The Art and Making of Penny Dreadful

by Sharon Gosling

Do you believe there is a demimonde? A half-world between what we know and what we fear? A place in the shadows, rarely seen, but deeply felt... Do you believe that?

Some of classic horror literature's most iconic characters including Doctor Victor Frankenstein, Dorian Gray and figures from Dracula, are stalking the darkest corners of Victorian London. Created and written by John Logan, Penny Dreadful weaves their stories together with those of original characters Sir Malcolm Murray, Ethan Chandler and Vanessa Ives as they confront their personal demons and real monsters in search of Mina Murray. Penny Dreadful stars Josh Hartnett, Timothy Dalton and Eva Green. The series also stars Reeve Carney, Rory Kinnear, Billie Piper, Danny Sapani and Harry Treadaway.

This lavisly illustrated companion goes behind the scenes to unearth the show's secrets and dissect every aspect of the production. Exclusive interview material with the show's creator, executive producer Sam Mendes and supervising producer Chris King, as well as key crew and the main cast, accompany previously unseen images, from storyboards to stills and blueprints to sets, in this in-depth look at the making of the series.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Horror, Media Tie In

175 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

Sharon Gosling began her career in entertainment journalism, writing for magazines in the science fiction and fantasy genre, before moving on to write tie-in books for TV shows such as "Stargate" and the 'reimagined' "Battlestar Galactica."

Reviews

[Sean Barrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic companion to the television series Penny Dreadful. It is, essentially, a behind the scenes look of how the show came to be. The book covers the creative process of the show and details it from its beginning to the finished product. This provides valuable insight into the reasoning behind the writing, and highlights what the producers wanted to achieve with this amazing show that somehow, yes somehow, manages to bring in elements form Dracula, Frankenstein and Dorian Grey without ruining them in the slightest. I mean these extraordinary classics have been ruined on the screen countless times, so it really is remarkable that this show manages to bring them all together, with orginal characters, in a display of utter brilliance. And this book explains how they achieved such a monumental feat.



The show is set in the Victorian era, thus the show had to adhere to the customs of the age. Every major decision made in regard to the set and its fulfilment to the ideas of Victorian London is meticulously explained and reasoned. The casting of the characters and how the actors even went to contribute to the characters further, in the case of Dorian Grey, is detailed in a revealing manner. The casting of this show is fantastic, so it really is quite exciting to see what the actors thought of the roles they played and how they were kept in the dark about their secrets.

Penny dreadful is the best show on television at the moment, so if you love it then this book is a necessity really.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT PENNY DREADFUL.

I don't even feel bad watching it instead of reading because it's based in gothic literature, my favourite kind.

This particular book is full of amazing full colour photographs and interviews with the actors on theirs and other characters. The author is a renowned making of book author and she has done a fantastic job with this one as well. This is beautifully laid out and just a damn fine book.

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most amazing shows ever made!!! So beautifully done. Epic characters.

[Berna Labourdette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un regalo que recibí y que me hizo muy feliz porque tiene mucha información de la primera temporada de una de mis series favoritas. Fotos del rodaje, información sobre las locaciones, el vestuario y multitud de datos que me volaron la cabeza como que todos los libros  del salón de Malcolm Murray son REALES y propiedad del creador de la serie, John Logan.
Para los fans, realmente vale muchísimo la pena y enriquece la serie. 

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite series ever, I love the fact that some of my favourite characters from books are in the series, but I would like to see other characters added. Season one was awesome and season two was good as well, I love the creepy encroaching darkness around every corner so it keeps you guessing, but some of the episodes seemed pointless and nothing much happened after a really exciting episode. Dorian Grey was an interesting character when he was mysterious, but now he is really boring and I would rather learn more about Ethan the werewolf or Victor and his creation or his bride. However I really liked the evil witches that was the best part about season 2.
Hopefully there will be more.

[Black Tea Lady ☕️📚 · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡¡Cómo extraño a Penny Dreadful!! Éste libro es una joya para todo fan de la serie. El libro habla de la primera temporada exclusivamente, de los personajes, escenarios, historia y vida en el Londres de 1890. Gótica, victoriana, romántica, misteriosa, peligrosa, enigmática y fantástica Penny Dreadful. Como fan debo decir que la serie tenía potencial para mucho más. El final fue malo, apresurado e injusto para los personajes y sus fans. Ahora regresa en cómic y retomamos la serie desde la primera temporada, en donde surgen personajes que debieron salir en la serie televisiva y no tuvieron la oportunidad.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must buy for any Penny Dreadful fan, full of interesting details about the conceptualizing of key scenes in the series, characters, with input from the cast, crew and the show's mastermind John Logan. Lots of great photos and concept art. Note: this covers only the making of the first season. I want a book for the second season too!

[Randee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Penny Dreadful and have watched both seasons and am thrilled there will be a third. I literally stumbled on this at my local library~I did not know that this 'Making Of' book existed. It's a must for any fan of the show. Great pictures and information about the show!!!!

[Iulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great overview of the production of the magnificent show, Penny Dreadful. Chapters on art production, graphic design, costumes or visual effects are wonderfully interwoven with descriptions and interviews on the main characters. This book is a real visual treat.

[Gabbiadini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully produced book with great photos and insights into the painstaking effort and expertise that went one the making of season one . Definitely one for the fans.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Gothic and dark, this art book really covers the complexity and ingenuity of the Penny Dreadful Series.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a biased review ... I loved Penny Dreadful and miss it terribly. The book is a fond memory of the show.

[Florin Pitea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous collector's item, with gorgeous pictures, inside information about the making of the show and excellent printing conditions. It deserves ten stars out of five.

[Ro Delgadillo Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible look at the creative process of an amazing piece of art. This show is on another level, and reading about its conception helps to understand why

[Mike Jozic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as detailed as I would have liked but, considering the utter lack of any in-depth behind-the-scenes material for the series, Sharon Gosling has put together a great companion to the first season of Penny Dreadful. There are some really nice photos and concept art and interview bits from John Logan and other cast and crew members are unique to the book and well worth checking out for anyone interested in learning a bit more about this lush, gothic, period drama.

It's a beautifully produced book and I am thrilled to have it on my shelf. Undoubtedly, I will reference it whenever I revisit the series.

Highly recommended for fans of the show.

[MontseMH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libro que explica el proceso de producción y elaboración de la primera temporada de "Penny Dreadful". Está lleno de curiosidades y fotos, como fan de la serie me ha encantado.

[Freya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating, but certainly could have gone deeper into my favourite show. I would love an entire costume book alone!

[Jon Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally read through the gorgeous and intriguing Penny Dreadful book. Really well done. The artistry on display in the creation of the series is inspiring. Love this series so much. The attention to detail in its creation is really amazing.

[A.E. Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely pictures and nice behind-the-scenes details that make you appreciate the word that goes into this terrific show. I wish they'd held off making in until after series two, however, as I want to know more about that chapter of the series.

[Zimon66 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loses a star for doing black text on red background (makes reading a little difficult, and for some, painful) on a few write-ups.

[Jaane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thing of a beauty if a joy forever... <3