Billed as a spiritual successor to his iconic Books of Blood, Clive Barker is back with brand new project Library of the Dead, which will feature three books full of brand new terror tales.
“An unprecedented year-long publishing event,” Clive Barker’s Library of the Dead is being made available exclusively through Kickstarter, where it has almost instantly smashed through its $25,000 fundraising goal. At this time, the fundraiser is already up to $62,000!
The team previews, “For decades, Clive Barker has redefined horror with stories that blend terror, beauty, mythology, and imagination like no other writer. Now, one of the genre’s most influential voices returns with Library of the Dead, an ambitious new three-book anthology that marks Barker’s long-awaited return to the short fiction that first established him as a master of modern horror.
“From Clive Barker Ink and Ensata Press, Library of the Dead is a year-long celebration of Clive Barker’s new work and extraordinary legacy. Across brand new stories and out-of-print gems curated for the first time, Barker revisits the themes that have captivated readers for generations: obsession, mythology, beauty, and unimaginable horror. Each volume is further enriched with haunting black-and-white illustrations and poetry created by Barker himself and wrapped in breathtaking new cover artwork that bring Barker’s newest nightmares vividly to life.”
The project is highlighted by three books under the Library of the Dead banner:
- Fear Eternal
- Pyres of Bedlam
- Dark Descents
“Edited by Barker’s long-time collaborators, Phil and Sarah Stokes, the trilogy of books represents Barker’s most significant return to original horror in years with a collection that explores familiar Barker themes,” the official press release details this afternoon.
The Kickstarter campaign also offers an extraordinary selection of exclusive companion pieces created specifically for this event. Fans can add a new and beautifully produced Books of Blood Remastered Edition, a premium two-volume leather-bound omnibus of the landmark six volume collection that launched Barker’s career, complete with new illustrations accompanying stories including Rawhead Rex, The Midnight Meat Train, and The Forbidden.
The campaign also features limited-edition collectibles, including The Art of Clive Barker Portfolio, a premium collection of fine art prints based on the original artwork in the books created by Barker, alongside the stunning Library of the Dead Book Coffin, an ornate stone bookcase and display piece inspired by Barker’s artwork and designed to house the entire collection.
“I’m profoundly excited by all that Library of the Dead offers, and the freedom that I now have to present it to you with Kickstarter,” explained Clive Barker. “It’s going to be a blast for us all, my friends!”
Throughout the campaign, supporters will also unlock stretch goals, exclusive editions, original artwork, and additional surprises, making Library of the Dead an evolving publishing event that extends far beyond the books themselves. Learn more over on Kickstarter.
These new works from Clive Barker are expected to begin shipping in 2027.
The best part of this whole announcement? Clive Barker says in a statement, “After a period of ill health, I am celebrating my full recovery and excited to be generating new work.” He adds that he has “reawakened” his “creative passion for unapologetic, terrifying horror fiction.”
