^the problem is that this is not a major publisher.

its a small company where it seems like there is one guy running it, writing the books, publishing them. seems he hired out the art side of things to an 'art director' who took it upon himself to steal peoples work.

but thank you for the tip - and yes that does indeed sound like a good approach.  i neither have the time, nor want to do book covers though -- but ill try and apply that approach in any future such dealings when i can.

the problem is that in most cases where you notify individuals/small-fry companies of copyright infringement of this (or any) nature, overwhelmingly you get denial, attitude, nastiness, threats, accusations (you stole the work from me) or outright ignored. 

people make mistakes and sh*t happens, so if someone just apologized and tried to make it right by removing the work, crediting and/or offering compensation i would be much more favorably disposed towards them.  antagonize me enough when you get caught stealing my work and i will go well out of my way, even pay out of pocket, just to punish you.