Frank Robertson: Wanted: Dead or Alive

Wanted: Dead or Alive was published by Signet with no definite publication date. Robertson writes a story about Josh Randall, who is hunting down kidnappers and murderers.

This is another rare Western illustrated by Allan Kass. What's interesting about this cover is the lack of any detail except the hero. Kass shows us a cowboy in typical western clothing carrying a gun. Our hero is weather beaten, but handsome in a rugged way. Note Kass's signature near the leg.

William MacLeod Raine: Sons of the Saddle

Sons of the Saddle by William MacLeod Raine was published by Signet around 1980. This is a reprint about Gord Stone who was gunning for the cattle king who had framed him.

This is my favorite western cover by Allan Kass. The colors are simply gorgeous as we see the hero descending the mountain on his white horse. I like how Allan uses the whole cover as a frame for the cowboy with the distant mountains and the nearby creek. I just wish my copy was in better shape. Click to enlarge.

William MacLeod Raine: The Six-Gun Kid

William MacLeod Raine's The Six-Gun Kid was published by Signet around 1980. It's a reprint from 1952 about Randy Sloan whose feud with land hungry Anse Cottrell turned into all out vengeance.

Allan Kass shows our hero as determined as he stands on a cliff edge with his guns. Note his signature under the hero's foot. Though not as detailed as his regency covers, note the tree behind him and the greenery as well as the rock formations. Allan really enjoyed creating these covers of a land that he loved.

William MacLeod Raine: Powdersmoke Feud and Clattering Hoofs

Next up in our line of Allan Kass covers is a double story by William MacLeod Raine, a western author. Signet published this book in February 1980. Powdersmoke Feud is about a man on the run and Clattering Hoofs is about a man wrongly accused of murder.

Allan Kass illustrated both photos. He told me in a letter that he was surprised not to have more western covers since he lived in Montana! Powdersmoke Feud shows the hero alone against the elements. It's a calm, quiet cover while Clattering Hoofs shows a group of cowboys riding to possibly find our hero. We can almost see the horses moving and stirring up dust. Kass did a few westerns, so it's a treat to find them. If you know of others, please leave a comment.

Ray Hogan: Skull Gold

Skull Gold is the last of the westerns that I have written by Ray Hogan and illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published by Signet in July 1973 and was #13 in the Shawn Starbuck series. This story revolves around Starbuck's brother, Ben, missing gold, and a beautiful girl!

Allan Kass paints a different pose for this cover with our hero almost close up in view. We see a stagecoach right behind him that it looks like he is trying to intercept or guard. It's a treat seeing the western terrain on these covers and fun to discover that Allan did some other covers than just the historical romances!

Ray Hogan: Passage to Dodge City

Passage to Dodge City was published by Signet in September 1972. Starbuck is on another cattle drive but this one is fraught by peril from a mysterious bushwhacker along with the terrain. #10 in the Starbuck series by Ray Hogan.

Allan Kass shows our hero as he chases after the bad guys. We don't get a good look at his face, but he looks like a force to be reckoned with. Note Allan's signature just below the horse's nose.

Ray Hogan: The Guns of Stingaree

The Guns of Stingaree is a rare Western illustrated by Allan Kass. This book was published in April 1973 by Signet and written by Ray Hogan. Mallory owned Stingaree and most of the Gila Valley, except for Arrowhead Ranch, which he coveted. He hires Starbuck to lead his band of raiders and he refuses but still gets caught up in the violence.

Allan Kass creates a dramatic cover of our hero about to leap into the saddle and rush away from a fire in the background. It's amazing to see the motion of the horse and man. I like the use of color; it creates a stark scene where our hero is prominently displayed.