Florence Stevenson: Kilmeny in the Dark Wood

Kilmeny in the Dark Wood by Florence Stevenson was published in December 1973 by Signet. Kilmeny was a changeling in her noble family and love Charles Cameron who was the one person who could help her understand her family.

The only other place I've seen the name "Kilmeny" used was one of L. M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables) who wrote a book: Kilmeny of the Orchard.

Allan Kass shows a heroine who looks like a wild gypsy as she runs barefoot on rough ground. She is very enchanting and is set in a perfectly scary scene with the mansion and overcast skies. We don't know if she's being chased or just runs loose like this.

Florence Stevenson: The Ides of November

The Ides of November was published in March 1975 and it is the story of Verity Valcourt, whose absent father wills her a house that everyone else seems to want for some mysterious reason. Florence Stevenson writes a tale of romance and fear!

Allan Kass shows our heroine running on a boardwalk where a creepy mansion is behind her. It's an interesting picture with the house, carousel, and ferris wheel! The heroine is pretty in her white gown with dark fringe shawl. I like her flowing hair as it is whipped by the wind.

Florence Stevenson: The House at Luxor

The House at Luxor was published in September 1976 and Florence Stevenson tells a story about Electra Ordway who is in England visiting the estate she has inherited. Disturbing dreams take her to Luxor, the other half of her inheritance, where the terror continues!

At first glance, this is a simply drawn cover by Allan Kass until you look deeper. I love the hieroglyphics carved on the round column next to the lovely heroine, who is dressed in a cool white robe. I like her gold jewelry of earrings and bracelet, which is a Kass touch! Note the building and palm trees in the background.

Florence Stevenson: A Darkness on the Stairs

A Darkness on the Stairs was published by Signet in April 1976 for author Florence Stevenson. Oriel Quentin was the image of her famous grandmother, Calista Blake, and found during a visit to Harrowdene that Calista's presence still haunted those who lived there.

Allan Kass gives us a pretty heroine and her dress makes it hard to know what era this book is set though the jewelry seem modern. I like the red coat which is a splash of color on this dark cover. I wish my copy was in better condition.

Florence Stevenson: The Curse of the Concullens

The Curse of the Concullens was published by Signet in February 1972 and is the first of 5 that I have illustrated by Allan Kass. This story is about Lucy Ayers who loved imagining herself a heroine until she takes residence as governess in O'Hagan Calstle and the evil that lived therein.

Allan Kass focuses on the heroine with this illustration. He gives us a gothic/Victorian look with her full, low cut gown. The castle and dark trees complete the eerie look.

With Allan's gothic romances, I always look for his signature. Some of the style of other artists were similar enough that I check the cover for verification. On this, you can see his signature under her right elbow!

Florence Stevenson and Patricia Hagan Murray: Bianca

Bianca by F. Stevenson and P Murray is the name of a girl who broke up Jack and Anne's marriage after 10 months. Why did she seem to be part of the house that they sought to sell?

This is one of Allan Kass's best gothic romance illustrations, in my opinion! I love the close up of the fleeing heroine as she runs on the sandy beach. Her red hair is gorgeous and the green robe sets off her coloring to perfection. The muted setting of the early morning also is shown by the grays and pink beige colors he uses.