The Book of Joe - by Vincent Price (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published: Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1961.

Book Synopsis

In the tradition of Anna Quindlen's Good Dog. Stay., the iconic star of the Dr. Phibes films shares the heartwarming tale of his mischievous mutt.

Actor Vincent Price won acclaim for his performances as a menacing villain in dozens of macabre horror films, such as House of Wax. Less well known, though, is Price's lifelong love of animals, especially his fourteen-year-old mutt, Joe. From his wife's passion for poodles to film set encounters with all types of creatures, including goats, apes, and camels, Price's life was full of furry, four-legged friends. But it was Joe who truly captured his heart. Intelligent, courageous, and devoted to his owner, Joe was a special dog with a personality all his own.

In this touching and light-hearted memoir, with a new introduction by Bill Hader and a preface by Vincent Price's daughter, Victoria, Joe gets involved in all sorts of hijinks: At one point, the actor has to defend his canine companion in court! Despite some bad habits, like stealing guests' shoes, pursuing lustful trysts with neighboring dogs, or belly flopping into the garden fishpond--crushing more than a few fish--Price loves his Joselito, whose unconditional loyalty more than makes up for his minor indiscretions. And when Price's elderly cousin who comes to stay with him is stricken with cancer, Joe never leaves her side. Price's tender and witty recollections of his time spent with Joe will bring joy to any animal lover's heart.

The Vincent Price Family Legacy will donate a portion of the proceeds from this book to the Fund for Animals.

Review Quotes

"For the omnivorous reader of dog stories, this is sure to please." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Vincent Price (1911-1993) was a prolific American actor, best known for his roles in horror films such as House of Wax, The Mad Magician, and The Fly. He also starred in a series of Edgar Allan Poe film adaptations directed by Roger Corman, including The Pit and the Pendulum, The Raven, and The Masque of the Red Death. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and educated at Yale University, Price began his acting career while pursuing a master of fine arts at the University of London. His vast work included more than one hundred roles in film, radio, and television, with his singular, deep voice becoming synonymous with PBS's Mystery! and BBC Radio's The Price of Fear. An avid art collector, Price and his wife, Mary Grant, established the Vincent Price Art Museum at East Los Angeles College with two thousand pieces from their own collection. Price is the author of I Like What I Know: A Visual Autobiography and The Book of Joe.