Customer Reviews:
The first half of the essential Hammer reference.......2007-08-17
Wayne Kinsey's books on Hammer Films (The Bray Studios Years and The Elstree Studios Years) together form the essential reference on the short-lived British studio that brought us the greatest horror films of the 60's and 70's. The books are well-researched and packed with behind-the-scenes stories and photos. If you love Hammer, you need to own these books.
I was under the impression that the first volume, Hammer Films: The Bray Studios Years, was out of print, because I had tried ordering it from several online dealers that were unable to obtain the title. However, Amazon's sellers just delivered a new copy to my doorstep recently. Snatch up these books while you can!
Fascinating and essential.......2004-06-28
I haven't put this book down since I first picked it up six months ago. Kinsey's history of Hammer's Bray years (i.e. until 1967) is full of fascinating details I have not encountered elsewhere. He really manages to inspire an affection and enthusiasm for both the films and the Bray studios themselves.
By far the best section, and the reason I keep returning to the book, is the multi-page illustrated tour through the history of Bray's backlot, packed with rarely seen photos of Hammer's most memorable sets.
Essential reading for Hammer fans.
A good try but not enough new and interesting material.......2004-06-06
Who doesn't love Hammer Films? The author, Wayne Kinsey, a true fan, has devoted this book to the classic Hammer Years, at Bray Studio, a veritable Shangri-La, or mythical place, only this was real. On this lot Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing and dozens more gave their finest performances in a variety of monster, slasher, terror, sci-fi and less easily classifiable films, for a parade of studio execs who sometimes resembled a kind of family--ever the more so in retrospect. Kinsey presents a film by film breakdown, in chronological order, with many lurid and comical photos. My, there were some beautiful starlets working for Hammer, and they seemed to take off their clothes at a moment's notice. As for the men, maybe not so intriguing outside of Cushing and Lee, but those two alone account for a huge variety of eccentric tics and tragedies.
What I didn't like was the repetitiveness of the formula. each film discussed in exactly the same way, and then the details of the film censors checking every script ahead of time and issuing stern warnings about "do not do this or that." OK, a bit of this is worthy of perusal, but too much and the reader deducts a star. And this was too much. All in all, this book merits a "4" on the KINSEY SCALE.
Book Description
Led Zeppelin was the hottest, hardest, horniest, most hedonistic group in rock history. Their parties defined 60s and 70s excess, their concerts were long, loud and thrilling. Based on interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, here is the truth behind the genius of Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and the late John Bonham.
Customer Reviews:
a look into the power and magic of Led Zepplin.......2007-07-28
This is a well researched book that is also well chronicled. The personalities of the band are captured descriptively, especially the chemistry between them. The details of the business strategies of Led Zepplin manager Peter Grant, along with the episodes of the 11 American tours, are well documented.
This band produced 9 albums and changed the dynamics of the rock music business by dint of their power and uniqueness.
The book starts out recounting Jimmy Page's time with the Yardbirds (Grant was the manager), the groups dissolution, and the formation of a new group called The New Yardbirds. That name wasn't going to fly; so, as the new group started to tour, they adopted the Led Zepplin name.
The genius of Jimmy Page is given due attention by Davis. Page really was the mastermind of the group; some have made the claim that it was Page's group, as if the others were just backing him up. Not even close to the truth.
Although Robert Plant wrote many of the lyrics and was the flashy front man; and John Paul Jones was the musical anchor of the group; and Bonham had his uniqueness as the drummer - it was Jimmy Page who conceived most of the songs and produced each album as if he was the group's midwife, which he was.
Those of us who remember seeing Page playing his double necked Gibson with the flourishes of his bow . . . well, we had our minds permanently blown. Led Zepplin was an experiment in rock history that surpassed anyone's notions of power and magic. The four band members had such a rare chemistry that held the whole thing together and moved it all forward. And "Stairway to Heaven" was the creative pinnacle of their 12 years together.
This book is not without its blemishes however. Davis spends too much time with the debauchery and the party scences - the chicks, drugs, and booze go with the territory for most rock groups; so what. The chronicling of the 11 American tours gets uneven and sloppy at points, especially by overfocusing on incidentals and tour manager Richard Cole's role as the bands' den mother. Cole's role was vital; but his tendencies towards barbarism deflect alot from the positive aspects of Led Zepplin's history.
And since this was an unauthorized narrative, the sensational and sleazy are promoted too much is some of the chapters. Yet, in spite of the defects, this is a pretty decent read about one of the most remarkable chapers in rock history.
Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts
Must read for Zeppelin fans..........2007-07-05
I don't understand the criticisms of this book. Sure, there are some lurid details of Zeppelin's hooligan antics. Yes, they were surrounded (manipulated?) by opportunistic thugs who were major contributors to the mayhem and excess that filled the wake of their road shows. True, one of these thugs (Richard Cole) is quoted more frequently than any other source in the book. But, taken with a grain of salt, this book tells the story and gives more insight into its principals than any other book I've read. It's very readable and even adds a chapter which follows the surviving members through the 90's.
If you want a book that focuses on Zep's music, influences, and musical context (and skips the antics), try Keith Shadwick's excellent 2005 book. It's well researched and more cerebral but a much more difficult read and gives much less insight into the people that made up the band.
THE book on Led Zep.......2007-06-01
This is absolutely THE book about Led Zeppelin. It fills in the cracks and digs for more.
It never gets tired or old. EVER!
great rock n' roll story.......2007-02-17
I am a huge Led Zepp fan; that aside I really enjoyed this book. It gives you all the details about the band, their triumphs, and tragedies. It describes Rock and Roll excess like no other. It is never dull or dry, and is very well written. Probably the best book on Led Zeppelin. If you are a Led Zepp fan, then this is the book for you.
Good read.......2007-02-01
Davis did his research and wrote a workmanlike book. Nothing wrong, but no literary "fireworks" thus 4 of 5 stars.
Book Description
Wayne Kinsey reveals the story of Hammer Films from 1967 to the present day, following the highs and lows of the company as it bedded into its new home at Elstree Studios. Based on extensive oral history recording with Hammer personnel, the book describes in fascinating detail how the studio would plummet from one of the most successful British film companies and proud recipients of the Queen's Award for Industry, to the depths of bankruptcy within a single decade. As the British Censor relaxed, Hammer took full advantage, steeping their films in the seventies with sex and nudity as well as ever increasing gore. Even better than Kinsey's previous volume, the acclaimed Hammer Films - The Bray Studios Years, this book is heavily illustrated throughout by rare, never before published photos and documents, many taken behind the scenes of the famous "House that Dripped Blood".
Customer Reviews:
The second half of the essential Hammer reference.......2007-08-17
Wayne Kinsey's books on Hammer Films (The Bray Studios Years and The Elstree Studios Years) together form the essential reference on the short-lived British studio that brought us the greatest horror films of the 60's and 70's. The books are well-researched and packed with behind-the-scenes stories and photos. If you love Hammer, you need to own these books.
I was under the impression that the first volume, Hammer Films: The Bray Studios Years, was out of print, because I had tried ordering it from several online dealers that were unable to get the title. However, Amazon's sellers just delivered a new copy to my doorstep recently. Snatch up these books while you can!
Yes, we do need another book on Hammer Films!.......2007-07-11
This follow up volume to author Wayne Kinsey's HAMMER FILMS: THE BRAY STUDIO YEARS is ever better than its predecessor. An affectionate and informative history of the great British horror film studio, the book is filled with a myriad of new facts and photos. I can't recommend it highly enough. I have just about every book written on Hammer is this is certainly one of the best.
Average customer rating:
- Sangster's Story A Fun Romp Through Hammer & Beyond!
- A great read from a Hammer insider and creator!
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Do You Want It Good or Tuesday?: From Hammer Films to Hollywood!: A Life in the Movies: An Autobiography
Jimmy Sangster
Manufacturer: Midnight Marquee PR
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Book Description
The infamous Jimmy Sangster, responsible for writing Hammer films such as Horror of Dracula, Curse of Frankenstein, X-The Unknown, and The Revenge of Frankenstein, wields a pen mightier than a stake as he takes an often robust and rowdy look at his life and work. From Hammer to writing television in Hollywood, Sangster details his adventures with a brash humor that lets the reader in on the joke that was Hollywood.
Customer Reviews:
Sangster's Story A Fun Romp Through Hammer & Beyond!.......2000-07-17
Jimmy Sangster walks us through his life from his beginning aspirations to work in film, all the way through to his work on television shows and movies.
Along the way he has intesresting stories to tell us about his co-workers, stars, and the industry itself. Noteables are Bette Davis, his marriages, and of course those that worked with him on Hammer Film productions.
A must read for Hammer Film fans. It isn't a long read as it took me just one sitting to complete it, but it was definitely worthwhile!
A great read from a Hammer insider and creator!.......1999-10-09
Jimmy Sangster has given Hammer fans some of the very best scripts to enjoy. Now he gives us his view on the history of the Studio that Dripped Blood (sorry for the cheese) as well as his own experiences writing in the UK as well as for American television. A truly fascinating view of the screenwriters world. Highly engaging and informative. Thanks Jimmy!
Amazon.com
With its startling camera work and a company of actors that included Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, Hammer Films produced some of the most frightening and influential horror movies of all time. This book tells the story of Hammer, focusing particularly on the series of horror movies it made between 1955 and 1972. It includes summaries and reviews of each Hammer film, a chronology of the studio and biographies of the principal actors and filmmakers who worked for Hammer. Best of all, the book is lavishly, sometimes terrifyingly, illustrated with stills from the films themselves, many of them in full bloody color.
Customer Reviews:
Good Reference Book.......1999-05-01
Mr. Maxford takes the reader through Hammer's history, from their beginnings as Exclusive to their 80's TV work. Contrary to the title, there is very little behind the scenes information. The book is mainly useful as a reference, offering plot details, cast and crew lists, and release information.
If you're looking for praise for Hammer's work, though, you need to look somewhere else. The author is complimentary to about four of Hammer's pictures, and trashes the rest. I have to wonder why he wrote this book; he doesn't seem to be much of a fan.
Although, if you can take his criticisms with a grain of salt, this book is a valuable "encyclopedia."
Book Description
Stanley Cavell is a leading figure in American philosophy and one of the most exhilarating and wide-ranging intellectuals of our time. In this book Espen Hammer offers a lucid and thorough account of the development of Cavell's work, from his early writings on ordinary language philosophy and skepticism to his most recent contributions to film studies, literary theory, romanticism, ethics, and politics. The book traces the many lines of skepticism occurring in Cavell's work and shows how they amount to a rich and subtle picture of human subjectivity. Hammer explores Cavell's passionate engagement with Austin and Wittgenstein's visions of language, and his uncovering of conceptions of the ordinary in Emerson and Thoreau. Central sections of the book are devoted to the tragic and the comic as these modes of existence come into play in Shakespeare and Hollywood cinematic drama. In elaborating Cavell's responses to thinkers such as Heidegger, Levinas, and Derrida, the author situates Cavell's writing within the wider context of contemporary continental philosophy. Hammer clearly reveals the existential dimensions of Cavell's thought. He argues that his variant of ordinary language philosophy is a vital stimulus to self-transformation in cognitive, aesthetic, ethical, and political domains, contributing significantly to a rethinking of issues such as responsibility and autonomy, and the relationship between philosophy and literature. A critical introduction to the thought of an inordinately complex writer, this book will be of great interest to students and scholars in philosophy, literary theory, cultural theory, comparative literature, and media and cultural studies.
Book Description
Already established as one of the most comprehensive studies of the notorious British film company: Hammer, this new, revised edition ensures that House of Horror remains both visually stimulating and a key source of up-to-date, factually correct information.
Tracing the complete history of Hammer films, from its early origins through to its golden era of classic horror movies, House of Horror presents a comprehensive overview of Hammer's importance and influence in world cinema.
Customer Reviews:
Very Disappointing.......2007-07-10
I have been looking for a history and filmography of Hammer Studios films for awhile now. This book turned out to be very disappointing. Half the movie stills didn't have captions and the plot summaries had glaring errors.
For Hammer completists only.......2004-12-28
Stay clear of that one!
This is an updated (or so they have you believe) edition of a book that was originally published in the 1970s. The first edition didn't even carry an author's name and was more or less the first book length publication about Hammer movies ever. It was effectively just a rehash of two or three sentence summaries of all the films without any real film historical info. It did have a good number of pictures, mainly black and white and poorly reproduced. The first edition at least has historical value and a gallery of a dozen or so one page Hammer Glamour photos. The current edition here has decided to drop all Hammer Glamour pics (THE main reason most even remember the book) and to replace it with a general chapter on Vampire Cinema (written by Jack Hunter) that is neither here nor there. All the remaining chapter are pretty much identical to the 1970s book.
I have both of editions. The Glamour pics are now graced by autographs of some of the ladies. The newer edition I got as I foolishly thought it would add some info.... as opposed to actually offer *less* for the Hammer fan!
For Hammer completists only. If you really need to buy this, at least try and get the original version from the 1970s. If you need an introductory book full of info and decent pictures, go for Marcus Hearn's/Alan Barnes' HAMMER STORY instead.
A Great Place for Newer Devotees of Hammer's Horrors.......2004-01-02
This is a wonderful guide through Hammer's world of monsters, and should be of particular use to the newer initiate into the Hammer Cannon, yet still manages to provide enough bits for the seasoned veteran, such as the many photos (a good amount are color) and a chapter on the movie-almost-weres. It is a light read, and doesn't contain much critical commentary other than whether or not the film was successful. A few behind-the-scenes tidbits are mentioned, and a quick summary of each movie.
This was the first book of Hammer I bought, and I read through it in a night. It helped me base my opions on which film series I wished to pursue first (my favorite still being the Frankensteins), as well as lend a general knowledge to the company as a whole. Though it really is a scratch on the surface, it whet my appetite for more serious readings.
The only slight fault - and it's nothing to gripe about really - is that the movies are not listed in chronological order, which makes cross referencing between series somewhat awkward. However, on the other hand, if one is only interested in the Frankenstein Series (or whatever have you), the movies are laid out in one solid chapter, and therefore easier to reference to each other. So, a give and take, but essential nonetheless.
Everything you always wanted to know about Hammer Films.......2001-06-30
This reference book provides excellent behind the scenes looks at not only the films in Hammer Studio's famous Dracula and Frankenstein series, but all their other horror films (e.g., "Quartermass and the Pit"). You will read about Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, of course, but also of Terence Fisher and some of the other directors the studio employed to lesser degrees of success. I especially like when Hunter talks about how the studio decided to approach the Dracula series (you know I have a soft spot in my heart for the undead). It is amazing how well I remember so many of these movies and I know I have not seen them for years. Fortunately, AMC has been running a lot of Hammer films on Friday night's this year. Not a scholarly work, "House of Horror" is a treat for fans, not academics.
Fangtastic!.......2000-03-19
One of the best reference works on Hammer Horror. Lots of film making history and behind the scenes goings on plus some great interviews with the leading names. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the great British horror movie. It could also help you in choosing which Hammer films you would like to buy from Amazon.
Average customer rating:
- Eye-opening, to the point of ruining the magic
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A History of Horrors
Cushing Peter
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
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Book Description
New in paperback! Most critics, historians, and filmmakers agree that no single entity has had more influence over the genre of horror and fantasy film than Hammer Film Productions, a small independent British film company. This volume traces the life and spirit of the House of Hammer from its fledging days of the late 1940s, through its successes of the 1950s and 60s, to its decline in the 1970s. Paperback edition available 2001.
Customer Reviews:
Eye-opening, to the point of ruining the magic.......2002-10-09
The good news is that for more-than-casual Hammer horror fans, this is a meticulously researched studio history, written from the business perspective, that goes far deeper than the usual rehashes found in horror encyclopedias and video guides. Meikle does a great job of putting the British film industry into a larger 1950s and '60s context, and sheds the light on Hammer's spotty U.S. distribution history for those of us who grew up on this side of the pond as frustrated young monster magazine readers wondering why the movies in our monster magazines (especially in the later years) never came to theaters or only played grindhouses and drive-ins.
The bad news is that the author is so down on Hammer's output in general that you wonder how he ever mustered the enthusiasm to tackle the topic in the first place. It's one thing to flail the usual whipping posts (he calls "Scars of Dracula" "irredeemably tacky"). But the harsh tone extends to even the usually acknowledged classics, such as "The Mummy" and "Curse of Frankenstein." Maybe Meikle feels it goes without saying that Hammer often captured lighting in a bottle in spite of its own scripts and budgets that today wouldn't even measure up to first-run syndication TV such as "Hercules." You appreciate the clear-eyed approach, but Anchor Bay seems to have a better attitude with its "even the cheesy stuff has its charms" approach to the background materials on its DVD releases.
If anything, a Hammer fan goes away from the book feeling it's a miracle these films came out as good as they were, after the author unveils the cynicism and/or studio heads' lack of faith in the source material that U.S. fans always took for granted with our "The British do this stuff best" assumptions.
Average customer rating:
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Rungs on a Ladder: Hammer Films Seen Through a Soft Gauze
Christopher Lee
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
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ASIN: 0810847353 |
Book Description
Christopher Neame, son of director Ronald, started his film career in the early 1960s with Hammer Films. This account is told from the perspective of an amateur who observes 'through a soft gauze' many characters both in front of and behind the camera, including such producers of classic tales of Gothic horror as Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing, Anthony Hinds, Michael Carreras, and Anthony Nelson Keys, director Terrence Fisher, and screenwriter/producer Jimmy Sangster. Other stars less obviously connected to the company are also met along the way.
Book Description
Fifty years ago, Hammer Films released The Curse of Frankenstein. The now-legendary British company went on to make such classics as Dracula (and its many sequels), making international stars out of Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, changing the face of horror cinema, and inspiring a generation of Hollywood filmmakers, including George Lucas, Martin Scorsese and Tim Burton.
Now, for the first time, Hammer have given their active backing to an authorised history of the company, and have provided unlimited access to their archives.
The Hammer Story provides a film-by-film dissection, dripping with rare promotional material and previously unpublished photographs.
Customer Reviews:
The first Color Horror classics.......2007-10-04
It's hard to believe that 50 years ago the small English film studio Hammer began the reincarnation of classic horror. It's even more odd that the studio which transformed horror and paved the way for more modern films rarely gets credit for saving and transforming the genre. Ask most horror fans today what Hammer studios was and you'll likely get a blank stare if they even look up from the 18th incarnation of SAW or another wretched remake of a psycho killer bloodfest.
Hammer studios launched the careers of Oliver Reed, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee, and Raquel Welch just to name a few. Many books and periodicals have come and gone about the "Studio that dripped blood". Notably the book English Gothic and the U.S. periodical "Little Shoppe Of Horrors" by Richard Klemensen have done a fine job of looking in depth at Hammer's output and personalities.
And now we have a fine visual reference in the form of this book. The design and printing of this volume is top notch. Chris Lee is fittingly on the cover as Dracula. Hammer's cycle of films did more to sensualize the vampire myth than anything before them. It's fair to say that vampires just were not the same after Hammer and Chris Lee. There is a forward by Mr. Lee in the beginning, first written in 1997 for the first edition of this book. It's too bad they did not have Mr. Lee update that forward for this important revised edition.
But the casual Hammer fan will not be disappointed by the contents of this book. I dare say even the more knowledgable will find some photographs never before seen. The wonderful backstage shots alone make this worth owning. My favorite section is the Filmography with a plot synposis of every film made under the Hammer banner along with color repros of many of the original film posters. There are some tantalizing posters of films never made, such as "Savage Jackboot" starring Peter Cushing as an SS commander in WWII! This book could easily have been twice as large, but it will still give you many evenings of enjoyment looking at rarely seen (and sometimes risque) photographs of your favorite Hammer films. The format allows one to flip casually through a section or two and then return later without missing a beat. There are some gems in the text as well, such as the admission that semi-nude scenes were indeed shot for many early hammer classics such as the Mummy. These were made for distribution in Japan and never seen in the west. This book would also be a great introduction to Hammer and it's atmospheric imagery to someone not acquainted with the studio and its importance to the history and evolution of the horror film genre. Let's hope that this book helps Hammer and it's hard working stars and crews finally get the credit they deserve for redeeming the horror genre from a swarm of giant bugs and drive-in cheapies made in the 50's. The US release of this book is timed perfectly for the Halloween season. So sneak some Halloween candy, put on your favorite hammer film, and read this one by candlelight on some dark October evening.
Books:
- Hannibal Rising
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
- High Definition Postproduction: Editing and Delivering HD Video
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- In the Can: The Greatest Career Missteps, Sophomore Slumps, What-Were-They-Thinking Decisions and Fire-Your Agent Moves in the History of the Movies
- Its All Your Fault: How To Make It As A Hollywood Assistant
- Its All Your Fault: How To Make It As A Hollywood Assistant
- James Dean: Fifty Years Ago
Books Index
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Devils Of Darkness / Witchcraft
The Lost World (Special Edition) - 1960 & 1925 versions
