Nightmares in the Sky
Published: 1988
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Architecture, Interior Design, Non-Fiction, Reference
The Review
First and foremost, this is not a Stephen King novel. While there is some content written by King, it is far from his work. The photographer, f-Stop Fitzgerald, is in charge of this. There are some genuinely stunning photographs that, at the very least, remind me that there is so much going on that I neglect or simply walk by without ever looking up. And all of these magnificent images from a country decades younger than mine - for fear of stepping into something I shouldn't have - serves as a reminder to look up and around me every day.
Nightmares in the Sky: Gargoyles and Grotesques is a coffee table book about architectural gargoyles and grotesques that was released in 1988 and was photographed by f-stop Fitzgerald with accompanying writing by Stephen King.
In the September 1988 edition of Penthouse, an extract was released. Images from the book were utilized as textures in the video games Doom and Doom II.
The book is a tribute to everything commonplace and yet unnoticed. True, the book is about gargoyles and grotesques preserved in concrete above our heads, but after reading it again, I realized that it could stand for anything - anything that is there in plain sight but we choose not to see - or anything that we see every day and dismiss as normal and mundane when it is far from it.
This book, I realized, is a subtle prod to halt and look about us, to appreciate what is both beautiful and awful before it is gone, as seen by many of the photographs in this book, where acid rain and atmospheric corrosion have begun to take their toll.
This is a book that conveys a variety of messages; the question is which ones you choose to notice and appreciate.
This is a large format coffee table book with gargoyle pictures. I'm so glad this book exists because look up at all the new buildings and there isn't a single gargoyle to be found! Shame.
I've always been a lover of gargoyles, as well as the cartoon program about them, so when I spotted this book, I had to get it for the love of the subject. Those gargoyle pictures truly woke me up!
This takes me to a few criticisms of the book that have nothing to do with the stunning photography.
The index, in my opinion, fails. It's scant and incomplete, and the photographs should include some separate subtitles. A historical background piece regarding gargoyles would have been nice instead of, or in addition to, Stephen King's essay.
We know they have existed for millennia, but when and where did they originally appear? I, for one, would like to find out. But none of this means that I didn't enjoy what Stephen King wrote for this novel.
And King is correct when he adds that during his second hunt for them, there appeared to be less. As I previously stated, there are no gargoyles to be found when looking up at new structures. Enjoy them and let them send shivers down your spine while they're still here.
This is a fantastic book. The photographs are basic, yet they capture the beauty and mysticism of gargoyle imagery in New York and other American cities. I must admit that I bought this book because Stephen King's name was on the cover, and also because, as I previously stated, I am a lover of gargoyle-related things, and I thought it would be a fascinating addition to my book collection.
When I got it home and started flicking through the pages, I was attracted by the blurry, often scary photos.
King's words give some fascinating perspectives and experiences, but the book stands on Fitzgerald's photographs alone.
Some of the gargoyles are frightening, some are ghastly, others are lighthearted, while yet others are just hilarious. They all attest to the artists' inventiveness and imagination.
This hardback, 128-page (or so) volume would seem right at home on your coffee table because it's an odd size to attempt to fit into most ordinary bookshelves, plus it's printed for the table or a spot that isn't a bookshelf.
King's prose takes up roughly 35 pages; the book is, as it should be, concentrated on the images.
It's not for everyone; if you're not a fan of picture books, avoid it. However, if you want fascinating images that capture an unusual topic, and/or if you are a Stephen King fan, this is one to bring home.
Final Thoughts
This book is spooky and lovely. Stephen King's article is amusing and delightful, but it is also emotional and insightful in the end.
I could gaze at these stunning black-and-white photographs for hours. Really highly recommended, but not for those who believe it is a novel or a story because it is not.
I bought everything Stephen King wrote, co-wrote, or promoted, as I usually do. It's hypnotic, and it's a very, really, disturbing novel. I say this with affection and without reservation: those images are alive.
A word or two about the authors: Prior to witnessing "Nightmares in the Sky," I was unfamiliar with f-stop Fitzgerald's photography—(credited as "Photographer" on the book's cover); but a word of warning—once you see something, it's extremely difficult to un-see it; you've been warned.
The title should be repeated: Nightmares In The Sky. Please keep that in mind if and when you pick up this fantastically terrifying book.
It offers the most stunningly terrifying photographs of Gargoyles that are now haunting ancient and fairly new buildings all across New York City, and they aren't drawings, they're photographs—the genuine, demonic stuff.
There are photos here that will keep you awake at night. I had the uneasy sense that some of these monsters were actually mocking the viewer...with wonderful, even demonic—glee.
"Nightmares in the Sky" is pure, dark bliss for horror fans like myself. And the fact that the gargoyles are part of the architecture of a building itself heightens the spooky, the dread. This is not a coffee-table book for youngsters, nor is it for the faint of heart.
Another thing I remember from this fantastic tablet is Stephen King stating something that I'll never forget or get over. I guarantee you'll never look at a gargoyle the same way again.
Please pardon me for not having the book in front of me, but Stephen King was discussing "They [the gargoyles] are frequently placed beyond our line of sight...so we don't see them." We don't see them, but bear in mind that they are always watching us."
Finally, I must notify the readers that this is not a story or a novel, but rather a collection of photographs, which is why I do not recommend it highly; yet, it is an excellent book for enthusiasts.
Synopsis
"This book will be a collection of fantastic and horrifying photographs of gargoyles taken by avant-garde photographer f-stop Fitzgerald (yes, that's his name and the spellings correct), with a wonderful text by none other than the master of horror, Stephen King. F-stop has captured gargoyles in all manner of poses, made all the more striking by the design by mark pollard. Through the use of gatefolds and full-bleed illustrations, these awesome creatures will seem practically to leap off the page. (4/5/88). UK YES"
Useful Search Related Words & Keywords
Book Are Great, Coffee Table, Coffee-Table Book, Gargoyles In This Book, King Fan, King Wrote, New York, Photos, Table Book
Rating: 90/100
Recommended: 70/100 Yes.
Buy the Hardback
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