Horror author Clive Barker has launched "Library of the Dead", a three-book anthology series released exclusively via Kickstarter, described as a spiritual successor to his seminal "Books of Blood" collection. The project matters both for horror fans and the publishing industry, as it sees an established author bypass traditional publishing routes in favour of crowdfunding to deliver new and previously out-of-print material directly to readers.

The anthology comprises three volumes, "Fear Eternal", "Pyres of Bedlam" and "Dark Descents", exploring themes of obsession, mythology, beauty and horror, each featuring black-and-white illustrations, poetry and new cover art. The Kickstarter campaign, edited by longtime collaborators Phil and Sarah Stokes and launched via Clive Barker Ink and Ensata Press, also includes a leather-bound "Books of Blood Remastered Edition" and collectibles such as an art print portfolio and a display "Book Coffin". Barker, who rose to fame in the 1980s and whose work inspired the "Hellraiser" and "Candyman" film franchises, is also a visual artist known for illustrating his own books.