Brandon's Reviews > Paperbacks from Hell: The Twisted History of '70s and '80s Horror Fiction

Paperbacks from Hell looks back at the horror fiction boom of the 1970s and 80s and the books that took up residence on racks across the world.

This book is super fun. Not only do you get an education on each subgenre of horror (satanic, creepy kids, animals and haunted houses to name a fews) but you also get to look at some of the most insane cover art you will ever see.

Both Hendrix and co-author Will Errickson sold me on so many novels that I hope to get to someday. Given that the book is just bursting with interesting sounding stories, it was hard to keep track of them all. Luckily, the pair have a good selection of “recommended reading” at the end that is made up of what they consider the cream of the crop.

One thing I will say is that not only was this informative, but it was also hilarious. Both authors give the subject matter a very much tongue-in-cheek approach when discussing some of the more outlandish material. I mean, how could you approach a story such as Satan Sublets with anything other than humor?

While this book is available as an ebook, this is one you’re going to want to own a physical copy of. The presentation is extremely well done as the art just leaps off the page and is just a treat to look at (I downloaded an electronic copy and it just felt like a mess – maybe it’s best suited for a tablet or a laptop if you really don’t want a hard copy).

I’m giving this one my highest possible recommendation. Even if you’re not a horror fan per se, the subject matter is endlessly interesting if you want to learn how the darkest fiction gripped readers worldwide.