I have just finished reading, well perhaps looking would be a better word as the text is very limited, at a book, The Art of Romance - cover designs for Mills and Boon and Harlequin since the publishing company was founded. Looking at the different covers has been fascinating. I knew that Mills & Boon were earlier publishers of Wodehouse and Jack London, but now discover that they also published E F Benson as well!
Anyway, I have put together a collage of some of the covers for your delectation and delight. Just look at the Bride of the Rif cover with a Valentino, Desert Song type sheikh complete with robes etc and then the one underneath, in the 2000s and see the difference. This sheik looks like he has a multiplex in Dubai and would not know what a camel or a desert looked like.
I know which one I would prefer to be swept off my feet by....
