The Wolfman

Universal Horror Library

by Carl Dreadstone (Pseudonym), Ramsey Campbell

Book by Dreadstone, Carl

Genres: Horror, Werewolves

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

A Pseudonym of Ramsey Campbell

Reviews

[Marvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the 70s, Ramsey Campbell wrote a series of novelizations for classic Universal horror films under the name of Carl Dreadstone. They are not all that good but fun to read nonetheless. The series included Dracula's Daughter, Bride of Frankenstein, Creature From The Black Lagoon, and others. In other words, those classic films that were not actually based on an existing novel. The Wolfman may be the best of the bunch and the only one I still have a copy of. I took this to Mr. Campbell in the 80s with some other books and asked him to sign it. He was surprised someone had this book and, I suspect, maybe a little embarrassed. Nonetheless he inscribed it in his usual polite good humor. Unless you are a rabid Ramsey Campbell fan or a Universal Studio memorabilia collector, you probably wouldn't be interested in the series but if you are lucky enough to actually find one of this series, pick it up and enjoy.

[Jonathan Davison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on Universal's movie of the same name. Lawrence Tolbert is attack and becomes a monster
and attacks people. Each victim has the five pointed star on their hand or head to signify they
are the next victim. His father Sir John kills the wolfman with a silver cane, but it becomes human. The gipsy woman cures him of his curse.

[Benjamin Handelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun novelization of the classic movie from Universal. The novelization was written about 30 years after the movie came, and takes advantage of some deleted scenes present in the script which really add to the story. I really liked the characterization of the main character, and over all felt this was one of the best werewolf novels I have ever read.

[Radclyffe U-Haul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow the narration really makes Larry much more of an ass then he came across in the film! Also they really never mention his mother, huh?? Sir John on the other hand benefits greatly from the narration; in the film his motivations are unclear (and to me seemed implicitly sinister) while in the book he comes across as an awkward and incompetent but not ill-tending father.