The Author writes …
‘So, ladles and jellipots, Return to the Vault of Horror is completed to first(ish) draft level this very afternoon; 208,000(ish) words of sexy Stately Telly Topping Manor goodness; 58 entries of great (and … one or two not so great) British horror movies, 1956 – 1978; three chapters dealing with specific film companies in the genre; a lively introduction; full acknowledgement; an end piece on the period following our area of interest; extensive bibliography; masses of footnotes and an About the Author bit which makes me sound like Edgar Lustgarten (‘the police were baffled’). Thus far, it’s been emotional. When it comes out (on the marvellously marvellous Telos Publishing, have I mentioned that David and Stephen are princes amongst men recently?), please buy one, several or lots, I have a king prawn curry habit and 174 illegitimate DVDs to support. Thank you for allowing me into your homes.’
…
From X The Unknown to Terror … 58 British horror films that collectively made a lasting impression on the psyche of a nation.
Author Keith Topping chronicles the films that shaped his childhood, taking a wry and often irreverent look at their triumphs and failings, their cast and crew, their continuity blunders and their impact on the genre as a whole.
Illustrated with many photographs, this film guide is guaranteed to raise a smile as we take you back to more of the terrors of yesteryear.
Includes entries on the following films:
TBA
COMMENTS ON THE FIRST VOLUME
‘If you like horror movies as much as I do, you’re in for a treat’ ‘Definitely a must have’ ‘A treasure trove of information.’ Alan Scouser on YouTube – https://youtu.be/m4uA9HMemDI?si=LKcaOTcgwpH5sigC
‘Anyone with an interest in horror or British films in general will be fascinated by the plethora of facts given for each movie.’ Ty Power, Sci-Fi Online
‘If you have just a fleeting interest in Hammer movies, or you’re a rabid fan, then I urge you to buy this book.’ Christopher Teague, Infinityplus
‘ Topping has done an excellent job putting this volume together and is a must for every library. Highly recommended.’ KitleysKrypt
‘This book really made me think about what seems to be on the surface just a bit of fun, but which is bursting with social comment, psychological insight and its own special take on the history of this period.’ Rachel A Hyde, Myshelf.com
‘This is the book for people wanting to find out more about British Horror films, because the author has both a great love for the movies he is writing about, and also is incredibly knowledgeable. The period concentrated on in this book 1956-1974 is regarded as the golden age of British Horror films, which encompasses famous film studios such as Hammer and Amicus, and perhaps lesser known ones such as Tigon.’ Jonathon T Beckett, Amazon
‘A highly informative and passionately written book on British horror films from the period of 1965 to 1974.‘ Joe Moggs, Amazon
533pp approx. 6×9 paperback
ISBN: 978-1-84583-240-7
Published November 2024 (NB: this date may change. We will update this change as and when we know …)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rockin’ Keith Topping is an extremely freelance journalist and author whose previous work includes co-editing two editions of The Guinness Book of Classic British TV. He’s also written numerous guides to television series as diverse as The X-Files, The Sweeney, Doctor Who and Roswell for Virgin Books. He’s responsible for four novels, (including the award-winning The Hollow Men), and a novella (Telos’s own Ghost Ship), the Stargate SG-1 guide Beyond the Gate, and the best-selling volumes Slayer, Hollywood Vampire and Inside Bartlet’s White House. He has contributed to numerous genre magazines, including TV Zone and Shivers, and is a former Contributing Editor of DreamWatch specialising in coverage of US television. Keith was born on Tyneside on the same day in 1963 that his beloved Newcastle United lost 3-2 at home to Northampton Town. Things haven’t improved much since. He regularly appears on local radio and also contributed to the BBC television series I Love the ’70s. His hobbies include socialising with friends, foreign travel, loud guitar-based pop music, trashy British horror movies of the ’60s and ’70s, football, comedy, murder and lots of other stuff.
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