Clive Barker

Clive Barker was born in Liverpool in 1952. He has worked as a novelist, film director, producer, artist, and in video game development and comic book publishing. He is best known for his work in horror as the creator of the character "Pinhead" in The Hellbound Heart and its film adaptation Hellraiser and for his bestselling books for young adults the Abarat series.

He lives in Beverly Hills.

What genres does Clive Barker write in?

Clive Barker is best known for horror and dark fantasy. He also writes fantasy aimed at young adults, as well as short fiction, and has worked across comics, film and video game projects.

Which book is a good place to start with Barker's work?

For adult horror try The Hellbound Heart (the source of the Hellraiser character) or the short-story collection Books of Blood. For younger readers start with the Abarat series or The Thief of Always.

Are any of his books part of a series and what is the reading order?

Yes. The Art sequence includes The Great and Secret Show (First Book of The Art) followed by Everville (Second Book of The Art). The Abarat books form a young adult series; Abarat: Days of Magic, Nights of War is identified as Book 2. Books of Blood is published as volumes (1-3) of short stories.

Which of Barker's works are suitable for young adults or children?

The Abarat series is targeted at young adult readers. The Thief of Always is a standalone fable often recommended for younger teens and middle grade readers.

Have any of his works been adapted into film or other media?

Yes. The Hellbound Heart was adapted into the film Hellraiser. Barker has also worked as a film director and producer and has been involved in comics and video game development.