The legendary author of The Hellbound Heart, Imajica, Abarat, and other celebrated horror and dark fantasy stories launches a major new horror anthology book series through Kickstarter, bringing readers an unprecedented year-long publishing event.
For decades, Clive Barker has redefined horror with stories that blend terror, beauty, mythology, and imagination like no other writer. Now, one of the genre’s most influential voices returns with Library of the Dead, an ambitious new three-book anthology that marks Barker’s long-awaited return to the short fiction that first established him as a master of modern horror. The project is highlighted by three books under the Library of the Dead banner: Fear Eternal, Pyres of Bedlam, and Dark Descents, collectively described as the spiritual successor to the author’s original classic Books of Blood.
Launching exclusively on Kickstarter from Clive Barker Ink and Ensata Press, Library of the Dead is a year-long celebration of Clive Barker’s new work and extraordinary legacy. Across brand new stories and out-of-print gems curated for the first time, Barker revisits the themes that have captivated readers for generations: obsession, mythology, beauty, and unimaginable horror. Each volume is further enriched with haunting black-and-white illustrations and poetry created by Barker himself and wrapped in breathtaking new cover artwork that bring Barker’s newest nightmares vividly to life.
Edited by Barker’s long-time collaborators, Phil and Sarah Stokes, the trilogy of books represents Barker’s most significant return to original horror in years with a collection that explores familiar Barker themes.
The Kickstarter campaign also offers an extraordinary selection of exclusive companion pieces created specifically for this event. Fans can add a new and beautifully produced Books of Blood Remastered Edition, a premium two-volume leather-bound omnibus of the landmark six volume collection that launched Barker’s career, complete with new illustrations accompanying stories including Rawhead Rex, The Midnight Meat Train, and The Forbidden.
The campaign also features limited-edition collectibles, including The Art of Clive Barker Portfolio, a premium collection of fine art prints based on the original artwork in the books created by Barker, alongside the stunning Library of the Dead Book Coffin, an ornate stone bookcase and display piece inspired by Barker’s artwork and designed to house the entire collection.
“I’m profoundly excited by all that Library of the Dead offers, and the freedom that I now have to present it to you with Kickstarter,” explained Clive Barker. “It’s going to be a blast for us all, my friends!”
Throughout the campaign, supporters will also unlock stretch goals, exclusive editions, original artwork, and additional surprises, making Library of the Dead an evolving publishing event that extends far beyond the books themselves.
“We’re thrilled to be working with such a legendary voice in the horror genre,” said Oriana Leckert, Kickstarter’s Head of Publishing. “Kickstarter has become an increasingly strong way for authors to reach their readers directly, and we’re overjoyed to be bringing Clive Barker and Library of the Dead to our vibrant community.”
For longtime Barker readers, Library of the Dead represents a return to the voice that forever changed modern horror. Combined with the Books of Blood Remastered Edition, it offers fans an invitation into one of the most imaginative and influential bodies of horror and dark fantasy fiction ever created.
The Clive Barker Library of the Dead launches August 18, 2026 exclusively on Kickstarter.
