it with that kind of cover.
that is, if they are as strict as you make them out to be.
you're absolute best bet is what everyone else is saying. Buy it yourself and avoid the hassle.

Edit.

haha, I have the same problem with an anatomy book I want, the new version has a really nice drawing of a naked woman on it, I think nothing of it,but I like to bring my art books to church or wherever I am going and want to sketch. I told my mom I would put a cover on it, or take off the cover if it is a hardback.
if they are strict, I guess gift certificate ^^;