Books of Blood; Clive Barker(Author), JK Potter/Harry O. Morris(Illust.); Scream Press(1985); Signed by Author+Illustrator(JK Potter); 1st/1st; VG/VG; Not Ex-Library, Not Book Club, Not Print on Demand; Hb-Maroon w/stamped black lettering to spine, blind-stamped lettering to front, almost no apparent edgewear; Dj-Blank red w/silver lettering to spine, almost no apparent edgewear, brodart protected; 455ppgs- Each story leads w/black+white illustration, pgs flat, binding tight.

These stories are not for the faint of heart or anyone with a weak stomach; they are graphic, brutal, and disturbing. I really can’t remember the last time I had such a gut-wrenching experience reading horror. Books of Blood Vol. 1 is a must read for fans the horror genre and is a promising start to the Books of Blood collection.

The Books of Blood Vol. 1 opens with the story “The Book of Blood” which serves as a framing device and sets the tone for the rest of the book. Right away Barker lets the reader know that this will be a violent, other-worldly experience. These are the tales of the dead, the damned, and the wronged. Before any of the stories begin Barker starts the book with the clever phrase: “Everyone is a book of blood; wherever we’re opened, we’re red.” This isn’t just a hokey play on words; Barker intends it to pertain quite literally to the stories.

Each story has its own strengths and weaknesses, but all are highly original and extremely enjoyable. Books of Blood Vol. 1 skillfully demonstrates Barker’s mastery of the genre and has given him a seat next to the greatest horror authors of all time. On to Vol. 2.-Rocky Holland, The Fiction Pub