American Grotesque is a lavish retrospective of occult and erotic images by forgotten Hollywood photographer William Mortensen (1897-1965), an innovative visionary whom Ansel Adams called the Antichrist’ and to whom Anton LaVey dedicated The Satanic Bible (Avon, 1969). Mortensen’s countless technical innovations and inspired use of special effects predating digital manipulation and PhotoShop. The book includes a gallery of more than 100 striking photographs in duotone and colour and accompanying essays by Mortensen and others on his work.'
