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Book of the Dead: The Complete History of Zombie Cinema
A full-on history of the zombie's on-screen evolution from Caribbean bogeyman to flesh-eating corpse. Spanning seven decades of horror movie history with hundreds of stills, artwork, and an exhaustive filmography, this is the complete, long-awaited history of one of horror cinema's most enduring genres. Charting the entire ghoulish history of zombie cinema, from its origins in Haitian voodoo to its cinematic debut in 1932's White Zombie, are hundreds of zombie films from America, Europe and Asia, including Bela Lugosi B movies, Italian gore films, Nazi zombies, porno zombies, and blind monk zombies.
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 10, 2005
11 people are currently reading
691 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Russell
27 books18 followersWhen Jamie was five, he saw a Space Invaders arcade machine in a greasy fish and chip shop at the seaside. It blew his mind and started a lifelong love of videogames.
After graduating from London University, Jamie became a film critic for the BBC and a contributing editor for Total Film magazine. He was sent to special movie screenings and fed free sandwiches. He thought it was the best job ever.
But he was wrong…
A little later, he wrote for videogame magazine EDGE and realised that you could actually get paid for shooting aliens in the face with shotguns.
Since then he has worked as a screenwriter, speechwriter and as a narrative consultant for a big US tech company that swore him to secrecy. He has written several non-fiction books for grown ups on everything from videogames to zombies.
His fiction debut is the SKYWAKE trilogy for readers 9+ launching in March 2021. It's a story about videogames, aliens and what it takes to be a leader.
After graduating from London University, Jamie became a film critic for the BBC and a contributing editor for Total Film magazine. He was sent to special movie screenings and fed free sandwiches. He thought it was the best job ever.
But he was wrong…
A little later, he wrote for videogame magazine EDGE and realised that you could actually get paid for shooting aliens in the face with shotguns.
Since then he has worked as a screenwriter, speechwriter and as a narrative consultant for a big US tech company that swore him to secrecy. He has written several non-fiction books for grown ups on everything from videogames to zombies.
His fiction debut is the SKYWAKE trilogy for readers 9+ launching in March 2021. It's a story about videogames, aliens and what it takes to be a leader.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 6, 2023
[Reviewer Note: I read the updated version]
A fantastic and surprisingly deep exploration of the zombie subgenre. Russell not only looks at the best (and worst) examples of the walking dead in cinema over the years, he also observes how they reflect the cultural zeitgeists of the time in which they were released.
Digging deep into themes of racism, feminism, sexuality and politics, this is a well-researched and endlessly entertaining read. The brief interview with George A. Romero is insightful, and there's even an exhausting index of just about every zombie movie released up to 2014. Spoiler: There are a lot of very cheap, very tacky zombie films out there!
This is a must for fans of zombies, horror or even those who have an interest in the evolution and cultural standing of movies in general.
A fantastic and surprisingly deep exploration of the zombie subgenre. Russell not only looks at the best (and worst) examples of the walking dead in cinema over the years, he also observes how they reflect the cultural zeitgeists of the time in which they were released.
Digging deep into themes of racism, feminism, sexuality and politics, this is a well-researched and endlessly entertaining read. The brief interview with George A. Romero is insightful, and there's even an exhausting index of just about every zombie movie released up to 2014. Spoiler: There are a lot of very cheap, very tacky zombie films out there!
This is a must for fans of zombies, horror or even those who have an interest in the evolution and cultural standing of movies in general.
June 26, 2015
A very welcome revised and updated edition, with a considerable amount of new material. In the new introduction Russell makes plain his surprise at how zombies gained such massive popularity again in the mid-00's (which the first edition, published in 2005, missed out on entirely). As such, chapter eight (the final chapter of the first edition) gets reworked and Russell adds a further seven chapters to bring things right up to date, covering everything from zombie parody to zombie pornography, as well as an interview with George A. Romero himself.
The book itself, now printed by Titan Books - despite being of a much nicer physical quality - suffers a little due to the absence of many of the film stills and movie posters present in the first edition. It's a minor grumble though, only really valid to those with access to the original.
Aside from this, my original review still stands, including being somewhat frustrated by Russell's insistence on making subjective commentary from time to time, which I don't feel is particularly necessary or welcome in a resource such as this.
Nevertheless; five stars. If you're an old-school fan, or just curious and want to delve a little deeper into the genre, I highly recommend this edition.
The book itself, now printed by Titan Books - despite being of a much nicer physical quality - suffers a little due to the absence of many of the film stills and movie posters present in the first edition. It's a minor grumble though, only really valid to those with access to the original.
Aside from this, my original review still stands, including being somewhat frustrated by Russell's insistence on making subjective commentary from time to time, which I don't feel is particularly necessary or welcome in a resource such as this.
Nevertheless; five stars. If you're an old-school fan, or just curious and want to delve a little deeper into the genre, I highly recommend this edition.
March 28, 2023
This was a lovely gift from my daughter, who knows my love of zombie cinema.
The actual writing was hack-ish, evoking some 1st year film-studies independent study work. Lots of simbolism, lots of metaphor a lot of it just guess work or wide of the mark. Big words thrown in to spice up the writing.
So that was a bit of a weak point, but the history was great and the actual body of zombie cinema is much smaller than I'd have thought. But that makes sense, it's a niche movie monster that came into it's own relatively recently.
Great index in the back of every zombie movie of note.
The actual writing was hack-ish, evoking some 1st year film-studies independent study work. Lots of simbolism, lots of metaphor a lot of it just guess work or wide of the mark. Big words thrown in to spice up the writing.
So that was a bit of a weak point, but the history was great and the actual body of zombie cinema is much smaller than I'd have thought. But that makes sense, it's a niche movie monster that came into it's own relatively recently.
Great index in the back of every zombie movie of note.
April 28, 2018
A comprehensive look at zombie cinema. Most interesting when exploring eras of zombies in film. I was captivated learning the origin of zombie lore, and it was fascinating seeing links between zombie flicks as social commentary on sociopolitical fears of each generation. I loved that it went up to and including the 2010s, because there’s some great independent zombie films in those years that are often overlooked.
I did find the book to be too long; so much of it was dedicated to synopses of films - indeed sometimes just lists of zombie filmography from an era before talking about how they intersect or correlate.
I did like the filmography list at the back. I checked off all the films I’ve seen (almost 100!) and starred the ones that sound interesting to revisit.
I did find the book to be too long; so much of it was dedicated to synopses of films - indeed sometimes just lists of zombie filmography from an era before talking about how they intersect or correlate.
I did like the filmography list at the back. I checked off all the films I’ve seen (almost 100!) and starred the ones that sound interesting to revisit.
December 24, 2019
This wasn't a bad book but it is definitely not one to read all in one go, I did enjoy picking it up and reading a little bit at a time but it was more fun to just pick it up and start reading random sections of it.
The back of the book contains a list of pretty much every zombie film ever made which was good and far more interesting than I would have expected, I had no idea that there were so many erotic Zombie films as well, bit weird that was
The back of the book contains a list of pretty much every zombie film ever made which was good and far more interesting than I would have expected, I had no idea that there were so many erotic Zombie films as well, bit weird that was
April 20, 2018
This is my go-to zombie encyclopedia. Thorough, in depth and highlights a ton of movies I'd never heard of. It needs a revised as it's a little dated. The last few years have seen a ton of new zombies flicks that could benefit from the author's review.
July 19, 2024
FINALLY FINISHED! v interesting
i also made a letterboxd list for all the movies (which is part of why this took so long sksksk) https://boxd.it/qFseM
i also made a letterboxd list for all the movies (which is part of why this took so long sksksk) https://boxd.it/qFseM
April 30, 2015
BOOK OF THE DEAD is Jamie Russell's interesting and exhaustive (if not complete) survey of a trend that really needs to move on, but manages to cough up an interesting new take now and then (THE DEAD, set in Africa) when it's not just more expensive Hollywood bilge (WORLD WAR Z, which Russell loves for reasons I find unconvincing).
The focus is on British and American zombie cinema, but Russell's take on the Spanish REC, for one non-Anglo example, is on-target and interesting. But here I found the examination of the political elements overdone, the first sign of the Movie Writer Who Wants To Be Taken As A Social Commentator disease. In his REC review, Russell belabors the political elements; I suspect very few fans of REC love the found-footage zombie flick because it bashes the Catholic church, but Russell goes on and on about it, like he's been looking for an excuse to do so and here it is, so he's running with it. Similarly, his obvious hatred of George W. Bush starts to get ridiculous (he sneers that Bush's "scriptwriters" provided an answer to a rhetorical question, as if no other president giving a State of the Union speech ever used a script).
If the above paragraph had you rolling your eyes, you got my point. I'd feel the same were the target Clinton or Obama. There's nothing wrong with political material in a film book when trying to link real-world events to cinematic responses, but it seems so forced here.
My favorite feature of the book is the filmography. It is over 130 pages long and includes brief summaries and comments on hundreds of zombie films. Russell's critiques are short, sharp and to the point, showing why he picked this film for inclusion (historical value to the development of the genre, excellence on a low budget, etc.), and the average zombie movie fan (as opposed to the obsessive) will find dozens of titles to hunt down in the night.
A fun, absorbing read that could have been better, but so what? If you agree with Russell's political views you'll probably enjoy yet more print spent bashing the right and praising the left as the only possible viewpoint for an intelligent person, so have at it. For anyone else, the political stuff can be skimmed, which was my solution after the ninth reiteration of how evil George W. Bush is.
The focus is on British and American zombie cinema, but Russell's take on the Spanish REC, for one non-Anglo example, is on-target and interesting. But here I found the examination of the political elements overdone, the first sign of the Movie Writer Who Wants To Be Taken As A Social Commentator disease. In his REC review, Russell belabors the political elements; I suspect very few fans of REC love the found-footage zombie flick because it bashes the Catholic church, but Russell goes on and on about it, like he's been looking for an excuse to do so and here it is, so he's running with it. Similarly, his obvious hatred of George W. Bush starts to get ridiculous (he sneers that Bush's "scriptwriters" provided an answer to a rhetorical question, as if no other president giving a State of the Union speech ever used a script).
If the above paragraph had you rolling your eyes, you got my point. I'd feel the same were the target Clinton or Obama. There's nothing wrong with political material in a film book when trying to link real-world events to cinematic responses, but it seems so forced here.
My favorite feature of the book is the filmography. It is over 130 pages long and includes brief summaries and comments on hundreds of zombie films. Russell's critiques are short, sharp and to the point, showing why he picked this film for inclusion (historical value to the development of the genre, excellence on a low budget, etc.), and the average zombie movie fan (as opposed to the obsessive) will find dozens of titles to hunt down in the night.
A fun, absorbing read that could have been better, but so what? If you agree with Russell's political views you'll probably enjoy yet more print spent bashing the right and praising the left as the only possible viewpoint for an intelligent person, so have at it. For anyone else, the political stuff can be skimmed, which was my solution after the ninth reiteration of how evil George W. Bush is.
August 5, 2016
There's something utterly endearing about the zombie. The concept taps into a collective primal fear of death that we all share in one way or another, and it gives that fear teeth - often behind the faces of those we know and love.
Book of the Dead is, undoubtedly, a real labour of love. Jamie Russell has done an exceptional job with this substantial volume; chronicling the history of the zombie movie right from its Haitian origins and arrival in the western world in the early twentieth century, through to the mid-naughties (this edition was published in 2005, although an updated edition is due to be released towards the end of 2014). Unsurprisingly, particular attention is given to the films of Romero and Fulci, and their further influence on the evolution of the zombie into the cultural icon that it has become today. The book is also filled to the brim with movie-stills and theatrical posters, which really help to capture the essence of each era.
The book concludes with an exhaustive filmography, including a brief summary of each movie. My only real gripe is that the filmography is a little too subjectively written; Russell makes it very clear which movies he loves and hates throughout this list, which I found slightly unnecessary.
For zombie movie enthusiasts this book is an absolutely essential, comprehensive resource.
Book of the Dead is, undoubtedly, a real labour of love. Jamie Russell has done an exceptional job with this substantial volume; chronicling the history of the zombie movie right from its Haitian origins and arrival in the western world in the early twentieth century, through to the mid-naughties (this edition was published in 2005, although an updated edition is due to be released towards the end of 2014). Unsurprisingly, particular attention is given to the films of Romero and Fulci, and their further influence on the evolution of the zombie into the cultural icon that it has become today. The book is also filled to the brim with movie-stills and theatrical posters, which really help to capture the essence of each era.
The book concludes with an exhaustive filmography, including a brief summary of each movie. My only real gripe is that the filmography is a little too subjectively written; Russell makes it very clear which movies he loves and hates throughout this list, which I found slightly unnecessary.
For zombie movie enthusiasts this book is an absolutely essential, comprehensive resource.
October 13, 2024
It's felt like ages since I started this, but I'm glad to have reached the end of such a large book. Jamie Russell chronicles the history of zombies from their initial origins, up to as recent as 2014. Interwoven are discussions about many different entries into the sub-genre, real world events which informed such films, and how these ghouls evolved since their humble origins. It's a fascinating evolution which is charted, remaining compelling all throughout. It's a shame this portion comes to an end on such a downbeat note, especially when films like Train To Busan, The Girl With All The Gifts and One Cut Of The Dead have recently shown the inventive routes which can be taken with zombies. Perhaps that's for a further updated edition to chronicle, and I look forward to exploring that.
The book also carries on with an interesting interview with the icon that is George Romero, and a catalogue of every zombie film there is at the time listed and given a capsule review. A fascinating way to close things off.
The book also carries on with an interesting interview with the icon that is George Romero, and a catalogue of every zombie film there is at the time listed and given a capsule review. A fascinating way to close things off.
March 28, 2015
Hold on to yer' hats kiddies. Jamie Russell's 'Book of the Dead' is, without question, THE MOST comprehensive single authored tome on Zombies in print. The book is exquisite and worth your hard-earned dollars (hundreds of color and b & w stills and plates).
Russel's approach is somewhere between the historian and the scholar, essentially fusing the two and proving himself to be both simultaneously. Very nice critical analysis and the book's "up to the minute of publishing" (he discusses the Dawn of the Dead remake, Shaun of the Dead, 28 days later, etc.) accuracy is very welcomed. He covers it ALL - from the origins to the cotemporary milieu. Nothing even remotely "zombie" is ignored.
If you love Zombies, run, don't walk (of course there's the run/walk fan binary about how fast zombies should move, so run or walk, the choice is yours) to your nearest bookstore and order this book - it is, nothing less than SPECTACULAR.
Russel's approach is somewhere between the historian and the scholar, essentially fusing the two and proving himself to be both simultaneously. Very nice critical analysis and the book's "up to the minute of publishing" (he discusses the Dawn of the Dead remake, Shaun of the Dead, 28 days later, etc.) accuracy is very welcomed. He covers it ALL - from the origins to the cotemporary milieu. Nothing even remotely "zombie" is ignored.
If you love Zombies, run, don't walk (of course there's the run/walk fan binary about how fast zombies should move, so run or walk, the choice is yours) to your nearest bookstore and order this book - it is, nothing less than SPECTACULAR.
September 23, 2008
This is a pretty damn comprehensive look at Zombie movies, from the genre's birth using vaguely (or blatently) racist voodoo zombies to the Shaun of the Dead/Land of the Dead/Dawn remake era.
Russell definitely knows his topic, and gives honest opinions of what he thought of the films. I love the first 3 Romero movies (and liked Land of the Dead), and enjoy quite a few other zombie movies, so I liked the book.
I'll admit a horror blasphemy and say that I'm not the biggest fan of giallo, so the Italian sections of the book didn't do it for me, but there's a lot of great material here. Recommended for fans of horror/zombies.
Russell definitely knows his topic, and gives honest opinions of what he thought of the films. I love the first 3 Romero movies (and liked Land of the Dead), and enjoy quite a few other zombie movies, so I liked the book.
I'll admit a horror blasphemy and say that I'm not the biggest fan of giallo, so the Italian sections of the book didn't do it for me, but there's a lot of great material here. Recommended for fans of horror/zombies.
August 9, 2013
All'inizio il libro non sembrava nulla di ch��. Faceva parte di quel lotto di libri che comprai nell'estate dell'88, colto dalla foga della magnifica triolgia di Draginlance, ma che ho sempre tenuto sullo csaffale senza leggere. L'ho portato in bagno come lettura part time (:)) dove tengo tutto quello che voglio leggere ma che non ho intenzione di tenere sul comodino. Ci ho messo mesi, anche perch�� �� molto poco descrittivo e piuttosto legnoso, soprattutto perch�� si ambienta in un periodo di Krynn dove non si sa nulla, e si hanno ben pochi raggagli sul setting.
Per�� il libro rinasce nelle ultime pagine, e si conclude in modo davvero epico. Un due stelle fino alla fine.
Per�� il libro rinasce nelle ultime pagine, e si conclude in modo davvero epico. Un due stelle fino alla fine.
September 23, 2014
Can I give this more than 5 stars? This is a MUST for any zombie fan! Impeccably researched, funny, and full of movie stills and promotional posters (in both black and white and glossy color), you really cannot ask for a better history of zombie cinema. There are even reviews of hundreds of zombie movies in the back, ranging from tiny independent films to major blockbusters. I would LOVE to see a new edition that covers the last ten years, as we now have not one zombie television show that Russell mentions is missing, but two (the television version of The Walking Dead and Z-Nation, filmed in my own town of Spokane)!
August 23, 2007
Given to me as a birthday present this year from a mate, this book is an extremely well-researched and cohesive text dealing with the history of zombie cinema. Perhaps a bit too derisive of some of the films involved--a love of zombie cinema is not, perhaps, overly evident in some cases--but absolutely essential for any zombie film scholar.
Probably quite close to any book I'd have ever written.
Probably quite close to any book I'd have ever written.
September 11, 2008
I'm currently in the process of writing an honors thesis on the socio-political messages in zombie films, and this book is the source I most turn to.
Russell's writing is interesting and intelligent, and the book itself is a joy to read simply for pleasure. The insightful analysis of the films has proved most helpful in conjunction with my own interpretations, and it was most certainly worth the money I paid for it.
An indespensible book for anyone interested in zombie films.
Russell's writing is interesting and intelligent, and the book itself is a joy to read simply for pleasure. The insightful analysis of the films has proved most helpful in conjunction with my own interpretations, and it was most certainly worth the money I paid for it.
An indespensible book for anyone interested in zombie films.
March 16, 2010
This book does a really good job tracking and explaining the zombie movie phenomenon. Probably best of all it puts everything into context from the 1930's American interest in Haitian investments that gave rise to the cultural exploration of voodoo to the George Romero zombie of the late 60's. The book is very comprehensive with photos and even an encyclopedia of zombie movies in the appendix. I'd recommend this book for anyone with an interest in learning more about history of the zombie.
January 20, 2010
a really well written, in-depth analysis of the zombie film from the early days of film through 2005/2006.
it can be a bit dry at times, but at the end also includes an impressively comprehensive filmography that makes me want to watch a whole lot of movies that i probably shouldn't otherwise because of how bad they are.
what's wrong with me?
it can be a bit dry at times, but at the end also includes an impressively comprehensive filmography that makes me want to watch a whole lot of movies that i probably shouldn't otherwise because of how bad they are.
what's wrong with me?
February 16, 2008
Jamie Russell does a fantastic job covering the entire history of zombie cinema, from Romero to Fulci. It covers everything perfectly, and doesn't hesitate to point out the various stinkers that inhabit this fine genre of film. Any fan of zombie cinema should crack an egg of knowledge on themselves with this book.
May 7, 2009
This is functioning as a background text for my zombie class (Everything I Need to Know, I Learned from Zombie Movies), and it's way more readable than I expected. VERY sharp, too. It covers all angles, from the inherent philosophical underpinnings and social commentaries, down to the raw gore factors. Love it.
May 9, 2010
Very, very comprehensive. I will definitely use this to add more zombie movies to my Netflix queue. And I loved seeing that, for the analysis and commentary, Russell used some of the same sources I used in my own thesis. Will keep this on my shelf for years to come.
April 7, 2009
What you get here is exactly what the title promises: an exhaustive history of zombies in film history. Most of the book is taken up by that history, and the last section is made up of reviews of pretty much every zombie movie ever made. Unquestionably the gold standard for zombie film books.
August 17, 2010
Excellent database and history of zombie movies from their humble beginnings to their place in culture at present. Using this as a companion while I write an article for a horror magazine entitled "The Evolution Of The Zombie". Very helpful.
August 24, 2009
Absolutely essential for gorehounds and zombie film collectors. Beautiful still photos from hundreds of zombie flix from over the last 80 or so years adds to the allure of the history in these pages. A filmography at the end of the book is exhaustive and totally helpful.
October 11, 2016
genuinely brilliant and kind author. I wrote a note thanking him for his work, having used a lot of his material for my masters thesis. He was welcoming and happy to hear from an appreciative reader
May 11, 2007
one word: finally! it's about time there was an intelligent history of the zombie on film. covers everthing from caribbean origins to italian gore to the millenial uprising of the undead.
Want to read
December 29, 2007Xmas gift Scott 2007
March 4, 2008
THE book for zombie film lovers.
March 29, 2008
This is kind of a coffee table book. I think I could plow through this pretty nicely if it traveled a bit better. As it is, I guess it will have to be a reference.
February 26, 2009
This is MY bible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews