The first four of Pauline’s novels featured the work of New York-based illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon, commissioned specifically for those novels by the publishers. Child of the Morning (1977), The Eagle and the Raven (1978), and Stargate (1982) were released by The Dial Press and MacMillan of Canada, and The Twelfth Transforming (1984) was published by MacMillan and Harper & Row.
Leo and Diane Dillon’s work is so unique and iconic that it has guided the presentation of fantasy and science fiction art since the 1970s. In over 50 years of collaboration, they created over 100 book and magazine covers, in addition to countless interior illustrations.
Their interpretations of everything from children’s books and fairytales to novels, folk tales and short stories and novels has earned them two dozen awards.
They were finalists for the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Science Fiction For Fantasy Artist in 1969 and 1970, and won the award in 1971. They received the Balrog Award in 1982 for Achievement in Speculative Fiction. In 1978 they were the highly commended runners-up for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award for children’s illustrators; they were the U.S. nominee again in 1996.
They were awarded four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, four Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, two Coretta Scott King Awards, and the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal.
They received the only consecutive awards ever granted of the Caldecott Medal, in 1976 and 1977. In that year they won the medal for Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People’s Ears, and was the same year they produced Pauline’s first cover, for Child of the Morning. Leo was the first African American awarded a Caldecott Medal.
To augment promotion of these novels, MacMillan and Dial released posters of the cover art. These were produced in very limited numbers, intended only for promotional purposes and not offered for sale. Highly prized by collectors, these have become very difficult to obtain.
The Dillons very seldom authorized their work for sale beyond that directly commissioned, so the marriage of four of the most influential novels in their genre with the artwork of two of the most renowned names in the literary art world is rare enough. The fact that these are available for sale is rarer still.
The artwork for The Twelfth Transforming was never released as a promotional poster, but due to its uniqueness as the last of the Dillon covers commissioned for Pauline’s work we are offering it as well.
Whether you’re a fan of Pauline’s novels or not, this gorgeous artwork will be a beautiful addition to your wall and wardrobe.