Gore and More discussion

I read some of the stories in this collection (books 1,2, and 3) years ago but just started re-reading book 1 recently. Clive Barker's imagination and ability to dig his nails just under your skin with description still wows me--especially with such an early effort in his career. It's his combination of horror with fantasy that hooks me from the beginning, but then he injects a certain sensuality into it that really chills me. I'd love to read the thoughts of more knowledgeable fans than me.

I love how he subtly drops in theology in his stories as well, Like Mr B. Gone (I wont spoil it) but when you find out what the ensuing battle is really about it makes you wonder how many of our issues as a society were antagonized by the same machinations. I enjoy that he walks a thin line between whats acceptable and not and he doesn't apologize for it either.
I also love that he isn't one of those authors that cranks out books every 6 months *cough*King*cough* so when he releases one of his works it feels like he poured himself into it 100%
As far as the sensual part of his works I feel is he's said many times that the most horrifying thing of the human condition is letting go 100% and allowing someone else in. Hes attributed this to him being a homosexual however I feel it transcends all regardless of orientation. after all Love and lust can be scary, exciting and sorrowful all at the same time.... whats more horrifying than that?

On my first date with my now wife, she insisted I buy this book. I love it, and I've had the same thought- there's a sense of sexual claustrophobia that comes from having to both embrace and defend that part of yourself. It's fascinating, and you're right- horrifying.

I've always loved how some authors (Clive in particular) play with that most seeded of human emotions, most people don't see the fact that that in itself is what makes most "good" horror good. Sure a maniac with a hatchet and chainsaw will scare someone on a visceral level but everyone goes through sexual awkwardness to where we all relate regardless

Beyond sexual awkwardness, I think Barker has an understanding of how to use language to link pain with sexual pleasure/power in a horrifying way. I think it even translates to film. When I watch Hellraiser now it isn't necessarily the sight of the cenobites that gets to me--it's their victims' surrender to the hidden pleasures of being tortured. Ick.

I was going to say the same thing, pain an pleasure pleasure in pain its a fine line that often times gets blurred

This was a wonderful collection. Still, I would prefer that Rawhead Rex stick to a diet of human flesh and leave the ponies alone.

I just picked up the first book, but haven't read it yet. I've read Hellbound Heart, which I liked, but that's been my only exposure to Barker so far.

I really enjoyed all of the volumes of The Books of Blood. In my opinion, it's Barker at his best. Lean, mean, and nasty. And who can forget those old paperback covers?!?

The last Barker book I read was Mr. M B Gone

How was that, Rick?

I love his books of blood but haven't read all of them yet. Plan to read and review them all eventually. His writing style really shines in these.

These are on my tbr. I haven't properly read Barker yet but scanning over the first couple of pages of the first book convinces me that I'll like them.