Promotional Information

A famous photographer lying in a coma holds the key to the salvation of the world. But first he must travel back into the traumatic events of his childhood. / Reissued in the sumptuous new series style of Galilee, Weaveworld and Imajica / One of Barker's crowning achievements -- a resonant and profoundly compelling novel of the loss of innocence, and the dark secrets of the world / Clive Barker to tour in Autumn 1999, which will boost sales through the following months / Superb blend of mainstream thriller with contemporary dark fantasy / Competition: King, Grisham

About the Author

Clive Barker was born in Liverpool in 1952. His earlier books include 'The Books of Blood', 'Cabal', and 'The Hellbound Heart'. In addition to his work as a novelist and playwright, he also iilustrates, writes, directs and produces for stage and screen. His films include 'Hellraiser', 'Hellbound', 'Nightbreed' and 'Candyman'. Clive lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Reviews

'A gripping book that weaves a compulsive spell! vintage Barker' The Times 'Barker's unique brand of eco-mysticism weaves as potent a spell as ever' Maxim 'The premier metaphysicist of contemporary fiction. Breathtaking.' Locus

'A gripping book that weaves a compulsive spell! vintage Barker' The Times 'Barker's unique brand of eco-mysticism weaves as potent a spell as ever' Maxim 'The premier metaphysicist of contemporary fiction. Breathtaking.' Locus

Barker, known for his literate, imaginative dark fantasy (Incarnations, HarperCollins, 1995), tries his hand at more mainstream work here. Brilliant, gay wildlife photographer Will has spent his career chronicling death‘something he doesn't dwell on until an accident sends him into a coma. During his physical stasis, Will's mind explores the past, and he relives his life-altering meeting with the inhuman Joseph Steep. Steep taught Will the pleasures of causing death. Will lives Steep's memories and sees things that weren't intended to be remembered, which shapes the next 30 years of his life. But the eyes of an adult see differently from those of a child. Will awakens to new purpose: to uncover or perhaps recover a powerful artifact. Sacrament is not as inventive or all-encompassing as Imajica (HarperCollins, 1991) or The Great and Secret Show (LJ 1/90), but it should appeal to both established Barker fans and a more general audience. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 3/15/96.]‘Jodi L. Israel, Westwood, Mass