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The Monster Librarian Presents:

Reviews of Horror Non-Fiction

Below are reviews of non-fiction that have a horror theme or horror elements to them. 

Everyone Loves a Good Trainwreck: Why We Can’t Look Away by Eric G. Wilson*New Review

Farrar, Strauss and Giroux 2012

ISBN: 9780374150334

Available: Hardcover, Kindle

Everyone Loves a Good Trainwreck: Why We Can’t Look Away is a stand-alone piece of non-fiction. In this smart, knowing, and well-researched book, Eric Wilson examines  two important topics that people really don’t address often enough: death and suffering. Nothing is taboo here; he discusses everything from great psychologists and their issues, to writers, to dark movies and songs… the list goes on. “Elephant Graveyards” is an especially fascinating chapter. Each chapter in this book is short, and easy to read. It’s quite well written and will captivate in a way that only truth can.

I am placing a blanket recommendation for this book. To not read this book, and avoid thinking about death and suffering and our place in this world, is to deny one of the things that makes us human. While there may be some who would never, ever touch a non-fiction book (I know, I was one of them for a while) I strongly urge you to give this one a try. It will be worth your while.

Contains: Macabre Images, Adult topics

Reviewed by: Benjamin Franz

The Painter, The Creature,  And The Father Of Lies: 25 Years of Non-Fiction Writings by Clive Barker, edited by Phil and Sarah Stokes

Earthling Publications, July 2011

ISBN: 978-0979505447

What can be said about Clive Barker? He is the master of all things fantastical, an artist of countless trades, and a pioneer for horror as we know it today. Stephen King knew the groundbreaking path being laid out before us prior to ever having read a single word of Barker’s. If you didn’t realize this little horror fiction trivia fact, then The Painter, The Creature, And The Father of Lies is ready to tell you of this and so much more.   

He is witty, he is raw, he is real, and he is beautifully dark.  Phil and Sarah Stokes have performed an amazing feat of sifting through Barker’s personal correspondence, letters, notes, and unpublished works to provide us a glimpse intimate glimpse into Barker’s life history. Interlaced within the collected writings are showpieces of Barker’s own stunning illustrations, which give visual life to his profoundly lyrical language.  

This collection of works is an absolute must have for any library’s horror collection. Clive Barker fans will be expecting it on the shelves, and likely demanding it, should it not be there. The question libraries will need to answer is whether to shelve it with Barker’s other works, or in the non-fiction section. My suggestion? Start with an amazing display showcasing all of his works with a combination of literature, movies, and art if you can swing it.

Recommended for public library non-fiction collections.

Contains: Language     

Reviewed by: Kelly Fann

In the Footsteps of Dracula by Stephen P. Unger

World Audience, Inc.; 2 edition, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1935444534

Available: New and Used

A must-read for any fan of Bram Stoker's Dracula, Stephen Unger's travelogue is a wonder. Rich with detail and compiled in an easy-to-follow format, the author opens up the world of the fictional Count and the historic Impaler for all to read. Filled with fascinating photographs, each step of Unger’s journey is carefully chronicled. I can scarcely imagine a Stoker fan who would not be enchanted by this book, not to mention feeling quite envious. With the novel Dracula as his guide, Unger traverses Romania and gives the reader an intimate look into Stoker's fiction, but beyond that, he also explores the areas in which Stoker wrote and did his research, providing a full and complete picture of the author, his work, and the historic accounts on which he based his fiction. There are minor inconsistencies and inaccuracies found within, but the studious will overlook these and revel in a journey few of us could ever undertake for ourselves. Ideal for genre fans and a wonderful addition to any library's travel section, In the Footsteps of Dracula is suitable for both private and public collections.

Contains: N/A

Reviewed by: Bob Freeman

The Anatomy of Evil by Dr. Michael Stone*New Review

Prometheus, 2009

Available: New, used & digital (multi-format)

ISBN: 1591027268

Prepare for a journey though the dark side with today's most widely recognized forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Michael Stone. After years (and hundreds of killers studied) Stone created the Graduations of Evil Scale, and this book is his explanation of the process. The Anatomy of Evil is intense, featuring many profiles of killers, and none of the ones you'd expect. There are no Bundy, Gacy or Dahmer profiles here. And the focus doesn't stay on serial or mass killers at all.

Stone doesn't give a text book regurgitation of facts, but also adds theories on how religion, media and social influences what our ideas of evil are, and how these notorious (often unrepentant) killers fit into that. The Anatomy of Evil is THE definitive work on killer psychology and likely will remain so for a while to come. It also tackles the difficulty of defining evil itself, the causes, effects and way society can deal with it. Stone's style, while academic, is not beyond the understanding of the casual reader. The book is an incredible read, infinitely fascinating and should be a mandatory part of every public collection. Its research value, be it to writers or budding psychiatrists and law enforcement, or just people trying to understand the motives of those around them, is immense. While Stone handles the horrible details without allowing the book to become profane or gory it is a difficult read just because of the depths of the depravity it explores. But Stone handles the rough subject matter with delicacy and skill, and most of all composure, that most would struggle with.

Contains: descriptions of true, horrifying criminal acts including torture, rape and murder

Reviewed by: Michele Lee

Writers Workshop of Horror edited by Michael KnostWoodland Press, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9824939-1-5
Available: New
    
    Imagine a college writing class where each day a new, experienced writer shuffles in, lectures the class on a new aspect of storytelling and writing, then walks away without another word, leaving the budding writers to digest and utilize the information as they like. Or perhaps two writers walk in, one interviewing the other, leaving students privy to what seems like intimate, insider knowledge. This is Writers Workshop of Horror, a comprehensive collection of essays on the writing process, each with a different style and voice, all merely
suggesting to the reader how things might be done. It is a quiet relaying of information and experience, with no distractions, no argumentative interruptions and no demand to follow exactly in the teacher's footsteps.
    Writers Workshop of Horror has a lot to offer to new and even experienced authors, without the drama or distraction of a traditional writing class or workshop. Each author's voice comes through with strength and clarity. Priceless information and experience, not just for horror writers, but for writers in general, sits on these pages. More helpful than most how-to writing books out there (as long as you can tolerate sometimes gruesome examples of storytelling concepts), this book is an essential resource for all libraries wishing to support writers, whether hobbyists or pros. Highly recommended.

Review by Michele Lee

Shadows Over Florida by David Goudsward and Scott Goudsward

Bear Manor Media, 2010

ISBN: 9781593934705

Available: New 

David Goudsward and Scott Goudsward have once again delivered a fantastic resource for fans and researchers of the fantastic and macabre. As in their previously released Shadows Over New England, Shadows Over Florida takes a similar approach, providing a fun-filled tour of the Sunshine State from a horror perspective, particularly for fans of the horror movie genre. The Goudswards have collected a plethora of arcane knowledge, and are especially adept at shining a light on the independent filmmaking that went on in the State. Shadows over Florida is a “must-have” title for libraries and for anyone who is a fan of horror or who is planning a Florida vacation and eager to visit areas not found in the local tourist attraction guides.

For private or public collections.

Review by Bob Freeman

Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word: Essays on Writing and Appreciating the Genre by Matthew Warner*New Review

Guide Dog Books, 2008

ISBN: 9781933293707

Available: Pre-Order (September,2008)

    Horror Isn't A 4-Letter Word is a collection of nonfiction essays by Matthew Warner, primarily culled from his Horrorworld.org column, “Author’s Notes.” Warner is an engaging writer, unapologetic about his love affair with the horror genre, as in “I’ll Have One Large Blood Shake and a Side Order of Stereotypes, Please.” Warner also includes some fun fan-geeky stuff like the serviceable“10 Fun Things I’ve Done As a Horror Geek.” His self-deprecating style adds humor to some writerly, and very human moments,  both of which can be found in the hilarious “Audition.”  Warner has also written several intelligent articles critically analyzing writing in the horror genre. “Message vs. Medium: The Agenda of Left  Behind” is a completely fascinating look at the Christian horror of Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. Warner also includes several articles on the craft of writing and public relations. His essay on public speaking, “Conquering America’s Greatest Fear,” will be invaluable to writers presenting in all kinds of venues, including schools and libraries. Several other essays also provide information on the craft of writing.

     The book’s main flaw is its fragmented feel, as the “fan” columns, anecdotes, critical essays, and articles on writing are randomly ordered instead of grouped in a way that would allow readers to find the kind of article they are looking for. Additionally, readers may find themselves getting bogged down in Warner’s nearly 30 page ramble, “My Summer With A Book Doctor.” Overall, though, Horror Isn't A 4-Letter Word offers up an entertaining nonfiction potpourri with a writer’s personal and critical perspectives on writing and the horror genre. There are few published books that provide this kind of content and approach in the horror genre, so this book is a welcome addition. Horror Isn't a 4-Letter Word has the potential to reach a wide audience, from lovers of horror fiction to first time readers seeking an inside look at the genre, from students of popular culture to curious teachers and librarians.  Highly recommended for large public libraries.

Contains: language, references to the supernatural, references to child molestation, references to infanticide, drinking, drugs, guns, references to pornography

Review by Francesca the Librarian

Shadows Over New England by David Goudsward and Scott T. Goudsward

BearManor Media,2008

ISBN: 1593931395

Available: New

    David and Scott Goudsward have delivered a fantastic resource for fans and researchers of the fantastic and macabre. Shadows Over New England is an exciting and thrilling map through the frightening landscape of the real and imagined. It’s all here… the Salem Witch Trials, Lizzie Borden, Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Stephen King, and on and on through the dark heart of America’s genesis. You will spend hours of blissful enjoyment flipping through this book as it takes you through all six states that make up New England… their histories… their legends… and the fiction that captured the underlying horror of this seemingly idyllic region. A must-have title for libraries and for anyone who is a fan of horror or who is looking for some unusual stops for their next trip to New England. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Review by Bob Freeman

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