THE BOOK OF THE BOOKS OF THE FILM...IS BACK!
Light into Ink: A Critical Survey of 50 Film Novelizations (Revised and Updated) [DeLuxe Edition: Colour Interior by S.M. Guariento. Publisher: Independently published. Hardback: 530 pages, ISBN-13: 979-8345193815 Product Dimensions: 20.96 x 3.66 x 27.94 cm, price £62.00
It was some 5 years ago that I was contacted by author Steve Guariento. Clearly a man with a passion, Steve explained how he had dedicated a great deal of his time in compiling what eventually emerged as a genuinely remarkable book and an authority. When Steve explained it was an overview on the film tie-in or film novelization - he certainly captured my attention. So when Steve contacted me again just recently informing me that he had returned to his ‘bible of books’ to revise and expand it, I was hit with a genuine sense of excitement.
As most film fans would concur, the humble film ‘tie-in’ paperback, or if you would prefer, novelisation – was pretty much an essential element for movie lovers. Perhaps ‘tie-in’ is a somewhat dated term these days, but it still relates to the same thing - a book whose jacket, packaging, contents, or promotion relates to a feature film or a television show.
Back in the day, the paperback novelisation had a magnetic effect, usually because it either contained some wonderful film artwork or an iconic photo from the movie. They proved quite irresistible and the newsagent’s rotary stands were often the place to find many treasurers.
However, it was also a little piece of collecting history that hadn’t really been examined to any great depth – until now.
S.M. Guariento’s book is an excellent examination of 50 such books. The London born author provides a detailed case study of various genres. In his research, Guariento doesn’t skip or avoid and leaves no stone unturned. He examines the evolution of the softback, particularly from its 1950s explosion where the paperback began being a preference over that of the hardback equivalent. It’s an excellent historical journey and it’s a great education in how it all evolved. However, there is no escaping the overriding appeal of their presentation and the genuine pulling power of their lush and varied cover art.
Guariento provides some glorious memories with the turn of each page, delving into TV titles such as Target’s Doctor Who, Bantam’s Star Trek and Futura’s Space 1999 – all of which contained heart racing cover imagery.
The book’s subtitle ‘50 Film Novelisations’ can perhaps be easily misinterpreted and arguably undermines this book and its mammoth amount of content.
In terms of subject genres, Guariento hits the sweet spot every single time. In his chapter selections he has chosen very wisely, covering Eastwood, Bond, Planet of the Apes, Horror, Sci-fi, Hammer, Crime, Spy – in fact, everything that is both engaging and appealing to a key audience. Other chapters’ focus more specifically, such as Cult filmmakers (including David Cronenberg and John Carpenter) and the adaptations of their various films. Most importantly, do not be misled into thinking that 50 Film novelisations simply equates to 50 cover illustrations. The book also serves as a spectacular pictorial treasury with hundreds of covers featured - either related within the context of a chapter or shown as different or alternative editions of certain titles. Guariento certainly has this covered. This book is practically a dream.
Guariento has dedicated a whole chapter to Italian Genre Cinema with a very generous sub section handed over to The Man with No Name and Eastwood’s Spaghetti western tie-in novels. It’s arguably the most in-depth study that has ever been afforded to these books. The images are great and plentiful with some that are even new to me – including a stunning 1972 German tie-in for A Fistful of Dollars (which has just elevated itself to the top of my ‘most wanted’ list). But you don’t have to be just an Eastwood fan to appreciate this book, it stands high on its own merits – any film fan will treasure it.
Guariento’s book originally came in two very different versions, one of which was a b/w edition that really didn’t promote the lavish artwork as it probably should. I’m pleased to report that this new updated version is presented in stunning full colour.
Fully revised and updated, this new edition includes a wealth of fresh detail: an expanded history of the form, more data on authors and publishers and a comprehensive index. With close analysis of exclusive content, screenplay comparisons and excerpts from the novels themselves – including some translated into English for the very first time – Light into ink is lavishly illustrated with jacket art, film posters and more. Both exhaustive and informative, Light into ink is an indispensable addition to any film-lover’s bookshelf. Just make sure it’s a sturdy shelf, this beauty is as weighty as a house brick.
An essential purchase.
To order see HERE
