Mike N

I’m no great movie buff and I usually try to restrict my exposure to “Horror” to the odd glance at the electric bill or perhaps five minutes in front of the evening news. This book would therefore not usually appear on my reading list. When it arrived, as a present from one of my oldest friends my first reaction was one of surprise. However, the hardback cover with its striking monochrome graphic and gold leaf is immediately impressive and immediately inviting. “Hats off” to the illustrator Barney Bodoano straight away for that. Beyond that the book is just a revelation. The author is just clever. He managed to present a subject, which for me might normally be rather esoteric, in such an intelligent, knowledgeable and interesting style I was readily drawn in. This is no random trawl through a series of Hollywood productions. There is a clear rationale and structured approach behind the films chosen. Whilst I, as one of the uninitiated, found the book really interesting and very entertaining I came to the conclusion that it would be equally interesting to the most dedicated film aficionado, professional or academic. It really is a clever trick to present that level of academic analysis in such a light, fresh and readable way. It makes me think of a dozen dry, dusty subjects that would benefit from this author’s touch - Brexit perhaps? Very well done Matt Glasby. I will be looking out for more. Highly recommended.