Cover illustration for Dragonfly

Book illustration is collaborative. Images are suggested by the narrative. The narrative has primacy; the illustrator is merely a visual amanuensis. This collaborative interplay suffers when publishers, editors (and authors) interfere. In Frederic S. Durbin's novel Dragonfly, published by Arkham House, the narrative dwells lovingly on Fred's visually-rich, deeply imagined underworld. This irreal place is the true "star" of this novel, hence the large dreamscape depicted on the dust jacket. This book launched Fred's career, and helped me win my first World Fantasy Award.