Peter Haining

Peter Alexander Haining (1940-2007) was a prolific British author, journalist, and anthologist who made significant contributions to horror, fantasy, and true crime literature. His career spanned over four decades, during which he produced more than 170 books and anthologies. Starting his professional life as a journalist in Essex, Haining later joined New English Library publishing house where he rose to Editorial Director. In the early 1970s, he transitioned to full-time writing, producing works under his own name and the pseudonyms "Ric Alexander" and "Richard Peyton." Haining's extensive body of work includes numerous horror and fantasy anthologies, true crime investigations, and historical research. His non-fiction covered diverse subjects from the construction of the Channel Tunnel to controversial works about Sweeney Todd and Spring-Heeled Jack, though some of his historical claims have been disputed by researchers. While primarily known as an anthologist and non-fiction writer, Haining also ventured into fiction writing in the 1970s, producing three novels including "The Hero" (1973). His expertise in supernatural and horror literature made him a respected figure in the genre, though his historical research methods have faced scholarly criticism.

Readers note that Peter Haining was prolific but inconsistent. His anthology collections receive 3.0-3.5 stars on Goodreads, with readers appreciating his ability to uncover obscure stories and authors. Readers liked: - Deep research and historical context in his horror anthologies - Inclusion of rare Victorian-era ghost stories - Clear organization and themed collections - Informative introductions to each story Common criticisms: - Quality varies significantly between books - Some anthologies feel rushed or padded - Factual errors in his non-fiction works - Later books seen as cash-grabs with recycled material On Amazon, his Sherlock Holmes collections average 3.2 stars. Multiple reviewers point out errors in "The Final Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." A Goodreads reviewer called his work "hit or miss, but worth reading for the gems you'll find." Horror fans particularly recommend his "Supernatural Sleuths" and "Great British Tales of Terror" anthologies while suggesting newer readers skip his later works from the 1990s onward.

The Freak Show A historical examination of circus sideshows and human oddities throughout history, documenting famous performers and their lives behind the scenes.

The Legend and Bizarre Crimes of Spring Heeled Jack A detailed investigation into the Victorian-era phantom known as Spring Heeled Jack, compiling witness accounts and newspaper reports from the period.

Timescapes: Stories of Time Travel An anthology collecting various authors' short stories about time travel, featuring both classic and contemporary works in the genre.

The Hero A novel following a troubled protagonist who becomes obsessed with creating his own version of justice in a morally ambiguous world.

Terror! A History of Horror Illustrations A visual history exploring horror artwork from early woodcuts to modern illustrations, chronicling the evolution of horror imagery in publishing.

Sweeney Todd: The Real Story of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street A historical investigation into the origins of the Sweeney Todd legend, examining historical records and literary appearances of the character.

The Dracula Scrapbook A collection of historical materials, newspaper clippings, and cultural artifacts relating to vampire folklore and Bram Stoker's creation.

Doctor Who: A Celebration A comprehensive history of the Doctor Who television series, including behind-the-scenes information and production details through 1983.

Montague Summers A scholar and author who wrote extensively about supernatural topics including witchcraft, vampires, and Gothic literature. His work combines historical research with occult subjects, similar to Haining's approach to supernatural themes.

Michel Parry Edited numerous horror anthologies during the same era as Haining and focused on similar supernatural themes. His editorial work for Mayflower Books parallels Haining's anthology creation methods and subject matter.

Richard Dalby A bibliographer and anthologist who specialized in supernatural fiction and ghost stories. His research methods and dedication to preserving classic horror literature align with Haining's work in horror anthologies.

Hugh Lamb Produced multiple Victorian horror story collections and conducted extensive research into forgotten supernatural authors. His focus on rediscovering lost horror tales mirrors Haining's interest in historical horror literature.

Jack Sullivan An author who combines academic research with investigations into supernatural literature and Gothic topics. His work examining horror fiction history shares common ground with Haining's analytical approach to the genre.