Graven Images: The Best of Horror, Fantasy, and Science-Fiction Film Art from the Collection of Ronald V. Borst

by Ronald V. Borst, Margaret A. Borst (Compiler), Stephen King (Introduction)

A collection of poster reproductions from classic cult "B-films" represents four decades of film poster art and features commentary by Stephen King, Robert Bloch, Harlan Ellison, Ray Bradbury, Peter Straub, and Clive Barker. 25,000 first printing.

Genres: Horror, Film, Art, Science Fiction, Fantasy

240 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1992

Reviews

[Anthony McGill]

Wow! What a gorgeous collection of more than 500 vintage posters and lobby cards relating to old horror, sci-fi and fantasy films all sumptuously displayed in this one heck of a book!

Images from all over the world with each title detailed and every page of memorabilia listing significant background history to the various films.

With terrific opening chapter summaries beginning with the author's 'The Genesis of a Collector' with an invaluable glossary detailing the different types of posters that were produced over the years.

Super introduction by Stephen King including his own favorite movies and posters.
Chapter headings with reminiscences by distinguished writers in the genre:
- The Teens and Twenties (Robert Bloch)
- The Thirties (Ray Bradbury)
- The Forties (Harlan Ellison)
- The Fifties (Peter Straub)
- The Sixties (Clive Barker)
- Afterword (Forrest J. Ackerman)

An essential book for devotees of this genre of movies and one of the most spectacular and informative film poster books out there!

[Mauoijenn]

Excellent book on old movie posters.
I wanted to steal the library's copy.
But, I won't. I will find my own. :)

[Roger]

Graven Images features reproductions of various movie posters, lobby cards, and other film memorabilia from the extensive personal collection of Ronald V Borst. This is all stuff I wish I owned. This book is gorgeous and covers six decades of film making, from 1910 to the sixties. Borst provides interesting commentary on the items themselves, Stephen King writes the introduction, and there are essays from such luminaries as Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury, Harlan Ellison, Peter Straub, Clive Barker and Forrest J Ackerman. It makes me sad to think how many of those names I can put the phrase "the late" in front of-only King Straub and Barker are still with us. This was a vastly entertaining walk down memory lane.

[A Mig]

This is more than a pictorial catalogue of some awesome posters from the celebrated Borst collection, it is (1) a crash course on six decades of science-fiction, fantasy and horror cinema (1910s-1960s) and (2) an anthology of short texts by some of the best authors (Bloch, Bradbury, Ellison, Straub, Barker, Stephen King) on the impact of early movies on their childhood. I especially enjoyed the vivid recollections of first movies watched at a theatre, also the telling by decade, by authors from successive generations. Finally, as someone interested in the collecting process, Borst's part on the making of his collection of posters was a treat. Highly recommended!

[Pam]

All the most beautiful, classic horror movie posters in one place, with lots of insight from famous actors, authors and directors! A homage to when movie posters were works of fine art. A must for any fan of horror movies! Love this book!

[Thomas Burchfield]

Delightful and eye filling including some excellent essays from the biggest in the field during the 1980s, including Peter Straub and Stephen King and other old masters. Posters from other countries are especially artistic and innovative. The Polish poster for 2001 is especially striking!

[Mark Sepanski]

Graven Images The Best Book Ever THE PEOPLE'S MUSEUM and HAMMER PICTURES President Mark Sepanski.

[Barry Harding]

Borst collection of movie posters. Great images and rare photos.