The Godfathers of Horror Films (Hardback)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a clever, well written triple biography spanning a period of 128 years from the birth of Boris Karloff (then called, William Henry Pratt!) in 1887 to the death of Christopher Lee in 2015. The life of Peter Cushing (1913 - 1994) is also included along the way.
I have no interest in horror films whatsoever, but thankfully with the lives of three such fascinating Englishmen lying at the core of this book, this didn't matter a jot. The book is full of fascinating nuggets of information ranging from the ease with which Karloff seems to have drifted into marriage on five separate occasions, to the ageing Cushing's doubts about filming Star Wars to the macabre detail that Lee witnessed the last guillotine execution in France in 1977..
Author Jennifer Selway has produced a fascinating book steeped in anecdote which should captivate and enthrall all readers.

NetGalley, Chris Hallam

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an affectionate homage to three of the godfathers of horror who were the quintessential English gentlemen in their personal and professional lives. Boris Karloff who forever will Frankenstein’s monster, Christopher Lee who will be Hammer’s Dracula and Peter Cushing, his friend and coworker will always be Van Helsing are the three godfathers.. Other actors have played the roles and no doubt will again in the future but they each brought something special to the roles that made them their own. Had they not done other work, they would still be remembered. But they did other work, often some of their finest, but their signature roles would overshadow.

The book is filled with lots of interesting trivia. I found myself repeating something I read to the nearest person. There were a lot of “I never knew that” moments. But what I like the best is the respect and affection that is shown in the text. I suspect the actors would approve wholeheartedly. So, if you are a fan of classic horror or just a fan of film history, this is a good addition to your library. Five purrs and two paws up.

NetGalley, Susan Johnston

This was a really interesting summary of the lives and filmography of Karloff, Cushing, and Lee, veritable kings of horror. The book covers a wide range of topics, including films, personal history, career history, and a lot of other surrounding topics that further contextualise the history of the three of them.

It was really interesting and detailed in the examination of all three of them, although part of it could have gone a little further, particularly the filmography side of it. I think the cadence of the book was really good and flowed well, especially given it was covering three lives of incredibly eminent men.

NetGalley, Krystelle Fitzpatrick

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

In *The Godfathers of Horror Films*, Jennifer Selway offers a richly evocative tribute to three titanic figures of Gothic and cinematic history—Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing, and Christopher Lee—whose iconic performances helped to shape the visual, psychological, and cultural lexicon of horror throughout the 20th century. This work is as much a study in artistry as it is a meditation on legacy, crafted with an evident reverence for the genre and its most indelible voices.

Selway deftly traces the intersecting lives and careers of these three actors—not as mere biographical subjects, but as transformative presences who gave depth and dignity to roles often dismissed as pulp or spectacle. From Karloff’s elegiac creature in *Frankenstein* (1931), to Cushing’s clinical resolve in *Horror of Dracula* (1958), to Lee’s towering presence as both villain and antihero, each man contributed not only to the genre’s commercial success, but to its enduring artistic legitimacy.

What distinguishes this book is Selway’s balanced approach: she provides ample context on the evolution of horror cinema—particularly within British and American studios—while also offering nuanced portraits of her subjects as individuals. Karloff is depicted as introspective and gentle, Cushing as scholarly and haunted by personal loss, and Lee as fiercely intelligent and commanding. Their artistic philosophies and professional decisions are explored with insight, framing their collaborations (especially with Hammer Films) as more than commercial ventures—they were aesthetic partnerships forged in atmosphere, restraint, and theatrical gravitas.

Selway’s prose is accessible yet sophisticated, weaving cinematic history with critical commentary. Fans of classic horror will find detailed references to specific films, performances, and production histories, while general readers will appreciate the broader cultural reflection on why these figures still loom large in the modern imagination.

**Final Verdict:**
*The Godfathers of Horror Films* is a reverent, intelligent, and deeply enjoyable homage to three men who elevated horror to high art. Jennifer Selway captures the charm, discipline, and eerie magnetism of Karloff, Cushing, and Lee with both biographical sensitivity and cinematic flair. This is essential reading for enthusiasts of classic horror, Gothic cinema, and the timeless tension between fear and fascination on the silver screen.

NetGalley, Neveen Badr

This was great. Really informative. Really enjoyed it. As a film nerd, this was right up my street. I learned loads about these gents from this!

NetGalley, Stephanie Elliott

A great biographical book which features the lives and story of how Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee rose to fame and the films that gave them their Hollywood status. I did enjoy this!

NetGalley, Kerry Richardson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I just finished The Godfathers of Horror Films by Jennifer Selway, and I absolutely loved it. As someone who’s always been fascinated by classic horror films, this book was a fantastic deep dive into the lives and legacies of the genre’s most iconic figures. Selway does a brilliant job of blending biography with film history, providing fascinating insights into how these pioneers shaped the horror genre we know and love today.

What I really enjoyed was how accessible the writing was—whether you're a film buff or just a casual fan, Selway’s engaging style kept me hooked from start to finish. I learned so much about the directors and actors who made these films iconic, and it made me want to revisit all the classic horror movies mentioned. If you’re a fan of horror films, this is a must-read!

NetGalley, Moira Frederickson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is much more than biographies of three incredible actors. Their stories are set in the context of changing times, both socially and in the entertainment world where music halls and theatre gave way to cinemas and ultimately to small screen. I love the original horror films. Low budget, but such great camera work and I find them far more tense and exciting than the multi million pound colour epics produced now. I knew little if these actors and certainly didn’t realise they came from the same small area, although from very different backgrounds. They gave the world a legacy of films that will be unsurpassed and after some 80 or 90 years, they still stand the test of time. They were each masters of the genre and this title fleshes out the people behind the characters they played. Really well written with a number of interesting plates and what appears to be meticulous research. Of interest to film buffs and those who like a bit of social history.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A must-read for old-school horror movie fans!

Watching horror movies with my dad is one of my best childhood memories. Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee were familiar faces to me. This book was a delight to read and a fantastic nostalgia boost. There was so much information that I never knew, all presented in an easy-to-read and entertaining format. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. I could tell the author truly appreciated these actors and movies as much as my dad and I did.

NetGalley, Michelle Dawn