One book I got over the Christmas period was Sin-A-Rama, published by Feral House in the US. I'd been told about this by commenters as a great source of information on the sleazy pulps and the people behind them. It truly is a treasure trove, especially regarding covers... (click for bigger versions of the following spreads)
The second spread features an alarming clown-featuring cover by Eric Stanton, as well as another by an artist I'd never heard of before: Elaine Duillo. (And who knew there was such a demand for clown sleaze? And if you did know, please keep it to yourself.)
Among her many other covers, Duillo also produced one that I would have included in my wrap-up of Zola sleaze, if only I had known of it.
Ah, so much pulpy goodness in one place! Clowns still scare me, and the clown sex pulp is a huge surprise. I guess I don't understand the fetish.
ReplyDeleteBut this stuff is so bad... it's GOOD!
Not surprisingly, I bought this a couple years back. Indispensable. Worth it for that clown cover (Top Ten all time) alone. Thanks for reminding me to get this out of cold storage. ~RP
ReplyDeleteSin-A-Rama is more than worth buying for the covers alone, but I think of even greater value are the essays. (Which is saying a lot.)
ReplyDeleteOn that note, I recommend another Feral House title, Dope Menace: The Sensational World of Drug Paperbacks by Sin-A-Rama contributor Stephen J. Gertz. More pulpy goodness mixed in with some essential reading.
The essays are fascinating--and for the most part, the people behind it all seem surprisingly sane (with some notable, Ed Wood-style exceptions). I have to get 'Dope Menace' too, then, obviously!
ReplyDeleteGlad you scored a copy of that. It's a great collection.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, thanks for highlighting Elaine Duillo. I'm going to have to look for more by her.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Bob--it was your original recommendation that sent me into this World Of Sin.
ReplyDeleteSure, blame me.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!