Not only is Kirk Hammett the lead guitarist for Metallica, one of the most successful heavy metal bands of all time, but he’s also the curator of one of the world’s finest collections of monster-movie memorabilia, a collection few people have ever seen. In Too Much Horror Business, Kirk finally unveils his near-mythical treasure trove of rare posters, props, costumes, and toys from the early silent classics to more modern fare. From Bela Lugosi’s annotated Dracula script to the creepy Donnie Darko bunny suit to cool model kits from the 1960s, Hammett has amassed hundreds of items over the years, including priceless international collectibles as well as the quirkier toys of his youth. Alongside scores of full-color, original photographs in this highly designed volume, Kirk offers up thoughts about his appreciation for all things scary and fantastic, shedding light on not only the collection of a lifetime, but the man himself.

Praise for Too Much Horror Business:

“Like a classic record, there are numerous layers to Too Much Horror Business: The Kirk Hammett Collection, and that’s what makes it so utterly rewarding. Plus, it’s damn beautiful to look at. Ultimately, this is one of the best books of the year and a true game-changer. Whether you’re a Metallica fan, a horror fan, or just a reader in general, you need it.” —ArtistDirect.com

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About the Author

For more than 25 years, Kirk Hammett has been the lead guitarist for Metallica. With the band, he has sold 100 million albums worldwide, won nine Grammys, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He lives in San Francisco.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harry N. Abrams (September 25, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0810996596
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0810996595
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool and up
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 3.22 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9 x 1 x 12 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,195,083 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #39 in Performing Arts Antiques & Collectibles (Books)
- #11,407 in Performing Arts (Books)
- #16,067 in Movies (Books)

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147 ratings

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Customers praise this horror book for its full-color photos and fantastic memorabilia collection, including toys and posters. Moreover, the content is well-researched with thoughtful details, and one customer notes it serves as an excellent visual history lesson. Additionally, the book features beautiful movie poster art, and customers find it fun to read, with one review highlighting the interview with the author as a great addition.

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Pictures quality Horror fan Collection Content Fun to read Book art Interview quality Value for money

26 customers mention "Pictures quality"26 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pictures in the book, which are full of color photos, with one customer noting they are very bright.

"...and by the decade. They are represented quite well, great photos and each has a comment from Kirk himself about either how he came across the piece..." Read more

"...Beautifully photographed and presented, this is an amazing collection that is extremely broad and deep, filled with classic movie posters and props..." Read more

"...The pictures in the book are very well done and you can really see all the details in the items he owns. Truthfully, the book is just a lot of fun." Read more

"...This is a gorgeous book with super-cool toys, masks, vintage props, and beautiful movie poster art...." Read more

18 customers mention "Horror fan"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate this horror book, with several noting it's a must-have for fans of the genre, and one mentioning it provides insight into the high-end horror collectibles world.

"...It's clear that he has a passion for monster movies and has taken a great deal of care in collecting everything that he can...." Read more

"...If you are a fan of Kirk and classic horror movies, you must have this one." Read more

"HORROR HEAVEN! Outstanding collection of horror memorabilia showcased and presented visually as if presented by a museum...." Read more

"...A must read for all horror buffs indeed." Read more

13 customers mention "Collection"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's collection, with one customer noting it includes fantastic memorabilia from toys to posters, while others mention it's a wonderful addition to their personal library.

"...Beautifully photographed and presented, this is an amazing collection that is extremely broad and deep, filled with classic movie posters and props..." Read more

"...Kirk Hammett has a top notch monster memorbilia collection second to none. Props, lunch boxes, dolls...you name it!..." Read more

"...This is a gorgeous book with super-cool toys, masks, vintage props, and beautiful movie poster art...." Read more

"...my expectations and definitely it's going to be a wonderful add to my personal library...." Read more

11 customers mention "Content"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed content, with one customer noting it serves as a fascinating visual history lesson, while another mentions it provides an excellent view into a collector's treasures.

"...it has a very "classic" feel to the cover and it represented with alot of thought to detail and presentation...." Read more

"...Beautifully photographed and presented, this is an amazing collection that is extremely broad and deep, filled with classic movie posters and props..." Read more

"...There is also brief explanation's of the merchandise and a lot of other cool stuff thrown in the mix...." Read more

"...collection is simply amazing and terrifically cataloged and displayed in this book. You will look at this book again and again." Read more

6 customers mention "Fun to read"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book fun to read.

"...Truthfully, the book is just a lot of fun." Read more

"I'm a horror movie fan and a Metallica fan so it was enjoyable book...." Read more

"...those who also share this passion will embrace this book for it's sheer fun factor." Read more

"...Pictures are very bright,bold colors and fun to look at. I can't believe he has all that stuff in his house!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Book art"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's art, with one mentioning it features pristine movie posters, while another notes it is filled with classic ones.

"...an amazing collection that is extremely broad and deep, filled with classic movie posters and props from the early days of horror cinema through the..." Read more

"...book with super-cool toys, masks, vintage props, and beautiful movie poster art...." Read more

"...for me: Original cover art by Basil Gogos and Frank Frazetta, pristine movie posters, and all those insane masks that were for sale in the back of..." Read more

"Beautiful Book, awesome pictures, awesome collection!!!..." Read more

4 customers mention "Interview quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the interviews in the book, with one noting they are short and another mentioning the interview with Kirk as a great addition.

"...The interview with Kirk was a great edition, he talks about how he became an avid lover and collector of all things horror, why he is drawn to a..." Read more

"I found this book to be fascinating and interesting. The interviews are short, readable and funny!..." Read more

"...a lot of details from Kirk, theres an interview and all the content its amazing." Read more

"A great book and conversation piece...." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money, with one mentioning it's a high-end magazine.

"...a fan of either horror films and/or Kirk Hammett, it is well worth the price of admission." Read more

"...He may be hoarding, but at least he's sharing. Great book at full price. An even more amazing book if you're getting it cheaper...." Read more

"...It's more like a HIGH END magazine." Read more

"Great purchase. Husband was thrilled when he opened it. He thought it was a great gift and couldn't wait to see what his other presents were." Read more

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DesertGirl
Nice book, well delivered, attention to detail
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2012
Verified Purchase

The first thing I noticed when I received my copy was just how nice it was, it has a very "classic" feel to the cover and it represented with alot of thought to detail and presentation. It has a nice thick binding and was quite sturdy which is appreciated when you have an image heavy book with heavy slick pages. I hate when the binding is poor and your book basically breaks open and tends to flop as your pacing through the pages. I have not had any issues with the pages sticking as one of the other reviewers had, and I have read through the entire book so not every printing has that issue I am happy to report.

Kirk's collection is broken up into genre (toys, posters, art etc.) and by the decade. They are represented quite well, great photos and each has a comment from Kirk himself about either how he came across the piece, its rarity or personal thoughts. There were alot of pieces that I had never seen before and as a horror fan myself, that was a real treat. It also introduced me to some classic films I have somehow missed along the way and alot of toys that I've never seen.

The interview with Kirk was a great edition, he talks about how he became an avid lover and collector of all things horror, why he is drawn to a particular decade or monster and his favorites, he also ties it into his music as well; you get to see all the guitars he had designed based on his favorite monster films.

This is a very nice book, you do not have to be a fan of Kirk's or Metallica's to enjoy this at all, as a matter of fact, this is about the other love in Kirk's life: Horror Business. So I would recommend this to a horror fan, a book lover, a collector of classic films and tv monsters. I was quite impressed with it overall.

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Bobby B
Best Monster Collectibles and Art Book Ever
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2012
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If you are a monster kid, a fan of old monster movies, or especially a collector of monster posters, toys, props, etc... this book is simply essential. Beautifully photographed and presented, this is an amazing collection that is extremely broad and deep, filled with classic movie posters and props from the early days of horror cinema through the 70's. Toys from the classic "monster kid" era of the 60's and 70's feature items ranging from the extremly rare and normally never seen to the common but classic. If you collect vintage monster toys, you probably have at least a few of the things Kirk has also collected and shows in his book. I had to order a second "file" copy because the first is going to be in tatters from reading it over and over.

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Kindle Customer
Hubby loves it!
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2013
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If you, or a loved one, LOVES movie monsters and collects them, you really should get this book. Kirk Hammett has a top notch monster memorbilia collection second to none. Props, lunch boxes, dolls...you name it! It's clear that he has a passion for monster movies and has taken a great deal of care in collecting everything that he can. The pictures in the book are very well done and you can really see all the details in the items he owns. Truthfully, the book is just a lot of fun.

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Tracy Paseman
A beautiful, fun, and incredible read
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2013
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Kirk Hammett is one of my favorite musicians, and I'm also his same age. Like him, I grew up with Creature Features on tv, and seeing some pretty intense horror films at a young age, 'cause my Dad loves horror, too.
I love horror SO much, I've performed as a zombie in flash mobs and Michael Jackson Thriller tributes.

This is a gorgeous book with super-cool toys, masks, vintage props, and beautiful movie poster art.
Kirk wrote all the captions himself, revealing the gleeful little boy side of him,
and his passion for these items is contagious.

What surprised me the most about the book, is that it's also an in-depth look into Kirk's inner psyche,
and if you're a hard-core fan of Kirk, and of Metallica's music, like me, you learn just how much inspiration his collection gives him as a musician, and it's really fascinating.

There's even more in his collection, that didn't make it into this book.

I also like his decision to have the book only available in hard copy...
Kirk wants the reader to have a tangible, physical experience with this lovely book.

I showed the book to my Dad one day, and my Dad poured over every single page, he really enjoyed it, too.
He's a semi-retired newspaper editor, and was really impressed with the quality of the book.

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Miguel Donayre
A must-have graphic horror book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2017
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I've been a Metallica fan since I'm 15 and Kirk is one of my favorite guitarrist of all time. The time I knew that he had a book with all those stories about horror and the details about his guitars I knew I wanted to have it.

The book was delivered in excellent conditions. It arrived to Peru from Amazon itself. It has hardcover, looks very resistant and the paper feels that has a lot of quality. It overpassed my expectations and definitely it's going to be a wonderful add to my personal library.

If you are a fan of Kirk and classic horror movies, you must have this one.

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DRS
Excellent Book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2015
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I'm a horror movie fan and a Metallica fan so it was enjoyable book. Although not a collector of any horror movie memorabilia myself, it was fun to see Kirk Hammett's rather large and enviable collection. The book itself is very nice, with excellent photographs of each item printed on thick glossy paper. Included are several interviews with Mr. Hammett revealing how he got his start collecting, why he enjoys it, etc. But its the memorabilia that gets the spotlight. From posters to toys, each section is divided up further based on the decade said item was from. Keep in mind however, this is not a collectors guide or a historical book. It's basically just a photographic journey through Mr. Hammett's collection and as such is akin to a gallery display or museum exhibit. Still, if you're a fan of either horror films and/or Kirk Hammett, it is well worth the price of admission.

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Susan Milton
Kirk Hammett's book
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2014
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My son wanted this for his birthday. It32aF has great pictures of Kirk's collection of horror movie items and actors. It's not my taste , but it's for my son, I think he read about the collection and the book. So on April 21st. I will see.

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moep0r
Fuer Fans des Horrorfilms sehr empfehlenswert
Reviewed in Germany on June 11, 2013
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Kirk Hammett ist nicht nur der Leadgitarrist von Metallica (was ihn fuer viele schon ziemlich cool sein laesst), nein er ist auch noch mindestens einer der Top 10 Horrorfilmnerds dieser Welt.

"It’s all about Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula, and the mummy – the big three for me! Since I couldn’t honestly pick any one of these classics flicks as my favourite, I decided to design a guitar for each of them."

Auf 224 Seiten stellt Hammett das “best of” seiner Sammlung vor. Da gibt es jede Menge Poster, Spielzeuge, Masken und Artworks zu Filmen aus den Jahren zwischen 1940 und 1990. Der Clou an der Sache ist allerdings, dass es sich bei Too Much Horror Business nicht nur um ein Bilderbuch handelt, sondern um ein mega informatives und vor allem auch interessantes Buch ueber Merchandise zu klassischen Horrorfilmen.

Zu fast allen abgebildeten Sachen gibt es knackige Infotexte die zum einen erklaeren was man da ueberhaupt sieht, zum anderen auch erlaeutern warum Hammett es so toll findet, was dem Ganzen einen ziemlich romantischen Touch gibt. Neben den Memorabilia gibt es zwischendurch auch immer wieder mehrseitige Interviews mit KH in denen er ueber seine Leidenschaft erzaehlt und dabei Anekdoten von Kaeufen seltener Stuecke erzaehlt und erklaert, wie sein Fandom ihn schon in frueher Kindheit praegte. Besonders interessant finde ich hierbei auch das alles mal aus der Sicht eines Sammlers zu sehen, der im Grunde wirklich das Geld hat sich zu kaufen was immer er will.

Wen das nicht interessiert, der muss sich damit natuerlich nicht aufhalten und kann sich einfach in aller Ruhe die vielen coolen Poster, Masken und Artworks angucken, denn davon gibt es in diesem buechernen Museum mehr als genug.

Das Buch selbst sieht sehr edel aus und fuehlt sich ziemlich wertig an. Einziges Manko ist die Groesse, die ein laengeres Lesen teilweise etwas unangenehm gestaltet. Das Teil gibt es fuer schlappe 20€ bei Amazon zu kaufen und ich kann es nur jedem ans Herz legen der etwas fuer Horrorfilme uebrig hat.
[...]

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Julio Casasola Glz
Muy bueno!
Reviewed in Mexico on February 15, 2017
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Muy buen libro para todos los amantes del genero, Kirk Hammett tiene una colección increíble de memorabilia de horror, imperdible para cualquier fan de metallica y de las películas de horror!

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Papa Het
Da Avere!!!
Reviewed in Italy on September 9, 2016
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Per ogni fan dei Metallica ma sarebbe riduttivo. Per ogni amante dei film horror-fantascientifici che vanno dagli anni 20 agli anni 70. E' un salto fotografico immancabile. Il Buon Hammett possiede una collezione di locandine, riproduzioni in cera, di oggetti vari da far invidia ad un vero museo. Il libro, nel suo formato, è eccellente. Copertina rigida, bellissima, pagine patinate corredate da fotografie meravigliore, didascalie dello stesso Hammett che spiegano i film delle locandine e l'impatto che hanno avuto su di lui. Ci sono anche due belle interviste. Ripeto, da avere, visto anche il costo non esorbitante.

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haden
カークハメットファンは必携
Reviewed in Japan on May 29, 2014
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カークはホラーマニアで有名。彼のコレクションを載せている稀有な本です。カークの音楽と直接関係ないようですが、間接的にはカークの頭の中が少し垣間見えるような気もします。ギターコレクションもありますし、カークファンにはおすすめの一冊ですね。

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Nanou
Such a beautiful book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2012
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My first impression when I received the book is how classy it looks. The content is even better, full of fascinating stories about a man passionate about the items he collects. I can tell that he's genuinely produced this book from the heart. I sure hope that there will be other volumes in the future, as he carries on collecting!

He must have spent so much of his time making sure that it is as perfect as possible. I'm wowed by the variety of items: from gorgeous posters to fabulous toys.

I've learned a lot, not just about horror movies/items, but also about Kirk himself and how his collection is connected with his passion for music/guitars. There are tons of incredible stories about how he's acquired this collection. Kirk has written all the captions himself, and decided where the photos should go, which gives me the feeling of owning something very special.

I will always treasure this book. I absolutely love it.
Thank you so much Kirk!

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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book, well delivered, attention to detail

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Monster Collectibles and Art Book Ever

5.0 out of 5 stars Hubby loves it!

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, fun, and incredible read

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have graphic horror book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!

4.0 out of 5 stars Kirk Hammett's book

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Fuer Fans des Horrorfilms sehr empfehlenswert

5.0 out of 5 stars Muy bueno!

5.0 out of 5 stars Da Avere!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars カークハメットファンは必携

5.0 out of 5 stars Such a beautiful book

Nice book, well delivered, attention to detail

Best Monster Collectibles and Art Book Ever

Hubby loves it!

A beautiful, fun, and incredible read

A must-have graphic horror book!

Excellent Book!

Kirk Hammett's book

Fuer Fans des Horrorfilms sehr empfehlenswert

Muy bueno!

Da Avere!!!

カークハメットファンは必携

Such a beautiful book