Thursday, June 18, 2009

Mary Balogh: The Wood Nymph


The Wood Nymph is the last book that Allan Kass illustrated for Mary Balogh. It was published by Signet in January 1987. This story is about Lady Helen Wade, who is attracted to William Mainwaring in spite of his rakish lifestyle. When he accosts her repeatedly, she asks him to leave her alone. What happens after this is classic Balogh storytelling!

Allan Kass paints our couple in a wooded setting. It is beautiful and cool. They are both dressed informally: she without a hat and him without a jacket. Her golden dress is pretty with lace trim at the sleeves and a russet sash. Note her bangle bracelets and hoop earrings! It doesn't seem to be an unwanted embrace. I love the small stream in the background with the trees and brush nearby. The talent of illustrators lies in producing what the author envisioned and I believe that Allan Kass was consistent in painting beautiful covers that portrayed a scene from the story that the author was telling.

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