Lynn Munroe Books

Elaine
This catalog offers an overview of some of the early paperback covers by Elaine Duillo. Along about 1980 or so, “Elaine”, as she signed her work, became the undisputed “Queen of the Romance Covers”, as she is still known today in retirement. Her wonderful covers of the 1980s and 1990s have been very well-celebrated elsewhere, so we will look at the first two decades of her work here, the 1960s and 70s. Elaine does not keep a list of her early paperbacks herself, we will attempt to start one here. During those first years Elaine was painting romance covers, but several other genres of paperbacks too. After 1980 her covers are almost all romance.

This checklist could never have come together without the patient assistance of Elaine Duillo. I also received help from Elaine's husband, the late John Duillo, who was a fine cover artist and painter in his own right; and Elaine's first agent, Edward Balcourt. Tom Lesser, Robert Speray, Roy G. James, and Rose Idlet at Black Ace Books all provided information and guidance.

This is a first draft of the checklist. I am sure there are many Elaine covers on vintage paperbacks not included on this list. One interview I read said at times she did as many as six a month. If you have confirmed any not shown here, please let us know. The advantage of an online checklist over a hard copy is it can be updated as new information comes to light.

Next list: Cain Corgis and other uniform editions