WTF Wednesday Cover

I came upon this little gem the other day  from 1976- WTF?!!!!!!

Happy Halloween

In  celebration of Halloween this weekend, here are some creepy, scary and just plain ugly covers:

1989

1957 (who would be attracted by this cover?)

1966

1976

1980

The Lute Player by Norah Lofts

Touchstone has been reissueing Norah Lofts books in the US and next up is The Lute Player (release date December 8, 2009).  This is one of Lofts books that I haven't read yet - has anyone read it?
Summary:  Beloved author Norah Lofts brings to life the romance and adventure of the crusading king Richard the Lionhearted through the eyes of his most humble and trusted companion -- his lute player.

One of the most renowned figures in medieval history, Richard the Lionhearted, inspired by a vision of the Holy Land, led his knights onto the battlefields of the Third Crusade. During the years of fighting and intrigue, Richard's life was intertwined with the lives of two strong, vibrant, and drastically different women who loved him -- Berengaria, princess of Navarre, and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. While his marriage to Berengaria was ill-fated, Eleanor loved her son with a frantic, possessive pride. But it is Blondel, the king's lute player, who here steps forward from the shadows to tell this tale of romance, war, and betrayal.
In her trademark style, Norah Lofts paints a complex and human portrait of alegendary king.

2009 (new)

2007 (UK) - I don't get this one at all!

1971

1969

1964

1954

1953

The Goldsmith's Wife by Jean Plaidy

This book has had some interesting covers over the years and they really run the gamut - from pretty and elegant to creepy and cheesy.  It has also been published as The King's Mistress.  I wonder if it will be reissued in the UK (since they have been reissuing many of Plaidy's books).

1950

1952

1971

1978

1981

1984

unknown year

unknown year

1960

1952

Angelique and the Demon

Angelique and the Demon is the 8th book in the series.  Here is a summary:

Angélique is denied the peace of mind she has longed for when the beautiful but unsettling Ambrosine, Duchess de Maudriborg, and her entourage of King's girls are shipwrecked on the shores of Goldsboro.

She is threatened by strange forces and by a mysterious band of pale strangers creating discord and mayhem in the region.

Angélique and her friends combat poison, skulduggery and treachery as she battles for the life of her closest friend Abigail who is awaiting the birth of her first born.

Mesmerised by the compelling wiles of the brilliant and charming Ambrosine, our heroine's fey instincts are clouded and her judgement impaired.

Unsure of love, not knowing whom to trust and fearful for the safety of her children and friends, Angélique must discover the ringleader of the evil that threatens them before it is too late.

Surrounded by shadowy figures, isolated from her friends and entangled in a web of deception, she must confront her most chilling foe.

1973

also from 1973

1975 - I think the size of her sleeves is competing with other parts of her body!

This is a Russian edition (year unknown).  It definately has a different vibe to it!

Gotta Love Vintage!

1975 - Isabella is looking a little sultry





1956

1969

1946

Elizabeth Woodville

Next week is the release of Philippa Gregory's new book The White Queen, about Elizabeth Woodville. Most people don't seem too crazy about the cover (I could do without the silver stuff at the top) but it's not the worst depiction I've seen of the woman who was supposed to be very beautiful. There aren't a lot of historical fiction books about Elizabeth, so most of these are different versions of the few that I know of.



2009




2008




2000

unknown year (she looks a little haughty here)

unknown year, although I'm guessing from the 80's (sorry it is so small - maker it bigger distorts it too much)

1974

1973

1973

1973 - Now this is what a medieval femme fetale should look like!