I devoured this book. Not only a rare and richly detailed account of the life of one of my comedy heroes, but I loved that you can feel Zinoman's curiosity about, and admiration for, Dave's singular sensibility on every page. Billy Eichner
Jason Zinoman Book order



- 2017
- 2012
Shock Value
How a Few Eccentric Outsiders Gave Us Nightmares, Conquered Hollywood, and Invented Modern Horror
- 304 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The book explores the emergence of modern horror films in the 1970s, highlighting how directors like Wes Craven, Roman Polanski, and John Carpenter transformed the genre. By tapping into personal anxieties and societal issues, they introduced a gritty realism and political commentary that set a new standard for horror. Iconic films such as Rosemary's Baby and Halloween are examined for their lasting impact, making this an engaging narrative about a pivotal era in American cinema, enriched by insights from key figures in the industry.
- 2012
How a few eccentric outsiders gave us nightmares, conquered Hollywood and invented modern horror