Russell links postpulp literature and the Grand Guignol tradition with the modern sensibilities of America in the 1960s. Within him resides a neo-paganistic streak that is passed from Algernon Blackwood and Sax Rohmer to him and other writers of unusual proclivities, such as Bernard J. Hurwood. A fascinating combination of the liberal and the heretic. "Russell is the literary equivalent of the Italian filmmaker Mario Bava, a supersaturated neo-Gothiscist who shines above the premises of his material based on style, conviction, and artistic flair." - Guillermo del Toro, from the introduction.

Praise for Penguin Horror Classics:

"The new Penguin Horror editions, selected by Guillermo del Toro, feature some of the best art direction (by Paul Buckley) I've seen in a cover in quite some time." - Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing.