It was first published in paperback by Del Rey/Ballantine in November 1977[1][2] as a volume in its Classic Library of Science Fiction.

[1] The book contains twenty-two short works of fiction and an afterword by the author, together with an introduction by Lester del Rey.

[1][3][2] Publishers Weekly characterizes Bloch as "about the most productively nasty-minded writer going, relishing his grue with an infectious delight," and the collection as "mostly fantasy, with some grim science fiction," noting that "[o]pening the book will be for most readers like opening a bag of potato chips—they'll be unlikely to close it until finished."

"Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper," "The Man Who Collected Poe," "That Hell-Bound Train," and "The Movie People" are singled out for comment.

While expecting, "given [Bloch's] association with Lovecraft, and his fame in connection with Psycho," the book "would tend to focus more on horror, or horror-related themes," McGlothlin notes that "Bloch wrote widely and in various genres," and a number of stories included "probably fit better with sci-fi, fantasy, or even fairy- or folktale," with some "actually sort of moral tales or [with] moral lessons or warning."