Description
Revised and updated, this is the only authorised history of Hammer Films. Exploring the company, its leading figures, and a film-by-film analysis of the studio’s entire output up to 2023’s Doctor Jekyll.
Now with new imagery throughout, this book charts Hammer’s entire history, from its roots as a small genre studio, through the golden years producing the gothic horror films it became synonymous with, to its recent resurgence creating new horror films for modern audiences. It also explores Hammer’s acclaimed restoration programme, including the remastering of its classic films in stunning 4K, bringing these landmark productions to a new generation of fans.
About The Authors
Marcus Hearn is a Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author. Since beginning his career at Marvel Comics, he has written for The Guardian, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. His 2010 book The Art of Hammer and his 2018 film Hammer Horror: The Warner Bros Years were both winners of Rondo Awards.
Alan Barnes is the author of Sherlock Holmes on Screen, and co-author (with Marcus Hearn) of Tarantino A to Zed and Kiss Kiss Bang! Bang!: The Unofficial James Bond Film Companion. Often seen on DVD and Blu-ray documentaries about Hammer films, among other subjects, he likes to haunt old film locations on his days off.
Technical Features
| Format | Hardcover |
| Number of pages | 224 |
| Publisher | Titan Books |
Established in 1934, Hammer Films is one of the most renowned and prolific independent production companies in the world. Hammer’s productions encompass almost every genre, but it remains best known for the groundbreaking reinvention of cinematic horror that was a phenomenon on both sides of the...
titanbooks.com
Established in 1934, Hammer Films is one of the most renowned and prolific independent production companies in the world.
Hammer’s productions encompass almost every genre, but it remains best known for the groundbreaking reinvention of cinematic horror that was a phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1950s. The unique formula that became known as Hammer Horror was perfected in such classics as The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Dracula (1958) and The Mummy (1959). Over the next 20 years numerous sequels and similarly acclaimed films such as The Devil Rides Out (1968) made Hammer one of the most recognisable filmmaking brands in the world.
The Hammer Story is the only authorised history of the company and was compiled with unlimited access to its archive. The book is lavishly illustrated with rare promotional material and previously unpublished photographs.
Now with an additional 32 pages continuing the story of Hammer as it came back from the dead in 2007 and began producing new horror films for a modern audience, including:
• Wake Wood (2009) – Hammer Films’ first theatrical release for 30 years
• Let Me In (2010) – directed by Matt Reeves
• The Resident (2011) – starring Oscar-winner Hilary Swank and Hammer legend Sir Christopher Lee
• The Woman in Black (2012) – starring Daniel Radcliffe
• The Quiet Ones (2014) – starring Jared Harris
• The Woman in Black: Angel of Death (2015) – starring Helen McCrory
• The Lodge (2019) – directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala
Format:
Hardback
Pages:
224
Published:
- 15 Sep 2026 (US)
- 15 Sep 2026 (UK)
Dimension:
- 11.44" x 9.44" (US)
- 290mm x 240mm (UK)
