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Corman/Poe

Interviews and Essays Exploring the Making of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe films, 1960–1964

Explores a cult classic film series that stands among the most fascinating and enduring of all time. By Chris Alexander.

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NOMINATED
Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards
BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023 (NON-FICTION)

THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER, THE PIT AND THE PENDULUM, PREMATURE BURIAL, TALES OF TERROR, THE HAUNTED PALACE, THE RAVEN, MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH, THE TOMB OF LIGEIA…

Produced on modest budgets for American International Pictures, Roger Corman’s adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe stories were popular in their time as escapist horror cinema. Most starred horror icon Vincent Price and were written (and “freely adapted”) by the likes of Richard Matheson, Charles Beaumont and Robert Towne. Today the series is recognized as unique and sophisticated, one that delivers decadent Gothic chills while exploring ideas of faith, sexuality, psychology and the supernatural.

CORMAN/POE: Interviews and Essays Exploring the Making of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe Films, 1960–1964 is the only book to fully examine this important chapter in horror film history. In-depth conversations with the maverick Roger Corman are book-ended by engaging critical analyses of each of the eight films, which together stand as a fully realized and consistent creative vision.

The book is illustrated with dozens of photographs and stills, many of which have never been published before, and features a brand-new foreword from Corman.

Foreword By Roger Corman
Introduction
The Fall Of The House Of Usher
The Pit And The Pendulum
The Premature Burial
Tales Of Terror
The Raven
The Haunted Palace
The Masque Of The Red Death
The Tomb Of Ligeia
Appendix:
The Censoring Of The
Masque Of The Red Death
Poster Gallery
Index

Throughout the history of cinema, there have been few figures as important and influential as Roger Corman.

A career spanning decades and touching on countless genres and styles, Corman’s impact on film cannot be overstated.

Despite his many achievements, there has never been a book that specifically focuses on one of his most iconic and enduring contributions to the medium, his Poe films. That is, until now.

This incredible volume features exhaustive interviews with Corman himself, providing unparalleled insight into his creative process and personal motivations.

What’s more, it has been authorized by Corman, giving fans an unprecedented look at the making of some of the most beloved movies of all time.

And with stunning visuals throughout, readers will feel transported to a bygone era of filmmaking, as they learn about Corman’s unique approach and influential techniques.

All in all, this is an absolute must-read for anyone interested in the art of cinema and the timeless legacy of Roger Corman.

Title: CORMAN/POE
Subtitle: Interviews and Essays Exploring the Making of Roger Corman’s Edgar Allan Poe films, 1960–1964
Author: Chris Alexander
ISBN: 978-1-915316-07-3
Street Date: June 6, 2023
Category: Film
Retail Price: UK £22.99 / US $27.95
Binding: Paperback
Size: 235mm x 191mm
Pages: 150
Illos: 105 colour and B&W stills, posters and photos

As the trade paperback, except the special hardback edition is hardback.  

This special NO-ISBN hardback is exclusive to this website. Because it carries No ISBN number, this edition of the book is off the grid in as much as it doesn’t appear on any database, in any library, cannot be ordered through mainstream bookshops or online retailers. 

Adrian SmithCinema Retro
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“Roger Corman is one of the most prolific directors and producers we have ever had, and as such there is always more to be said about his work. Corman/ Poe is an essential addition to the growing Corman library.”
Horror Buzz
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[Corman/Poe interview with Chris Alexander.]
Martin Unsworth
Starburst
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“Chris Alexander’s summing up of each film is a welcome part, too. He gives frank and honest opinions on each film and doesn’t shy away from criticism, which is refreshing considering Corman’s input in the book. A worthy addition to any fan’s collection.”
Mike SegrettoPsychobabble
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“In his critiques, Alexander is mostly laudatory, but that's because most of these movies are really good. When there's something worth criticizing, such as the unsubtle storytelling of The Haunted Palace or the dreariness of Tomb of Ligeia, he makes strong points. CORMAN/POE is also illustrated with a cavalcade of color and B&W photos, which is a must for any discussion of movies that look as great as Corman's Poes.”
Don KayeDen of Geek
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[Roger Corman's Edgar Allan Poe Movies Can Still Teach Horror Filmmakers a Few Things — interviews with Chris Alexander and Roger Corman]
Derek McCawFanboy Planet
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“An excellent combination of oral history, critical commentary, and clear adoration. […] Each film gets its due. Alexander interviews Corman on each one, having done his research and respectfully pushing back if Corman’s memory whitewashes the past too strongly.”
Steven ThompsonForces of Geek
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“The interviews are telling, with lots of background on Roger and moviemaking in the 1960s in general, not just his Poe films. His behind-the-scenes regulars, including writer Richard Matheson, cinematographer Floyd Crosby (David’s pop), and composer Les Baxter, get quite a bit of discussion, too. Alexander’s analyses offer not just reviews but corrections and speculation in regard to Corman’s memories and the memories of others involved about those heady days.”
John HarrisonFilm Ink
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“Chris Alexander is a man who knows his horror history, treating the subject with the respect and seriousness it deserves, while also retaining that exuberance and sense-of-wonder that make us fall in love with the genre as kids, first discovering the magic of cinema. One of the great things about the book is that it has a bit of just about everything you would want from a film study … A must.”
Decibel Magazine
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“Chris Alexander is easily one of the most fearless, imaginative, and iconoclastic world-builders currently operating in the worlds of cinema and music. And when it comes to conjuring the magic and menace just beyond the veil, the man is damn near peerless.”
Comic Book and Movie Reviews
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[Interview with author, Chris Alexander.]
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Chris Alexander

CHRIS ALEXANDER is a Canadian writer, editor, music composer and filmmaker. He is the former editor-in-chief of iconic horror film magazine Fangoria and editor-in-chief/co-founder of Delirium magazine. He is the writer, director and composer of numerous horror films, including Blood For Irina, Queen of Blood, Female Wereworlf, and many others. He has released the albums Music For Murder, Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll and Body Double. He is a professor of horror film history at Canada's Sheridan College and the proud father of three wonderful sons. Chris Alexander

Corman/Poe

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