Once Around the Bloch: An Unauthorized Autobiography

I had the good fortune to meet Robert Bloch at a small science-fiction convention in Atlanta in the late 70's/early 80's. He read one of his short stories, fielded questions, then we were treated to a screening of Psycho (I think he may have left by this time.) I remember how warm and funny, even self-depreciating, he was. This book is like that. From boyhood and adolescence in hard times, to being a political "spin doctor" (before the term was invented), to marriage and children, all the while remaining a fan -- Bloch had a life, though perhaps not notorious, which was well worth learning about, especially the way he tells it. I miss him greatly, but was thrilled to learn of this book, and get one more glimpse of his greatness. Even a marginal fan will enjoy this book.

When hyping this book on the Sci-Fi channel author Robert Bloch quipped "People will be surprised to find that I have done absolutely nothing of merit with my life." Ha-ha. The man wrote Psycho, the novel that inspired the movie made by whatshisname. But there is also a bitter truth in that statement, Bloch lived the real working writer's life. The one where he didn't get to go to a great many foreign lands, didn't win national acclaim or even fame (despite the success of Psycho), but worked hard, and mostly broke, at his craft for decades. Both the man and his writings really are overlooked national treasures, both to those who simply read him or those lucky enough to have known him. I miss you Mr. Bloch, you had a great life filled with merit. Highly recommended to those interested in a real working writer's life.