Book Review: The Book of Lists: Horror

Compiled by Amy Wallace, Del Howison & Scott Bradley, 2008, Harper

Have you ever wondered what the highest-grossing horror movies of all time were? Or which famous horror authors have also written childrens’ fiction? Or even what the twelve alternate titles for ‘Triffid’ were in John Wyndham’s famous novel? If so (or even if not, frankly) then The Book of Lists: Horror is just the book for you!

Composed of hundreds of ‘Top 10’ type lists supplied by famous industry professionals and fans alike, this tome is packed with genre-related information that is often as fascinating for the insight it gives us into the tastes of the individual list-writers as for any other reason. Discover which five horror movies most influenced Ray Bradbury as a child. Read about the ten films that Anthony Timpone wishes he’d never given Fangoria cover space to. Chuckle at Alan Beatt’s list of common tactical errors made by victims in slasher flicks.

I found this book literally unputdownable, and would recommend it to any and every fan of horror literature and media alike, as well as to general trivia enthusiasts. The publication is available from Australian bookshops, and - if I may add a word of reassurance – don’t be put off by the first list in the book, which cites Jurassic Park, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Ghost as horror movies (see? There’s an insight into my opinions!); it’s honestly the only glitch in an otherwise excellent compendium.