The Best of Robert Bloch

The Best of Robert Bloch is a definitive collection of twenty-two short stories published by Del Rey/Ballantine in 1977. The anthology includes works spanning multiple decades of Bloch's career, from early pieces published in Weird Tales to later entries in Playboy and various science fiction magazines. The collection opens with an introduction by Lester del Rey and contains some of Bloch's most notable works, including "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper" and "That Hell-Bound Train." Stories in the collection cross genres between horror, science fiction, and supernatural fiction, demonstrating Bloch's range as a writer. The stories draw heavily from classic horror elements and psychological suspense, often featuring supernatural creatures, psychological twists, and dark humor. Many stories first appeared in prominent magazines of the era including Weird Tales, Famous Fantastic Mysteries, and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. These collected works showcase Bloch's ability to blend horror with elements of crime fiction and science fiction, creating a distinctive style that influenced the development of modern speculative fiction. The anthology serves as a comprehensive survey of his contributions to mid-20th century genre literature.

Readers describe this collection as a solid introduction to Bloch's work beyond "Psycho," showcasing his range in horror and dark humor. Online reviews note his talent for twist endings and psychological horror. Liked: - Stories "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper" and "The Hell-Bound Train" receive frequent mentions - Dark comedy elements throughout the stories - Concise writing style that builds tension - Mix of horror sub-genres from psychological to supernatural Disliked: - Some stories feel dated in dialogue and social attitudes - Uneven quality across the collection - Several readers note predictable endings in certain stories Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (281 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) One reader on Goodreads wrote: "Bloch excels at building dread through simple, everyday scenarios before pulling the rug out." Another noted: "The dated elements distract from otherwise strong storytelling."

Night Shift by Stephen King This collection of short horror stories captures the same blend of psychological horror and dark humor that characterizes Bloch's writing style.

Tales of the Cthulhu Mythos by H.P. Lovecraft These interconnected stories share Bloch's fascination with cosmic horror and psychological terror while expanding on the mythology of ancient gods.

The October Country by Ray Bradbury The stories in this collection mirror Bloch's ability to mix horror with elements of science fiction and fantasy while exploring human nature.

Complete Tales and Poems by Edgar Allan Poe Poe's works contain the same psychological depth and twisted narratives that influenced Bloch's writing style and themes.

Books of Blood by Clive Barker These horror stories demonstrate the same mix of psychological terror and supernatural elements that define Bloch's short fiction.

🔸 Robert Bloch was a mentor to and close friend of H.P. Lovecraft, who encouraged his early writing career through extensive correspondence when Bloch was just a teenager. 🔸 Before becoming a full-time writer, Bloch worked as a copywriter for a Milwaukee advertising agency and wrote many of his early stories during lunch breaks. 🔸 The author's most famous work, "Psycho," was partially inspired by real-life Wisconsin murderer Ed Gein, who lived only 35 miles from Bloch's home at the time. 🔸 Several stories in this collection were adapted for television shows including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Star Trek," showcasing Bloch's influence beyond literature. 🔸 Many of Bloch's early works were published in "Weird Tales" magazine alongside contemporaries like H.P. Lovecraft and Clark Ashton Smith, earning him just one cent per word.