Book Review: The Art of Hammer

 THE ART OF HAMMER: THE OFFICIAL POSTER COLLECTION FROM THE ARCHIVE OF HAMMER FILMS

Titan Books; 2010, 192 pages., Author: Marcus Hearn.

A Visual Look into the House That Dripped Blood 

Gore, violence, and sex – nobody did it better than Hammer Films. 

Bringing their unique spin on the classic Universal Monsters, Hammer delivered film after bloodcurdling film, starring screen legends like Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. The Art of Hammer showcases the UK film studio’s most popular theatrical posters with the respect they rightfully deserve. 

Everything including Curse of Frankenstein, Brides of Dracula, The Phantom of the Opera, The Devil Rides Out, Legend of the Seven Golden Vampires, to Shatter are all here, as are so many more, in vivid color and on glossy paper.

Marcus Hearn and Titus Books have truly given Hammer fans and movie poster enthusiasts a treat with the Art of Hammer. Nearly each one of the book’s 192 pages features artwork that will keep your attention for quite some time and provide an amazing look back at how studios used to promote their films. In short, this is a must have! Titus Books are also responsible for the equally worthwhile Hammer Glamour and The Hammer Story.

The Art of Hammer unfortunately had a very short print run and is now becoming increasingly difficult to obtain. A limited stock is still available at Middle Earth Collectibles.