Grady Hendrix

the twisted history of '70s and '80s horror fiction

Paperbacks from Hell

The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction

I have to accept that reference works and coffee table books are no longer a thing, but this bits and pieces monologue of a six hours is not an appropriate replacement 

Paige LeBook

Maggie Gordon

Paperbacks from Hell is an overview of a little acknowledged area of literature: mass market horror books from the 1970-90s. Hendrix goes over the different subgenres and highlights some truly hilarious examples of stories one could once find at the supermarket. The book is beautiful with many full colour images of book covers. I would have liked a bit more analysis. Hendrix says some interesting things about, for example, haunted house stories drawing on the real estate politics of the time. I would have liked more of that! But definitely a worthwhile read if you want to know more about the wonders of the largely forgotten horror genre of the past.

Patti Reinheimer

Too much fun for anyone with a taste for cheesy paperback horror!

Anastaciya

That's a great work. A beautifully made book

Seth

Novel Ideas

An affectionate, nostalgic, and unflinchingly funny celebration of the horror fiction boom of the 1970s and ’80s Take a tour through the horror paperback novels of two iconic decades . . . if you dare. Page through dozens and dozens of amazing book covers featuring well-dressed skeletons, evil dolls, and knife-wielding killer crabs! Read shocking plot summaries that invoke devil worship, satanic children, and haunted real estate! Horror author and vintage paperback book collector Grady Hendrix offers killer commentary and witty insight on these trashy thrillers that tried so hard to be the next Exorcist or Rosemary’s Baby. Complete with story summaries and artist and author profiles, this unforgettable volume dishes on familiar authors like V. C. Andrews and R. L. Stine, plus many more who’ve faded into obscurity. Also included are recommendations for which of these forgotten treasures are well worth your reading time and which should stay buried.

Paperbacks from Hell the twisted history of '70s and '80s horror fiction

Reviews