Readathon - The Secret of Moon Castle

[Lucky Star]

On the advert/job description for Baronia Palace I wonder if it stated: : 2 strong men required for full-time position in charge of one delightful boy. Must be able to travel at short notice and stay away for varying lengths of time. Unusual work conditions can be expected. Those not willing and able to commit to 24/7 duties need not apply! (with apologies to THE LADY!)

I recall at some point that Ranni and Pilescu were willing to die for Paul if necessary.

[pete9012S]

What is the white stuff on Mary Gernat's 1966 pic below 'of' on the title above??

[Anita Bensoussane]

Maybe it's meant to be the light from the windows catching another part of the castle. The torchlight shimmers in a similar way.

[pete9012S]

Good suggestion Anita. Here's a comparison of two early paperback covers:

[Moonraker]

It seems to be the same stuff that's in front of the torch.

[Boodi 2]

Yes, it is a rather poor attempt to show the light from the windows reflecting on to the tower opposite...or else the artist just wanted to remove the excess white paint from the brush!

[pete9012S]

I thought it would be interesting to see all the covers Mary Gernat did for the Secret Series to compare them with her Moon Castle cover:


All the covers are from the cave and were done in the same year, 1965..

[Anita Bensoussane]

Thanks, Pete. Mary Gernat's sketches are appealing and full of life, but I find the colours somewhat jarring on some of the covers.

[Boodi 2]

I like Mary Gernat's covers, but note a similarity between the Spiggy Holes and Moon Castle covers in terms of the use of white to indicate the light from the torches, which works better in the former.