Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Memorable Memorabilia => Topic started by: geezer butler on July 09, 2014, 10:17:48 PM

Title: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 09, 2014, 10:17:48 PM
I like collecting/reading books about monster movies. I have quite a few, but here is my top 10 list:

"Universal Studios Monsters" by Michael Mallory

"Monsters: A celebration of the classics from Universal Studios"

"Hammer, House of Horror" by Howard Maxford

"Too Much Horror Business" by Kirk Hammett

"Top 100 Horror Movies" by Gary Gerani

"Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos"

"Top 100 Sci-Fi Movies" By Gary Gerani

"Zombies!" by Jovanka Vuckovic

"Dark Shadows Almanac"

"Vincent Price: The Art of Fear" by Denis Meikle
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: BigShadow on July 10, 2014, 01:37:01 AM
I bought these two a couple months ago and still enjoy reading them.
"Top 100 Sci-Fi Movies" By Gary Gerani
"Top 100 Horror Movies" by Gary Gerani

This is also one of my favorite books to read and reference.  I can't watch a Ray Harryhausen movie without it:
"Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life" By Tony Dalton and Ray Harryhausen

I have a ton of books on horror/sci-fi movies as well as sserials and old time radio shows.  Can't never have too many books.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Hepcat on July 10, 2014, 08:25:48 AM
Here's one book from my library:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411KK98DMZL.jpg)

Unfortunately it's not everything I'd like from a book about Hammer Studios. It doesn't have either the depth of detail that I'd like nor the colour pictures.

:-\

Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Paul L on July 10, 2014, 10:30:58 AM
The Universal Filmscript/Ackerman Archives series by Philip J. Riley

Forrest J Ackerman's World of Science Fiction

The Famous Monster Movie Art of Basil Gogos

A Pictorial History of Horror Movies by Denis Gifford

The Dark Shadows Almanac
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Haunted hearse on July 10, 2014, 12:17:12 PM
The Dracula Book, by Don Glut
"It's Alive", the story of the Universal Frankenstein movies.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 10, 2014, 12:31:27 PM
 Nice list, Geez, I think you and I are the only UMAers who are fond of the Mallory book. I know there's nothing new about it, but I like the photos they've chosen and the way it's set up. You should seek out the Denis Gifford book (Pictorial History of Horror) & the David J. Skal book (The Monster Show).
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 01:36:45 PM
One of the classics, first published in 1973.
(http://blasphemoustomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pictorial-History-of-Horror-Movies.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 10, 2014, 01:57:07 PM
Yup, that's the one. The pages on mine have yellowed with age, but so have I, I guess.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 10, 2014, 01:58:14 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 01:36:45 PM
One of the classics, first published in 1973.

One of those great early large format HC books, along with the Harryhausen FILM FANTASY SCRAPBOOK and THE MAKING OF KING KONG and others!

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51pN7%2BucLCL.jpg)(http://www.shillpages.com/faywray/book.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:02:38 PM
Here's another good one- The Seal Of Dracula (1975, Barrie Pattison)
(http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo295/BijouBob8mm/sealofdraculabookcover.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:13:05 PM
Another classic- Horrors From Screen To Scream (1975, Ed Naha)
(http://2h3mh837ken53kitqv1co5fh83o.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Book-7.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:31:19 PM
Classic Movie Monsters (1978) by superfan/writer/director Don Glut.
(http://img1.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/x0/x1137.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:40:35 PM
Here are a couple more cool ones published by Bounty Books:

Movie Fantastic Beyond The Dream Machine (1974, David Annan)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61IhukjgKaL._SL500_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)


Cinema Of Mystery (1975, Rose London) (focuses on Poe inspired films)
(http://www.posterpalace.com/images/ak/cinemamysterybook1.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 10, 2014, 02:41:06 PM
A couple of other early favorites.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v0fV15P7uQo/S60My8IPyLI/AAAAAAAAHbM/bEsTRhc-XK0/s400/classic.jpg) (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v0fV15P7uQo/S60M0BkCPrI/AAAAAAAAHbk/6-xoWS6uDBo/s400/movie+magic.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:51:26 PM
The Movie Treasury: Horror Movies- Tales Of Terror In The Cinema (1974, Alan G. Frank)
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/2c/5d/61/2c5d6160573caad5c27d1c64eae10a6a.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 02:59:55 PM
Heroes Of The Horrors (1976) (by Calvin Beck of Castle Of Frankenstein fame)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v670/RareBookCellar/29/48681.jpg)

Scream Queens: Heroines Of The Horrors (1978, Calvin Beck)
(http://www.contamination.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/books/beck.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 03:19:33 PM
The Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Horror (1986, Phil Hardy) (first published in the U.S in 1994)
(http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1348486158l/777260.jpg)

This is probably the most comprehensive reference for horror films. It is exhaustive.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 03:24:13 PM
Paul Naschy: Memoirs Of A Wolfman (2009, Paul Naschy)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51VY4NQHDVL.jpg)

If you're a Naschy fan you gotta have this.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 10, 2014, 04:32:46 PM
 You guys are such bookworms. Nerds.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: tv horror on July 10, 2014, 06:40:01 PM
My own personal favourite is Making a monster by Al Taylor covering the great make-up artists of the past  followed by the McFarland books on television horror.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 11, 2014, 12:53:50 AM
Quote from: Mord on July 10, 2014, 12:31:27 PM
Nice list, Geez, I think you and I are the only UMAers who are fond of the Mallory book. I know there's nothing new about it, but I like the photos they've chosen and the way it's set up. You should seek out the Denis Gifford book (Pictorial History of Horror) & the David J. Skal book (The Monster Show).

Thanks Mord! Yeah it's not the best, but I still reference it a lot. Plus it's the only "Hammer" book I have. There are at least two others "Hammer Glamour" I think and maybe "The Vault of Hammer" something like that. But they're both a bit pricey.

Oh yeah, I have the Gifford book. I bought that at a used book store when I was in HS. Still in pretty good shape. And the Skal book is excellent. I like that he takes the genre seriously and recognizes the importance of horror film/monster culture.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 11, 2014, 01:28:10 AM
 Actually, the Mallory book is on Universal not Hammer.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 11, 2014, 09:08:03 AM
Quote from: Mord on July 11, 2014, 01:28:10 AM
Actually, the Mallory book is on Universal not Hammer.

Oh man, you're right. That's what you get when you watch monster movies until 2:00 am and then start posting things on UMA (lol!)

Yes, the Mallory book is amazing. Pretty comprehensive. I highly recommend it.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: neonnoodle on July 11, 2014, 10:21:33 AM
Yes tv, "Making a Monster" by Al Taylor and Sue Roy is an awesome, awesome book!

Two other favorites of mine are "A Pictorial History of Horror Movies" by Gifford, and "Movie Monsters" by Alan Ormsby.

There's nothing like monster movie books!
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: neonnoodle on July 11, 2014, 10:27:24 AM
Thanks to horrorhunter for posting that image of the Gifford book dust jacket...can you imagine a better-looking book than that?

And the Ed Naha book, too, yes, "Horrors from Screen to Scream"...a very useful reference and full of funny observations...thumbed through it over and over when I was a kid...
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Haunted hearse on July 11, 2014, 10:45:47 AM
Quote from: Mike Scott on July 10, 2014, 02:41:06 PM
A couple of other early favorites.

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_v0fV15P7uQo/S60My8IPyLI/AAAAAAAAHbM/bEsTRhc-XK0/s400/classic.jpg) ]
This was an introduction to me on classic horror films, and I still have a copy.  The author didn't think much of post war horror films, but it's still a good read.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Paul L on July 11, 2014, 10:59:04 AM
Great thread, great selections everyone! I overlooked David Annan's & Calvin Beck's books, also long-time favorites.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 11, 2014, 01:01:38 PM
Another old favorite was Chris Steinbrunner's Cinema of the Fantastic, which had a more indepth look at 15 classic films, including Metropolis, Freaks, King Kong, The Black Cat, The Bride of Frankenstein, etc.

(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMTUw/z/2bYAAOSw91NTvWCL/$_57.JPG)Second Edition:(http://thetrashcollector.com/Books/BookCinemaOfTheFantastic.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 01:13:44 PM
This Hammer book is pretty darn good, fellas.

The House Of Horror: The Complete Story Of Hammer Films (1973, paperback- 1984, Allen Eyles, Robert Adkinson, and Nicholas Fry. Published by Lorrimer)
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_YHg-Wkmwjd4/S4RtnhcnoqI/AAAAAAAADFc/NF61YiKTxGQ/s400/House+of+Horror+01.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 01:22:20 PM
Sleaze Creatures: An Illustrated Guide To Obscure Hollywood Horror Movies, 1956-1959 (2002, D. Earl Worth)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51EJK2MKPCL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 11, 2014, 02:04:34 PM
Now your talkin". Sleaze is my middle name (my mom had a premonition about me).
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 04:26:41 PM
Quote from: Mord on July 11, 2014, 02:04:34 PM
Now your talkin". Sleaze is my middle name (my mom had a premonition about me).
Sleaze Creatures is a fun book but it really just covers flicks that would be pretty much mainstream to weirdos like us...you know late '50s monster flicks like the AIP stuff. They might have been thought of as a bit sleazy when they first came out but afterwards they were considered Shock Theater fodder and kiddie fare. The real sleaze came in the late '60s onward, especially the nekkid '70s, of which we are both ardent aficionados.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 11, 2014, 05:18:48 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 04:26:41 PM
Sleaze Creatures is a fun book but it really just covers flicks that would be pretty much mainstream to weirdos like us...you know late '50s monster flicks like the AIP stuff. They might have been thought of as a bit sleazy when they first came out but afterwards they were considered Shock Theater fodder and kiddie fare. The real sleaze came in the late '60s onward, especially the nekkid '70s, of which we are both ardent aficionados.  :laugh:
Brother, you & I have elevated (or lowered) sleaze to a whole other level.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 07:39:47 PM
Yet another great old hardback.

The Movie Treasury: Monsters And Vampires (1976, Alan Frank, published by Octopus)
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v0fV15P7uQo/S6-wRBSvI6I/AAAAAAAAHc8/GFcnAM_h4QI/s1600/monsters+vampires.JPG)

I picked up many of my monster related hardbacks off book store bargain tables back in the '70s-'80s. My Dad and I always hit the book stores when we would go somewhere and I always gravitated to the monster stuff. I bought most of them for 5 bucks or less. It was a real thrill to find some of these back in the day and usually be able to purchase them. If I didn't have the money right then I would read as much as I could of it and then try to place it in a nook or cranny until I came back later to purchase it. Reading something on a computer or tablet is alright, but I prefer reading and owning the physical book.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 11, 2014, 08:11:06 PM
Let's not forget Jeff Rovin's many contributions to our libraries!

Great book for the animation fans!
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tw5hXrbf1kg/TT--6hTCoLI/AAAAAAAADwk/sLtmJB9g-Nw/s1600/Land+Beyond+Beyond.JPG)

A couple more faves.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NzQ1WDYwMA==/z/KAUAAOSwirZTvEVX/$_12.JPG)  (http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDAwWDMwNg==/z/eN0AAOxyNThTd~bo/$_12.JPG) 
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 08:27:57 PM
Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life (2003, 1st U.S. printing- 2004, Ray Harryhausen & Tony Dalton)
(http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9780823084029_p0_v1_s600.JPG)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 08:44:04 PM
Splatter Movies (1981, John McCarty)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqVJVlPAleE/TfpWXzm2JkI/AAAAAAAABRk/Enis00yfc04/s1600/Splatter.jpg)

This pic is of a later printing. Mine is the first printing paperback from 1981 published by FantaCo. It has the silver and black cover. I couldn't find a photo of it on the net. I may scan mine later if anyone is interested. Really great book about the dawning of gore in horror films.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 09:22:14 PM
Monsters Who's Who (1974, Dulan Barber)
(http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/93/c0/6c/93c06c69c51bde78485401bc9edd5606.jpg)


Also,
Who's Who Of The Horrors And Other Fantasy Films (1980, 1st paper edition 1981, David J. Hogan)

Great encyclopedia covering actors, writers, directors, etc. involved with horror and fantasy films. I have this book as I have all the books I've posted about in this thread, however I couldn't find a pic on the web. I'll scan it later if anyone gives a rat's patoot. This is me being lazy.  ;)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 11, 2014, 10:17:44 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 09:22:14 PM
Who's Who Of The Horrors And Other Fantasy Films. I'll scan it later if anyone gives a rat's patoot.

Why not just Google one!  :D

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613HIU3LmBL._SL500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 10:49:02 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on July 11, 2014, 10:17:44 PM
Why not just Google one!  :D

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/613HIU3LmBL._SL500_.jpg)
Hey, you scared one up! Good job. I checked but came up empty. Thanks.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 11, 2014, 10:57:07 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 10:49:02 PM
I checked but came up empty.

Should have used the "Images" search.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 11:29:03 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 08:44:04 PM
Splatter Movies (1981, John McCarty)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqVJVlPAleE/TfpWXzm2JkI/AAAAAAAABRk/Enis00yfc04/s1600/Splatter.jpg)

This pic is of a later printing. Mine is the first printing paperback from 1981 published by FantaCo. It has the silver and black cover. I couldn't find a photo of it on the net. I may scan mine later if anyone is interested. Really great book about the dawning of gore in horror films.
I got to tinkering because of the tip Mike Scott gave me and found a pic of the first print like my copy. Thanks, Mike.
(http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mT95hJ5fc0oc90nM297UOnA.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mord on July 11, 2014, 11:31:23 PM
 The first printing has a far more iconic cover.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 11:44:23 PM
Quote from: Mord on July 11, 2014, 11:31:23 PM
The first printing has a far more iconic cover.
We are in agreement, good sir.

Imagine that.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: neonnoodle on July 11, 2014, 11:48:32 PM
Here's another one that kept me going through those weird days of the 70's.  Thomas G. Aylesworth's "Monsters from the Movies."  Used to check this one out from the library a lot.  Loved the cool cover illustration.  I found one of these on Amasomething recently!  It was like seeing an old, old friend from elementary school.  In a way, that's exactly what it was...

(http://s.ecrater.com/stores/212328/500b87443e1c5_212328n.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Haunted hearse on July 12, 2014, 03:19:36 PM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 11, 2014, 08:44:04 PM
Splatter Movies (1981, John McCarty)
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqVJVlPAleE/TfpWXzm2JkI/AAAAAAAABRk/Enis00yfc04/s1600/Splatter.jpg)

This pic is of a later printing. Mine is the first printing paperback from 1981 published by FantaCo. It has the silver and black cover. I couldn't find a photo of it on the net. I may scan mine later if anyone is interested. Really great book about the dawning of gore in horror films.
I have the silver copy.  Is there much difference between the two editions?
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 12, 2014, 03:42:15 PM
Quote from: Haunted hearse on July 12, 2014, 03:19:36 PM
I have the silver copy.  Is there much difference between the two editions?
I only have the silver one myself. It's probably just an exact reprint with a new cover (although I think the silver cover is way cooler).
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on July 12, 2014, 04:05:20 PM
Another great one.

Nightmare Movies: A Critical History Of The Horror Film Since 1968 (1984, Kim Newman, published by Proteus)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAyNFg3NDU=/z/NbgAAOxyuOtRa0mW/$T2eC16VHJIYE9qUcNklRBR,0mV7I+g~~60_57.JPG)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: ravenloft on July 15, 2014, 10:46:23 AM
I have been collecting monster books and ghost story books since I was a little kid, I currently have 3 book cases full of mostly ghost story books. I saw this thread and a few UM monster books I have jumped to mind. Here are the ones I could find in a quick perusal that have obvious depictions of UM's on the cover or have several chapters on UM's. I have owned many since I originally purchased them but I also haunt used bookstores on a frequent basis to add to my collection. Not many of these things come down the pipe very often (a major score as I call them) and it is just not the same buying one on Ebay (that is cheating) as it is shouting Eureka! from some dark corner surrounded by musty old stacks of books. I could not find a Bela Lugosi photo cover of the Dracula novel that I know I have somewhere. I may have many others, but I did not see any titles that jumped out when I ran down stairs to check. Of course my favorites and sadly not in my collection were the Crestwood Monster books 1977 that I enjoyed reading and rereading and often had checked out from our school library so I could draw the monsters.
Movie Monsters Gary Poole 1986
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10500301_10153437535333538_7863126653211029547_n.jpg)
Phantom novel cover 1962
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t1.0-9/10559870_10153437535488538_9058744620218952302_n.jpg)
The Bride of Frankenstein  Carl Dreadstone (cool pen name) 1977 other Dreadstone series titles are The Mummy, The Werewolf of London, Creature from the Black Lagoon, Dracula's Daughter, The Wolfman
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10561732_10153437535713538_63538978181045754_n.jpg)
Horror in the Movies Daniel Cohen 1982
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10478682_10153437535843538_5769943615875794015_n.jpg)
Alfred Hitchcock's Let it all Bleed Out 1973
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10525745_10153437535998538_2619916429625972120_n.jpg)
Wolfman Novelization 2010
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/l/t1.0-9/10435977_10153437536203538_4225634407494942667_n.jpg)
Movie Monsters Stephen Daniels 1980
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10373497_10153437536358538_1382386355884936763_n.jpg?oh=aefac4536f91335f924d699612e16b0e&oe=544D597A&__gda__=1414227717_577aece79b036c9729b0e885665bc3b3)
The Phantom of the Opera, David Bischoff 1976 a rewrite of Leroux's novel for kids including several photos of different Universal phantom movies 1925, 1943 and 1962 and other non Universal versions.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10502324_10153437536528538_3845166896600135745_n.jpg)
The Frankenstein Omnibus 1994
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10306164_10153437536683538_6984225689601226319_n.jpg)
Frankenstein and other Man-made Monsters Eric Kudalis 1994 there is Dracula, mummy, and werewolf books in this series
(https://scontent-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10348432_10153437536823538_7788316868955692488_n.jpg)
John Landis Monsters in the Movies 2011
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t1.0-9/10494574_10153437536948538_3391081356049703042_n.jpg)
Too Much Horror Business Kirk Hammett 2012
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10553332_10153437537158538_194101434036276642_n.jpg?oh=17828e84607ad452df67eaa5a282716a&oe=543B53B3)
A celebration of classics from Universal Studios Monsters 2006
(https://scontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t1.0-9/10383583_10153437537258538_278962115236305038_n.jpg)
Title: Anyone know the title of this book?
Post by: Nosferatu79 on July 16, 2014, 12:10:23 AM
Anyone know the title of this book? Here goes:

I once saw a book with a chapter about Bela Lugosi which mentioned a fan of his who wrote him fan mail - even after his passing. I think it indicated she was in love with him, as well.

The book was about multiple horror actors, with a section on each. It was made somewhere between the 60's and the 80's, I think. I believe there was a Vincent Price section, too.

Though the part I mentioned about the fan of Bela is all I recall at the moment, I know the book is about the different actors and their films (not their fans).
Title: Re: Anyone know the title of this book?
Post by: Mike Scott on July 16, 2014, 08:58:14 AM
Quote from: Nosferatu79 on July 16, 2014, 12:10:23 AM
The book was about multiple horror actors, with a section on each.

You sure it wasn't this one?

http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=26085.msg425690#msg425690 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=26085.msg425690#msg425690)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Nosferatu79 on July 16, 2014, 01:09:58 PM
Though the cover didn't ring a bell, perhaps it's a different cover for the same book. Certainly it seems to fit the contents I described, with both Bela and Vincent, and it's the same kind of book, so it's only natural that it very well could be, and so I thank you for suggesting it to me! Also, there's a chance it's the right cover after all, since no one can trust their memory 100%, I've heard. (Or not many, I should say!) I am hoping that if I keep up with this thread, someone will mention this book I'm looking for and I'll say, "That's it!" either due to the cover photo or title or author. In the meantime, I will have to think about getting Heroes Of The Horrors (1976) by Calvin Beck if I find a good price, as it should be a great one...and it just may be the one I am looking for! Either way, I appreciate the reply! :)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 16, 2014, 01:28:08 PM
There's also THE HORROR PEOPLE (1976) by John Brosnan, which also features Lugosi and Price.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TwlNnibsL._SL500_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)   (http://www.shadowlocked.com/images/stories/features/tyburn/horror-people.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 20, 2014, 02:31:48 PM
Great images everyone. In my original list I only mentioned contemporary titles, but your images reminded me of some old school titles.

For example, I also have the Gifford book, the Gary Poole book "Movie Monsters." and "There is something Going out There" (1982).

One of these days I'd like to collect those Ian Thorne monster books. I read everyone of those when I was kid. This was obviously before the Internet and DVDs, so in many cases that was the only way you could see images from some of these movies. I didn't even see "House of Frankenstein" until I was an adult, but knew all about it for years because of these books.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: typhooforme on July 20, 2014, 07:00:11 PM
Just recently acquired this 2012 republishing of the 1928 novel--beautifully done cover, and it includes the stills from the old photoplay version in the back of the reprint.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/4v30xy.jpg)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/19r0ac.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Nosferatu79 on July 31, 2014, 02:36:29 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on July 16, 2014, 01:28:08 PM
There's also THE HORROR PEOPLE (1976) by John Brosnan, which also features Lugosi and Price.

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TwlNnibsL._SL500_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)   (http://www.shadowlocked.com/images/stories/features/tyburn/horror-people.jpg)

THANK YOU! The cover on the left MUST be it! (Of course I love the other cover as well!) You found it! Thank you!  ;D
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 31, 2014, 03:28:27 PM
Quote from: Nosferatu79 on July 31, 2014, 02:36:29 PM
THANK YOU! The cover on the left MUST be it! (Of course I love the other cover as well!)

The cover on the right is a paperback edition.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on September 13, 2014, 11:51:52 AM
Just picked this up yesterday.

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/15039825068_2c558a374e_h.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/oV231L)horror_movies (https://flic.kr/p/oV231L) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/people/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 02, 2016, 06:15:47 PM
Picked this up at local record store:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7102/28046104105_bac2fa1035.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/JJkBD4)2016-07-02_06-55-30 (https://flic.kr/p/JJkBD4) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: neonnoodle on July 09, 2016, 10:36:31 AM
I just read Ackerman's "The Frankenscience Monster" recently and loved it.  Great book.  Very charming and it paints a warm portrait of Mr. Karloff.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: typhooforme on July 09, 2016, 11:59:42 AM
If anyone want to read an interesting sci fi anthology--here's a collection Forry edited in 1981--of older sci fi stories he didn't want to be forgotten.  They're ones from pulps and so on, obscure stories by writers Forry admired.
(http://i65.tinypic.com/4se0dl.jpg)

Since the Forry book has nothing specifically to do with horror films...I'll also recommend this, a biography of Tod Browning by Skal.  Lots of info about FREAKS and other Browning films!
(http://i66.tinypic.com/el40bb.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: garystrange on July 21, 2016, 10:07:48 AM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51GZG736BAL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on October 15, 2016, 09:05:58 PM
Picked this up for $5 at used book store:

(https://c3.staticflickr.com/9/8558/30309204026_a43de01ba5.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NbjApd)2016-10-15_12-30-07 (https://flic.kr/p/NbjApd) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 01:47:28 AM
I got these from a car-boot sale recently, at the ridiculous price of 20 pence each. The Kong book is pretty concise with nearly 300 pages and packed with concept art and cool photos, and the Horror book is a great read too, and gotta love that artwork!

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161016/5de81cd73b5bde38d8f4285ebe6011d7.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on October 16, 2016, 09:53:08 AM
Quote from: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 01:47:28 AM
I got these from a car-boot sale recently . .

Those are two great early horror movie books! I have the HC of the KONG book. It was redone, with additional info, a few years back, from Midnight Marquee Press.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 11:19:43 AM
Quote from: Mike Scott on October 16, 2016, 09:53:08 AM
Those are two great early horror movie books! I have the HC of the KONG book. It was redone, with additional info, a few years back, from Midnight Marquee Press.
I was surprised at how old the Kong book was (1977), as the graphics on the cover appear quite modern. I'd like to get it in hardback, and with a little less wear and tear!
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on October 16, 2016, 11:49:17 AM
Quote from: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 11:19:43 AM
I was surprised at how old the Kong book was (1977)

The HC was 1975.

Quote from: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 11:19:43 AM
I'd like to get it in hardback, and with a little less wear and tear!

I'm sure you can find one through abebooks.com
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 12:18:21 PM

Cheers Mike!
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Hepcat on October 17, 2016, 10:26:49 AM
Quote from: long live kong on October 16, 2016, 01:47:28 AMI got these from a car-boot sale recently, at the ridiculous price of 20 pence each. The Kong book is pretty concise with nearly 300 pages and packed with concept art and cool photos, and the Horror book is a great read too, and gotta love that artwork!

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161016/5de81cd73b5bde38d8f4285ebe6011d7.jpg)

Wow! Great score.

8)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: long live kong on November 05, 2016, 03:43:12 PM
Some more of my horror/monster books....the 'Dinosaur Movie Guide' is an interesting book as it is basically a list of hundreds of movies that do not just contain Dinosaurs but any film with stop motion animation, large animals, cavemen, missing links and gillmen etc etc. The Dracula Scrapbook is an accessible history of Bram Stoker's novel and it's legacy in film and popular culture. A good read! I haven't read the Chaney biography yet!
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/de6149fb882555f9a88e8e0010c6d410.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/6658f3c17e3e69f5d7f5bec67bbba83b.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161105/32c146892f45c642a2452a8adafeb590.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: DBCrader on January 11, 2017, 02:19:42 AM
Quote from: horrorhunter on July 10, 2014, 01:36:45 PM
One of the classics, first published in 1973.
(http://blasphemoustomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Pictorial-History-of-Horror-Movies.jpg)

      You beat me to it!!! This one is, possibly, my very first hardcover book. Still have it to this day, 40 years later!!!
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on January 11, 2017, 02:02:42 PM
Movie Monsters (Scholastic Book Services, 1975) Alan Ormsby

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIP5bV2XJdA/US-hrT8AgEI/AAAAAAAAMQw/bXyeHQ1bKUc/s1600/MovieMonstersOrmsby1.jpg)

I still have a well worn copy of this paperback from '75 that delighted many a Monsterkid.

Ormsby also starred in a monster flick most of us are familiar with:

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JaEWV8Ple-w/Twt_Grp9eTI/AAAAAAAABwQ/G3qfqaQw1Vw/s1600/children_shouldnt_play_with_dead_things_poster_02.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: KelG1 on January 11, 2017, 03:35:05 PM
This was my first horror book: A Pictorial History of Horror Movies by Denis Gifford
I still have it but it is banged up something awful.
Classics of the Horror Film is in much better condition.
In those days so many movies were impossible to see on tv so looking at the pictures and imagining the stories were the only way to experience them.

I also have the Encyclopedia of Horror by Octopus press. Hope I have the title right. It has a foreward by Peter Cushing.
Instead of focusing just on movies, it talks about comics as well as historical horror--woodcuts, old paintings etc.

Another similar book I have is Penguin's Encyclopedia of Horror and the Supernatural form 1986. In depth articles on a variety of subjects movies people.

I got the Vampire Cinema through a specialty store--and a few others, but then I ran out of money to spend on books.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on January 12, 2017, 12:43:42 AM
Quote from: horrorhunter on January 11, 2017, 02:02:42 PM
Movie Monsters (Scholastic Book Services, 1975) Alan Ormsby

(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kIP5bV2XJdA/US-hrT8AgEI/AAAAAAAAMQw/bXyeHQ1bKUc/s1600/MovieMonstersOrmsby1.jpg)

I still have a well worn copy of this paperback from '75 that delighted many a Monsterkid.


Man that "Movie Monsters" book is awesome! I had that as a kid. I used to read that pretty much every day. Wish I still had a copy.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: horrorhunter on January 12, 2017, 06:39:47 PM
Quote from: geezer butler on January 12, 2017, 12:43:42 AM
Man that "Movie Monsters" book is awesome! I had that as a kid. I used to read that pretty much every day. Wish I still had a copy.
Here's a cheap listing on evilBay, geez: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Book-MOVIE-MONSTERS-Alan-Ormsby-w-Illustrations-/201779154677?hash=item2efaf98ef5:g:7KEAAOSwEzxYc9TJ (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Book-MOVIE-MONSTERS-Alan-Ormsby-w-Illustrations-/201779154677?hash=item2efaf98ef5:g:7KEAAOSwEzxYc9TJ)

There are 3 other listings currently but the one above seems best. Make an offer and you might get it for 8 bucks with free shipping.  ;)

If you are extremely patient you may find a copy in a used book store or flea market for next to nothing, but that could take forever.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on March 19, 2018, 11:11:13 PM
Two great additions to my collection. I highly recommend both:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/40203302454_572c18b5d9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24fCra9)2018-03-19_07-52-04 (https://flic.kr/p/24fCra9) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/792/40911757351_b9355f94ff_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25kes7K)2018-03-19_07-51-32 (https://flic.kr/p/25kes7K) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/40203289024_57a1c3a80e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24fCnaA)2018-03-19_07-51-07 (https://flic.kr/p/24fCnaA) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/40203278184_c458b0fa9a.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24fCiWG)2018-03-19_07-50-39 (https://flic.kr/p/24fCiWG) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4777/40203267804_4ff5f9bd50.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24fCfRJ)2018-03-19_07-50-11 (https://flic.kr/p/24fCfRJ) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Herr Hussmann on March 20, 2018, 12:09:07 PM
(https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/PNwAAOSwg3FUdMdy/s-l1600.jpg)

Here's one I got plenty of source material from.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: geezer butler on July 05, 2018, 08:08:59 PM
Picked this up today. I have the Top 100 Horror and Top 100 Sci-Fi books from the same series. They're fun books. As you can imagine, the Comic Book Movies list features plenty of fantasy and sci-fi superhero movies, but there's some horror represented too: (30 Days of Night, Swamp Thing, HellBoy, From Hell, Alien vs Predator, Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Blade).


(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/28356316957_ffe540756a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KcKx7v)2018-07-05_05-49-10 (https://flic.kr/p/KcKx7v) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: GeekDragon on July 24, 2018, 11:32:27 PM
Let's not forget Return of the Wolfman by Jeff Rovin and the 3 Famous Monsters of filmland paperbacks.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Dr. Acula on July 28, 2018, 02:18:03 PM
One of my personal treasures: the Easton Press leatherbound edition of Mallory's Monsters.

(https://i.imgur.com/mZ7DrG3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SGaxmui.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on July 28, 2018, 03:19:23 PM
Quote from: Dr. Acula on July 28, 2018, 02:18:03 PM
One of my personal treasures: the Easton Press leatherbound edition of Mallory's Monsters.

Ooo! I didn't know there was one. Nice!
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Sir Masksalot on March 30, 2024, 10:16:44 AM
There are some terror-ific titles in this thread but I'm very surprised
that no one has yet mentioned Denis Gifford's Movie Monsters,
a little paperback from the late 1960s. The text is arranged by type
of monster over twelve chapters: vampires, werewolves, mummies,
zombies, et al; covering the literary origins of each and cinematic
interpretations from silent era through Hammer and beyond.
Photographs, even from contemporary titles, are all in black&white
which Mr GIfford considers "the ideal medium for the horror film".
Who could possibly dispute that?

My only complaint is his omission of "Creature from the Black Lagoon";
not one single mention ... and in a book about movie monsters with
a green cover!

There's a filmography at the end, classified under chapter titles,
which lists silent era versions produced before 1920. Gawd, if there
was ever an improbable film festival mounted of all these lost movies,
I'd travel anywhere in the world to attend!

I've had my copy of Movie Monsters since boyhood and regard it as vital
to any monsterkid library. The chapters are brief and can each be consumed
in one sitting ... which, of course, makes this the perfect bathroom reader  :laugh:

(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/800x600q70/923/ZtVaji.jpg)


Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: BigShadow on April 06, 2024, 11:50:51 PM
Wow, I've never seen the Movie Monsters (1969) book before. eBay has a few, varying in price. I'm going to wait until this summer's Monster Bash to see if anyone has it there. Need to check my collection first and make sure I don't already have it, hehehe
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Hepcat on April 07, 2024, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: geezer butler on March 19, 2018, 11:11:13 PMTwo great additions to my collection. I highly recommend both:

(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/822/40203302454_572c18b5d9_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/24fCra9)2018-03-19_07-52-04 (https://flic.kr/p/24fCra9) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

Quote from: geezer butler on July 05, 2018, 08:08:59 PMPicked this up today. I have the Top 100 Horror and Top 100 Sci-Fi books from the same series. They're fun books. As you can imagine, the Comic Book Movies list features plenty of fantasy and sci-fi superhero movies, but there's some horror represented too: (30 Days of Night, Swamp Thing, HellBoy, From Hell, Alien vs Predator, Ghost Rider, Doctor Strange, Blade).


(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1829/28356316957_ffe540756a_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/KcKx7v)2018-07-05_05-49-10 (https://flic.kr/p/KcKx7v) by geezer2014 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/66203961(*at*)N06/), on Flickr

Those are two books that now badly require updated revised editions!

;)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: BigShadow on April 07, 2024, 11:54:00 PM
The Godzilla book is fantastic but definitely needs an update. I had the 100 horror, sci-fi, and fantasy books, respectively, but have never seen the superhero one.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: fearliath on April 08, 2024, 07:36:13 PM
Quote from: Dr. Acula on July 28, 2018, 02:18:03 PM
One of my personal treasures: the Easton Press leatherbound edition of Mallory's Monsters.

(https://i.imgur.com/mZ7DrG3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/SGaxmui.jpg)

I have well over a thousand Easton Press books and I had no idea this one existed. It also seems to be currently unavailable for sale at any aftermarket retailer.

Update: Found and purchased from a seller who had the listing mislabeled.
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Simon Rowson on May 11, 2024, 11:15:09 AM
My first book on the subject, obtained just before the Gifford. (https://i.postimg.cc/Dznr1qFM/IMG-9722.jpg)
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on May 11, 2024, 04:06:47 PM
Quote from: fearliath on April 08, 2024, 07:36:13 PMI have well over a thousand Easton Press books

Holy crap, a thousand!? What kinds of subjects, just everything?
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on May 11, 2024, 04:08:44 PM
Quote from: Simon Rowson on May 11, 2024, 11:15:09 AMMy first book on the subject, obtained just before the Gifford.

Looks like a typical cover of "Monster Mag".
Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: fearliath on June 26, 2024, 04:28:43 PM
Quote from: Mike Scott on May 11, 2024, 04:06:47 PMHoly crap, a thousand!? What kinds of subjects, just everything?
Just saw this, yes, a very large array of topics. A lot of biography sets (Lincoln by Carl Sandburg, Washington by Douglas Southall Freeman, etc). Several historical sets (Winston Churchills WWI and WWII sets). A lot of literature old and somewhat modern. Several horror (Dracula, Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, King Kong. Dr. Jekyll, Invisible Man etc.). A fair amount of science fiction (Island of Dr. Moreau, The War of the Worlds, etc.)

Title: Re: Favorite books about monster movies
Post by: Mike Scott on June 26, 2024, 04:37:16 PM
Quote from: fearliath on June 26, 2024, 04:28:43 PMJust saw this, yes, a very large array of topics.

That's a lot of books from just the one publisher!