F. van Wyck Mason: Three Harbours

Three Harbours by F van Wyck Mason was published by Berkley in September 1975 as part of its Bicentennial series. Rob Ashton was a Yankee skipper who was looking for wealth until the revolution began and he joined forces!

Allan Kass creates a dark cover with our privateer, his ship, and his love as he fights for freedom and a new country! Allan, as in all the books in this series, makes the hero prominent and the focus figure of his illustration. Definitely different than his later regency covers but I hope you enjoy seeing them.

F. van Wyck Mason: Stars on the Sea

Stars on the Sea is a historical novel by F van Wyck Mason which was published by Berkley in October 1975 as part of a Bicentennial series. Tim Bennett is fighting for his new country as they gain freedom from Britain.

Allan Kass creates a great collage cover here with our hero and heroine prominent and a background of ships at war. Definitely a Kass heroine there! Enjoy!

F. van Wyck Mason: Proud New Flags

This edition of F Van Wyck Mason's book, Proud New Flags, was a Berkley Bicentennial Edition published in December 1975. Sam Seymour is a naval officer during the time of the Civil War and in love with his brother's wife!

Allan Kass gives us a collage of scenes that depict this story. We see our hero, his love, the confederate flag, a ship, bombings, etc. Not my favorite style and since Kass didn't create many of these, probably imposed by the publisher. Still fun to see, though.

F. van Wyck Mason: Eagle in the Sky

Next is a series of 4 historical fiction books by F. van Wyck Mason. Definitely a different type of cover illustration for Allan Kass!

Eagle in the Sky was published by Berkley in November 1975. It is the third novel in van Wyck Mason's bicentennial series of the American Revolution. It's the story of doctor Peter Burnham and his life of a privateer!

Allan Kass shows our hero but has scenes from the story behind him. I think this cover is interesting because of the black slave. Kass didn't illustrate many black people on books and it makes this one unique! Unfortunately, this style of cover, which the publisher probably wanted, doesn't reflect Kass's talent as some others, less busy, do.

Jean Plaidy: The Spanish Bridegroom

Last in our Jean Plaidy historical series is The Spanish Bridegroom, published in August 1972. It is the story of Philip II of Spain and the loves of his life. Jean Plaidy went on to write many other historical books about the kings and queens of England, France, and Spain.

Allan Kass shows us a handsome man, dressed in armor, while the lady next to him is elegantly gowned and jeweled. We see a softer side of Philip while the fanatics behind him speak of a harsh and determined ruler.

Jean Plaidy: Murder Most Royal

Murder Most Royal was published in May 1973 by Berkley for Jean Plaidy and is the story of Henry the Eighth and Anne Boleyn and her cousin Catherine Howard, both wives of this king.

Allan Kass gives us a accurate portrait of Henry and also illustrates both women this book is about. I like the detail that he puts into their garments and jewels. Note the King's castle in the background.

Jean Plaidy: Gay Lord Robert

October 1972 is the publication date of Berkley's edition of Gay Lord Robert by famous historical author Jean Plaidy, whose real name was Eleanor Hibbert and who also wrote under the pen names Victoria Holt and Philippa Carr. This is the story of Robert Dudley and the Princess Elizabeth who were in love but her throne and his wife stood in their way.

Allan Kass gives us a glimpse of his ability in the next few books by showing us that he can illustrate a moment in history accurately. He gives us a scene with our hero and heroine but also shows a battle in the background. It's an intricately detailed cover.

Erika Nau: Angel in the Rigging

Erika Nau's Angel in the Rigging was published by Berkley in February 1976. Lucy is second in command of a pirate ship during the turbulent years before and after the War of 1812. She meets and eventually marries David Armstrong, the love of her life!

Allan Kass gives us a very compelling illustration of our lovely heroine watching a battle while hanging on to the rigging of the title. Even though this takes place during Regency times, she is anti regency in her dress and existence. I love the sweep of her long hair as she gazes fearlessly on the other ships and her earrings which are her only feminine adornment. Enjoy this unusual cover by Kass.

Jocelyn Kettle: Memorial to the Duchess

Memorial to the Duchess by Jocelyn Kettle was published by Berkley in March 1974. It is a historical novel about the life of Alice Chaucer, who became the Duchess of Suffolk during the days of Agincourt and through the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV. She was second in rank under the queen!

Allan Kass, who is mentioned on the back cover as the author, shows us an early Elizabethan beauty along with her hero. We see them lavishly dressed in the heavy velvet cloth of the day and the heroine's headpiece is the most interesting feature of this cover. The hero looks like one of Elizabeth's courtiers and we see a distant castle which is their home.