Original color revised sketch for the jacket for Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators Series, entitled The Secret Of The Crooked Cat, done by artist Harry Kane. Color paint and pencil illustration measures 4.5 x 6.75 and is done on a 8.25 x 12 piece of off-white artists board. A celluloid overlay with the books hand-painted title across the top to give the image of the completed cover when overlayed over the artwork. Faint traces of editor’s notes surround the image, one reading “Do more with lighting, action takes place in main carnival area.” Kane writes under the image “Revised Cover Sketch for (The Secret of the Crooked Cat), Harry Kane.” Artwork is accompanied by a one page document, dated March 5, 1970, of Random House letterhead, from editor Lee Wright, submitting the sketch for approval by Hitchcock, signed at the bottom in black ink by Hitchcock. Harry Kane is most well-known for his contributions to The Three Investigators series of books from 1964 - 1971.Ê Kane painted the cover art for Random House hardbound titles #3 through #16 in the series and he created seven full-page black and white internal illustrations for titles #1 through #16.ÊKane exerted upon those who based their conception then - as they still continue to do some 40 years later - on his interpretation of Jupiter, Pete, Bob and their surrounding casts of characters. In fine condition, with most pencil notations faded and some light soiling to letter. PSA/DNA COA and R&R COA.
