Hannibal Lecter

A Life

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by Brian Raftery

Type

Essays

Subject

On Films > Characters

Keywords

characters, Michael Mann, Jonathan Demme, Ridley Scott, crime films

Publishing date

2026 (February 10, 2026) (Upcoming)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Hardcover • 336 pages
6 x 9 inches (15 x 23 cm)

ISBN

978-1-6680-7058-1

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Book Presentation:
Drawing from exclusive interviews and previously unseen archival materials, this one-of-its-kind biography of Hannibal Lecter documents the cannibal’s journey from terrifying villain to unexpectedly adored antihero.

This unique biography traces the many lives and crimes of Hannibal Lecter: his disturbing debut in Thomas Harris’s 1981 novel Red Dragon; his rise to infamy in beloved films like Michael Mann’s Manhunter and Jonathan Demme’s Academy Award–winning The Silence of the Lambs; and his unexpected comeback in the cult-hit TV series Hannibal. It also dives into the untold life and career of Harris, the secretive bestselling author whose passion for reporting, eye for grisly detail, and connections to the FBI helped birth not only Lecter, but also the modern true-crime genre. Along the way, Hannibal Lecter: A Life documents the many ways Lecter’s rise reflected America’s ever-growing obsession with real-life serial killers.

Featuring all-new interviews with crucial figures from Lecter’s past—including actor Brian Cox, director Mann, and former FBI special agent John Douglas—Hannibal Lecter: A Life is a deeply reported, wildly entertaining look at the making of one of the most beloved bad guys of all time.

About the Author:
Brian Raftery’s work has appeared in such publications as The New York Times, Wired, GQ, and The Ringer. He’s the author of Best. Movie. Year. Ever.: How 1999 Blew Up the Big Screen, and the host of multiple podcasts for the Ringer, including the acclaimed Gene & Roger. He lives in Burbank, California, with his wife and daughters, and will never eat meat again.

Press Reviews:
"Raftery shows remarkable insight into historical and cultural forces behind Lecter. . . It’s a beautifully written and intelligent work of literary and film history, and an incisive look at American culture writ large." ― Kirkus (Starred Review)

"Raftery pulls off a remarkable feat. . . The book is a treat for readers familiar with Harris’ novels, or their film adaptations, and it’s a must-read for fans of books about film and pop culture." ― Booklist

"A fascinating investigation of Lecter’s development from a supporting char-acter in Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs to a universally known and bizarrely endearing icon." ― BookPage

See the publisher website: Simon & Schuster