ERB’s seventh story was started in 1913, right after finishing “At the Earth’s Core.” It was published that year in THE ALL-STORY magazine for July, August and September (3 parts). The second half of the tale was started in 1914, right after he finished “Thuvia, Maid of Mars,” but wasn’t published until 1917 in ALL-STORY WEEKLY, over 4 weeks starting March 31. Eight years later the hardcover edition was printed by McClurg on March 21, 1925.
The cover painting is by J. Allen St. John, with the same illustration, printed in sepia used inside the book for a frontispiece. The titling was added separately, not painted on as with some of the St. John cover art.
This comparison shows the original dust-jacket, in an unrestored state, on the left, and the original painting, which I have used in my Recoverings restoration. There is some evidence that the painting has had some slight restoration done to it, chiefly around the edges, but it appears that the main figures have not been touched.
Phil: The original painting for the dust jacket of THE CAVE GIRL was extensively restored. The top of the painting from Nadara’s elbow up was virtually destroyed by the ERB, Inc. warehouse fire. Danton Burroughs sold the damaged painting to John McGuigan who had the painting restored. However he decided that he was unsatisfied with the painting and the restoration and sold it back to Danton. Danton then had further restoration work done on it. So there was quite a bit more than “some slight restoration done around the edges.” However the main figures were not damaged other than some slight smoke damage.
Thanks Bob, that kind of detailed information is hard to come by. I really appreciate your expertise on this. Given what you say, it might be better for me to just use the figures and restore the background using the original dust-jacket print. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell when comparing the painting and the print as to whether the engraver matched the original successfully. Some of the McClurg covers are quite sharp and others, like TARZAN THE TERRIBLE, are too soft. At least as compared to the G&D version where the details are a lot sharper. Great comment!