10 Collectible Coffee Table Books for Horror Lovers

Known as “Mother Horror”, Sadie Hartmann knows horror. She’s cultivated an enthusiastic following, co-created a horror book box, and made it her mission to spread the gospel of horror far and wide. Organized by theme, with no repeat authors, Hartmann has curated one of the most expansive lists of horror books complete with featured essays and a focus on the rising voices in the genre.

Every serial killer has a collection. But what about the artifacts that survive long after the criminal has been stopped. From a hangman’s noose from the 18^th century to Charles Manson’s cremation ashes and a document signed by Lizzie Borden herself, this book tracks these one-of-a-kind items and offers the stories behind them.

You can’t go wrong with a graphic novel based on Guillermo del Toro’s cult classic anthology and film brought to life by the King of Horror—Stephen King himself. Filled with gorgeous illustrations that pay tribute to the controversial but incredibly significant comics of the 50s, this book features five stories of unforgettable and iconic horror, guaranteed to haunt anyone who opens the cover.

Horror has been a part of the movie industry since its inception. In this definitive guide, award-winning writer and editor Stephen Jones walks you through the history of this influential genre starting with silent films and ending with modern horror.

There’s something about the classic covers of pulp horror novels from the ‘70s and ‘80s. These two decades shaped the genre and brought us unforgettable classics like Rosemary’s Baby, the Exorcist, and Carrie, to name a few. Horror author and paperback collector Grady Hendrix offers wry commentary and insight into which novels horror fans should read and which ones should stay buried.

If you’re a fan of horror, you know that urban legends can kill. Anyone who dismisses them or doesn’t take them seriously is often the first to die. Which is why any horror fan needs this comprehensive guide to all the stories whispered around the campfire. Complete with 60 black-and-white illustrations and a list of hundreds of legends and their variations, this book guarantees you’ll always know the truth—no matter how bizarre.

Being hunted by a monster is always terrifying. But when that monster is a flesh-and-blood human, somehow that makes it so much worse. Throughout history these real monsters walked among us, hunted us, and killed us. With over 150 serial killers, Rosewood goes into cases both big and small, notorious and forgotten, making this an incredible source of knowledge that just might save your life.

Few directors have the imagination to bring to life the stunning visual creations as Guillermo del Toro. Through interviews, his own journal entries, and curated pieces of his personal collection, this book is an intimate look at his creative process and his life.

For the first time, readers can go behind-the-scenes into some of the most iconic horror movies including Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, and more. Each photo is accompanied by exclusive commentary from cast, crew, and even Carpenter himself. This book is for anyone who’s ever wondered what it was like to be on set of these unforgettable movies.

The history of cinema is horror. It’s been there from the start, and has evolved with every subsequent decade. In this stunning collection featuring 640 pages of horror history, you’ll find details on how horror taps into our archetypal fears and cultural anxieties. Complete with movie posters, set designs, film set photos, and on-set stills, this gorgeous book is a must-have for any horror fan.