by Otto Penzler
First published 2011
Otto Penzler curates a comprehensive collection of zombie fiction spanning the genre's evolution. The anthology opens with W.B. Seabrook, the writer who originated zombie literature, then progresses through decades of undead storytelling. Contemporary masters Stephen King, Joe R. Lansdale, Robert McCammon, and Richard Matheson contribute alongside Robert E. Howard and other influential authors. The stories range from traditional reanimated corpses to unexpected variants like satanic pigeons. Readers encounter deadly bite scenarios, parades of walking dead, and varied interpretations of zombie mythology. Penzler's editorial vision captures the genre's diversity while maintaining focus on superior storytelling craft. The collection demonstrates why zombies dominate modern horror across multiple media formats, showcasing both classic foundations and contemporary innovations in undead fiction.
Genres: fiction, short-stories, horror
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: anthology, supernatural-elements
Period: 19th-century, 20th-century, 21st-century
810 pages · Paperback · Vintage Crime/Black Lizard
Content warnings: gore, graphic-violence