Synopsis: This splendid, if scary, collection of movie posters covers over 80 years of horror films and features all the classics of the genre from early silents such as Nosferatu (illustrated here with a hitherto unpublished poster) or The Cabinet of Dr Caligari to contemporary blockbusters like Silence of the Lambs. Within a broadly chronological framework, the films are grouped by categories, such as Universal Studios' uniquely rich hoard of horror, the products of British horror specialists Hammer Films, Japanese horror movies, horror spoofs such as An American Werewolf in London, or serial killer movies. Also featured is the work of directors who are wholly or partly remembered for their contribution to the genre, like Roman Polanski (Repulsion and Rosemary's Baby), Alfred Hitchcock (The Birds and Psycho), David Cronenberg (The Fly) or Brian de Palma (Carrie and Sisters). Horror, perhaps more than any other genre, offers the poster artist the opportunity to create an image that is both disturbing and memorable, this book shows just how rich is the tradition upon which movie-goers can draw for their nightmares.

Review: This is thoroughly interesting book that succeeds by picking out the most poignant posters from horror movie's past and showcasing with the gaps filled in with minor- back story and biographical information.

After a brief but interesting introduction the main section kicks off with a look at the silent era and those posters (and art) that sought to sell movies in a variety of different ways, namely the work of German director Fritz (METROPOLIS) Lang. As well as the movies mentioned above there's notable representation for ERASERHEAD, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, NEW YORK RIPPER, ZOMBIE FLESH EATERS, FRANKENSTEIN, HALLOWEEN and the EXORCIST. There's literally too many to mention here but a lot of ground is covered across a broad section of movies; from zombies to literary classics and back again! The inclusion of the J-horror section almost comes across like an after thought but the fact that it's there shows how much of a cultural impact the genre is having on the west. Special mention must go to EVIL DEAD, represented by the 'sexed-up' US theatrical poster and the excellent British quad.

Overall perhaps the most interesting thing about the book is its look at eastern European poster art. The text explains that often the artists' hadn't seen the movies they were trying to sell so it's no surprise that some of their illustrations came out a little abstract! ALIEN, ALIENS and Cronenberg's THE FLY are good examples. As a result they make excellent viewing! The section concerning how Hitchcock's movies were illustrated and a look at THE OMEN's promotion in Poland are especially noteworthy. It's not just the posters that make the book worth purchasing the prose is informed, relevant and well written and packed with more than enough trivia to keep you interested. I found it particularly interesting that the BREAKFAST CLUB style poster for TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE 2 had to be withdrawn because of copyright infringement!

Conclusion: To sum up I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of posters and while it couldn't possibly be definitive it provides an excellent, and affordable, glimpse into the evolution of style used by poster artists over the last 80 years. A great stocking filler which both horror movie fans and film enthusiasts will enjoy.