First published 2016
Cassandra Peterson opens the curtain on her transformation into television's most famous horror host. This photographic retrospective spans three and a half decades of Elvira's reign as the Queen of Halloween. Peterson provides original commentary alongside more than 350 images, many appearing in print for the first time. The collection captures Elvira's evolution from late night movie host to cultural phenomenon. Behind the scenes photographs reveal the creative process that built an empire around a low cut black dress and razor sharp wit. Peterson shares the stories behind iconic moments, memorable appearances, and the business decisions that sustained Elvira's popularity across generations. The 240 page hardbound volume measures ten by thirteen inches, giving full scope to the visual chronicle. This retrospective shows how one performer created a character that transcended her original television format to become a Halloween institution. Peterson's commentary connects the images to the larger story of building and maintaining a brand that speaks to horror fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.
Genres: horror, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: transformation, underdog-success
Period: 20th-century, 21st-century
240 pages · Hardcover · Tweeterhead