PAPERBACKS FROM HELL: THE TWISTED HISTORY OF 70S AND 80S HORROR FICTION

Unholy alliances between children and clowns, evil scientists performing diabolical experiments, zombies, monsters, skeletons, haunted houses, possession and gore: For fans of pulp horror fiction, the 70s and 80s were a golden era. A new book aims to rediscover cult classics of the genre all too often relegated to collecting dust on thrift store shelves. Paperbacks From Hell traces the story of mass-market horror’s rise and demise, with such a razor focus on cult authors that Stephen King barely gets a mention.

The book pairs artwork with colourful synopses of obscure novels as well as recurring themes and trends. The tone is irreverent and playful. Written by Grady Hendrix, whose other titles include Horrorstör and My Best Friend’s Exorcism, the book is a true appreciation of the genre, accompanied by one of the ultimate joys of the boom: the campy covers.