From Amazon
First published in 1988, Horror: The 100 Best Books has remained the only book of its kind: a solid (and entertaining) annotated reading list spanning the range of horror fiction from the 16th to the 20th century. The device of asking 100 horror, fantasy,and science fiction writers to write about their favorite horror books might seem at first to capture an idiosyncratic sample, but through diplomacy and diligence, editors Stephen Jones and Kim Newman succeeded in obtaining short essays on most (if not all) of the well-known classics, as well as many more lesser-knowns that are well worth discovering. Readers who follow up on these recommendations will find tips about books by writers mostly known for other genres--such as Iain Banks, Robert Holdstock, Lisa Tuttle, and David Morrell.
Also valuable are write-ups on literary works not always acknowledged as horror, such as Kingsley Amis's The Green Man, Jerzy Kosinski's The Painted Bird, and John Gardner's Grendel. And the write-ups offer a fascinating peek into the minds of the contributors, who include just about all the top horror writers of the'60s-'80s. This 10th anniversary edition makes no changes in the list of 100 books, but updates the entries and includes a 9-page reading list of titles from 458 B.C. to 1997. --Fiona Webster --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Book Description
Packed with photographs of the most terrifying scenes in cinema history, this unique, definitive, comprehensive guide traces the story of horror over the past century, decade-by-decade, and provides a witty and informative critique of more than 250 films, plus the TV series and literature that informed them. With feature spreads on related themes appearing throughout—from vampires, ghosts, and comedy horror, to the occult, giallo, cannibalism, and serial killers—this book offers a superb introduction for beginners as well as something new for the die-hard horror fan. Each section has a detailed introduction looking at the development of the genre, followed by an A-Z review listing of key films, with feature spreads on dominant themes.
About the Author
James Marriott is also the author of Horror Films, and a regular contributor to many magazines and websites, including cult periodical Headpress. Leading film critic, award-winning novelist, and frequent TV and radio broadcaster, Kim Newman is also the author of numerous non-fiction studies of horror, including Horror: 100 Best Books, which won the Bram Stoker Award for best non-fiction.
