A magnum opus of cinematic biography. While the world knew him as the "Sultan of Slash" and the "Father of Freddy," The Soul of Wes Craven invites readers to look beyond the fright mask. Author Joseph Maddrey presents a deeply researched, revelatory portrait of the intellectual, the poet, and the auteur behind some of the most enduring images in film history.
This is not merely a recounting of film productions; it is a study of the man's creative psyche. Through over eighty exclusive new interviews with his inner circle—friends, family, and colleagues—Maddrey constructs a narrative that explores Craven's humble beginnings, his rigorous academic background, and the complex spiritual journey that informed his work. From The Last House on the Left to the meta-commentary of Scream, this volume connects the artist's life experiences to his on-screen nightmares.
This substantial 460-page volume stands as the essential text for any serious historian of the horror genre, film scholar, or dedicated Wes Craven enthusiast. It includes never-before-seen photography, deep dives into his lost and abandoned projects, and a fascinating exploration of his alter egos, Thomas Sparrow and Abe Snake.
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| Title | The Soul of Wes Craven |
| Author | Joseph Maddrey |
| Afterword by | Jonathan Craven |
| Publisher | Harker Press |
| Publication Date | 7 June 2024 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Pages | 460 |
| ISBN-13 | 9798989013029 |
| Dimensions | 229 × 152 × 26 mm |
| Weight | 671g |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Biography, Film Studies, Horror |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Contents | 80+ exclusive interviews, archival photography, lost projects archive, poetry & literary history, complete script index, Craven's recommended reading |
| Condition | Very Good |
Very Good. This first-edition paperback is in excellent condition for a 2024 release. The cover shows only the gentlest signs of light handling — there is very minor surface wear to the bright white and red artwork, with no tears, creases or significant marks. The spine is clean and intact with no fading or fraying. Pages are bright throughout, the binding is firm and tight, and the book opens flat. No writing, marks, stickers or inscriptions are present. The protective wrapper is secure and undamaged. This is a pristine reading and display copy of a major horror biography.
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