{"title":"Cassandra Peterson","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the enchanting world of Cassandra Peterson, a captivating voice in the realms of Arts \u0026amp; Culture and Biography \u0026amp; Memoir. Known for her iconic persona as Elvira, the Mistress of the Dark, Cassandra Peterson has enthralled audiences with a blend of wit, charm, and a hint of the macabre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer collection of writings, which includes the \u003cem\u003eElvira Talking Bust\u003c\/em\u003e and the deeply personal memoir \u003cem\u003eYours Cruelly, Elvira\u003c\/em\u003e, offers fans an intimate glimpse into her extraordinary life. These works are not just stories of a singular character but are rich tapestries that weave in personal anecdotes, behind-the-scenes insights, and a journey of transformation from Cassandra Peterson to the enigmatic Elvira.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eYours Cruelly, Elvira\u003c\/em\u003e, readers are invited to explore her world beyond the wig and the classic gothic attire. This memoir candidly reveals Cassandra's struggles, triumphs, and the creative process that birthed one of pop culture’s most enduring icons. Through these pages, you'll discover her unique blend of humour and vulnerability, providing both a hearty laugh and genuine inspiration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a devoted fan of Elvira or new to Cassandra Peterson's work, these books promise a delightful exploration into the life of an artist who has left an indelible mark on popular culture.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"yours-cruelly-elvira-by-cassandra-peterson-9780306874352","title":"Yours Cruelly, Elvira","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eInstant New York Times Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns covered 35% of her body, and the prognosis wasn't good. But she survived. Burned and scarred, the impact stayed with her and became an obstacle she was determined to overcome. Feeling like a misfit led to her love of horror. While her sisters played with Barbie dolls, Cassandra built model kits of Frankenstein and Dracula, and idolised Vincent Price.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDue to a complicated relationship with her mother, Cassandra left home at 14, and by age 17 she was performing at the famed Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Run-ins with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones helped her grow up fast. Then a chance encounter with her idol Elvis Presley changed the course of her life forever, and led her to Europe where she worked in film and travelled Italy as lead singer of an Italian pop band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings, and worked alongside Phil Hartman and Paul \"Pee-wee\" Reubens, honing her comedic skills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNearing age 30, a struggling actress considered past her prime, she auditioned at local LA channel KHJ as hostess for the late night vintage horror movies. Cassandra improvised, made the role her own, and got the job on the spot. \u003cem\u003eYours Cruelly, Elvira\u003c\/em\u003e is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often funny, and sometimes heart-breaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46847395102956,"sku":"9780306874352","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6483893482297.jpg?v=1758938845"},{"product_id":"yours-cruelly-elvira-by-cassandra-peterson-9780306874383","title":"Yours Cruelly, Elvira","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt only eighteen months old, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water, resulting in third-degree burns over 35 percent of her body. She miraculously survived, but burned and scarred, the impact would stay with her and become an obstacle she was determined to overcome.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCassandra left home at fourteen and supported herself as a go-go dancer. By age seventeen, she was performing as a showgirl in Las Vegas. Then a chance encounter with the \"King\" himself, Elvis Presley, inspired her to travel to Europe where she worked in film and toured Italy as lead singer of a band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1981, as a struggling actress considered past her prime, Cassandra auditioned for a local LA station as hostess for their late-night horror movies. She got the job as \"Elvira,\" never imagining it would lead to fame and a forty-year career. \u003ci\u003eYours Cruelly, Elvira\u003c\/i\u003e is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long, strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInstant \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e Bestseller, \u003ci\u003eLos Angeles Times\u003c\/i\u003e Bestseller, \u003ci\u003eUSA Today\u003c\/i\u003e Bestseller, and \u003ci\u003ePublishers Weekly\u003c\/i\u003e Bestseller.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e Best Books to Give This Season selection.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46847395234028,"sku":"9780306874383","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/6484203482297.jpg?v=1758938853"},{"product_id":"elvira-talking-bust-by-cassandra-peterson-9780762489176","title":"Elvira Talking Bust","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpend a little time with horror's hostess with the mostess, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark with this officially licensed miniature talking bust.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeluxe Component:\u003c\/strong\u003e A 3-inch bust of Elvira that plays 8 iconic phrases at the touch of a button.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMini Sticker Book Included:\u003c\/strong\u003e Celebrate Elvira everywhere with 12 full colour stickers of the Mistress of the Dark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIrresistible Gift for horror fans:\u003c\/strong\u003e Display on a shelf, desk, or bookcase and show off your love of this one-of-a-kind horror icon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOfficially Licensed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic Elvira, Mistress of the Dark collectible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIncludes button cell batteries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46917198840044,"sku":"9780762489176","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/e547f96dbc540fb6c32ab567db96c94e.jpg?v=1761375471"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/cassandra-peterson.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}