To a surgeon, cutting into the human body is an art. Muscle and flesh are his canvas, the scalpel his tool. He studies the composition of the organs -- their balance and form -- the structure of the bones and the network of blood vessels. He makes his incision, cutting, slicing with loving care.

Clive Barker is another type of surgeon.

He understands the human body too. He knows how the nerves send impulses to a riveted brain. And he knows how the hot blood surges through veins and arteries under a thin membrane of skin.

And then gushes out ...

Contents:

• New Murders in the Rue Morgue
• The Skins of the Fathers
• Jacqueline Ess: Her Will and Testament
• Hell's Event
• Dread