Monster Books # 3: 1st Armada Monster Book edited by R. Chetwynd-Hayes (Armada, 1975)

A lighter, more family-friendly take on the ‘monster book’ concept here, from children’s imprint Armada, cover artwork by hands unknown.

As you will note, this one has the distinction of being edited by R. Chetwynd-Hayes, the West London-based author of light-hearted horror tales whose work formed the basis for the Amicus anthology films ‘From Beyond The Grave’ (1974) and The Monster Club (1980) (and who of course enjoyed the privilege of being played by John Carradine in the latter).

Not much to add here, beyond noting that, even accounting for the fact he was writing for children, Mr Chetwynd-Hayes’ introduction establishes him as quite possibly the most jovial fellow ever to have turned his attention to vampires and ghouls.

Also on an Armada ‘monster book’ tip meanwhile, check out this one, which I posted here - cough - nearly a decade ago.

The Restless Bones & Other True Mysteries by Peter Haining (Armada, year unknown)

Cover illustration: Alun Hood

Interior illustrations: Ellis Nadler

Assorted tales of strange and unlikely goings-on, written in simple words and big type, guaranteed to put a rocket under the imagination of any young mind. Do kids these days still read books like this? I hope so.

I suppose parents & teachers might frown upon Haining’s insistence that the tall tales herein are all 100% factual, but his introduction, in which he thanks readers of his previous books for alerting him to new ‘mysteries’ worthy of investigation, is certainly pretty charming.

My favourite story is the none-more-hauntological yarn about an RAF pilot stationed at Mildenhal in Norfolk, who apparently discovers whistling East Anglian ghost ‘Old Roger’ doing his bit to help repel the Luftwaffe. Top stuff!