description Psycho by Robert Bloch Overview
Psycho is a 1959 psychological horror-thriller novel by American author Robert Bloch, inspired by the crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. The story follows Norman Bates, a motel proprietor with a dissociative split personality, whose violent secrets surface after a guest disappears. The novel profoundly influenced popular culture when Alfred Hitchcock adapted it into his acclaimed 1960 film, shaping conventions of the psychological thriller genre in literature and cinema.
help Psycho by Robert Bloch FAQ
Is the book Psycho by Robert Bloch different from the Alfred Hitchcock movie?
While the 1960 Alfred Hitchcock film is famously faithful to the 1959 novel, there are a few differences regarding the physical descriptions of the characters. In the book, Norman Bates is a middle-aged, overweight man, whereas Anthony Perkins portrayed him as much younger and slimmer in the film.
Who was the real-life inspiration for Robert Bloch's Norman Bates?
Author Robert Bloch based the character of Norman Bates on the notorious Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. Gein's crimes, which involved exhuming corpses and creating trophies from body parts, also inspired other famous horror characters like Leatherface and Buffalo Bill.
When was the original Psycho novel by Robert Bloch published?
Robert Bloch's Psycho was originally published in 1959, just a year before the iconic film adaptation was released. The psychological thriller quickly became his most famous work.
Are there literary sequels to the original Psycho book?
Yes, Robert Bloch wrote two literary sequels to the original novel: Psycho II in 1982 and Psycho House in 1990. Bloch's literary sequel Psycho II is completely distinct from the 1983 film sequel of the same name starring Anthony Perkins.
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