On this day, February 27, 2005  illustrator James Avati died in Petaluma, California. Avati studied architecture at Princeton University. After WWII, Avati was hired to paint paperback book covers. Known as the “Rembrandt of Paperback Book Covers,” Avati’s covers were often risqué, conveyed a knowing look, and were often emboldened with a sexual innuendo.