Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three (Books of Blood #1-3)
by Clive Barker
Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three by Clive Barker holds a highly rated rating of 4.16 out of 5, based on 20.2K reader ratings. First published in 1984. The book spans 507 pages.
About Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three
"Everybody is a book of blood; wherever we're opened, we're red." For those who only know Clive Barker through his long multigenre novels, this one-volume edition of the Books of Blood is a welcome chance to acquire the 16 remarkable horror short stories with which he kicked off his career. For those who already know these tales, the poignant introduction is a window on the creator's mind. Reflecting back after 14 years, Barker writes: I look at these pieces and I don't think the man who wrote them is alive in me anymore.... We are all our own graveyards I believe; we squat amongst the tombs of the people we were. If we're healthy, every day is a celebration, a Day of the Dead, in which we give thanks for the lives that we lived; and if we are neurotic we brood and mourn and wish that the past was still present. Reading these stories over, I feel a little of both. Some of the simple energies that made these words flow through my pen--that made the phrases felicitous and the ideas sing--have gone. I lost their maker a long time ago. These enthusiastic tales are not ashamed of visceral horror, of blood splashing freely across the page: "The Midnight Meat Train," a grisly subway tale that surprises you with one twist after another; "The Yattering and Jack," about a hilarious demon who possesses a Christmas turkey; "In the Hills, the Cities," an unusual example of an original horror premise; "Dread," a harrowing non-supernatural tale about being forced to realize your worst nightmare; "Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament," about a woman who kills men with her mind. Some of the tales are more successful than others, but all are distinguished by strikingly beautiful images of evil and destruction. No horror library is complete without them. --Fiona Webster
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Clive Barker |
| Published | 1984 |
| Pages | 507 |
| Genres | Horror, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy |
| Average Rating | 4.16 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 20,228 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three?
Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three is categorized as Horror, Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three worth reading?
Based on 20.2K reader ratings, Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three has an average score of 4.16 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three?
Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three has 507 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three?
Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three was written by Clive Barker. It was first published in 1984.
What is the ISBN for Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three?
The ISBN-13 for Books of Blood: Volumes One to Three is 9780425165580.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
