Prime Evil: New Stories by the Masters of Modern Horror [Paperback]

Douglas E. Winter (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 4, 1989

This stunning collection of novellas and short stories by masters of the macabre brings to fans and newcomers an unrelenting spell of horror and suspense. These are tales that strike beyond sheer terror, as their disturbing visions capture the dark reality we all fear. Features works by Stephen King, Clive Barker, Peter Straub, and more. "Gets the adrenaline flowing".--Washington Post.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Winter has put together a classy collection of original horror stories by some of the biggest names in the fieldreminiscent in intent and quality of Dennis Etchison's anthology of two years ago, Cutting Edge. The lead story, "The Night Flier," is by Stephen King but is one of the weakest in the book, a vampire tale with a long windup and a brief punch. "Having a Woman at Lunch" by Paul Hazel is a carefully written, ironic account of a group of diffident males who find a macabre way of dealing with a woman who infiltrates their circle. Clive Barker's "Coming to Grief" is one of this writer's quieter stories, which clearly shows the influence of Ramsey Campbell, himself represented by "Next Time You'll Know Me," about a homicidal paranoic for whom it is difficult not to feel sorry. "Food" by Thomas Tessier tells of an obese woman undergoing a metamorphosis and the unfortunate man who loves her. Other excellent contributions are by M. John Harrison, Peter Straub and Whitley Strieber.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Signet (April 4, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451159098
• ISBN-13: 978-0451159090
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,324 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A super collection of "horror" stories, by some of the best, April 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Prime Evil: New Stories by the Masters of Modern Horror (Paperback)

There are some great stories in this collection, including "The Night Flyer" by Stephen King, which would later be released in Nightmares and Dreamscapes. The biggest surprise, however, is from David Morrell, best known for creating Rambo. His story, "Orange is for Anguish, Blue is for Insanity" is without a doubt my favorite horror story ever (and I've read more than my share of Poe, King, etc.) Why it is not included in other "Best Horror Stories" type books is beyond me. I highly recommend this book, or if you're really not interested, at least sit down with it in your bookstore and read "Orange." It's well worth the half hour investment.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good anthology, July 19, 2006

By 

Andy Powter (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Prime Evil: New Stories by the Masters of Modern Horror (Paperback)

This is a very good anthology and includes some real gems, such as Stephen King's The Night Flyer. My only criticism is that it could have taken a few more risks in order to give us some really experimental pieces. Overall, though...very well done.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars HE SAID ONCE, "HORROR IS AN EMOTION...", July 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Prime Evil: New Stories by the Masters of Modern Horror (Paperback)

And it is. More than anything, it is something felt. Something experienced. Winter's success with this anthology cannot be denied. That it is still in print after all this time is a true testament to that. The quality of work between the binds of this book is absolutely some of the best stuff in horror, all presented to you by the current masterminds. A rare superb collection.