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About the book

This two-volume set offers comprehensive coverage of horror literature that spans its deep history, dominant themes, significant works, and major authors, such as Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe, and Anne Rice, as well as lesser-known horror writers.

Many of today’s horror story fans—who appreciate horror through movies, television, video games, graphic novels, and other forms—probably don’t realize that horror literature is not only one of the most popular types of literature but one of the oldest. People have always been mesmerized by stories that speak to their deepest fears. Horror Literature through History shows 21st-century horror fans the literary sources of their favorite entertainment and the rich intrinsic value of horror literature in its own right. Through profiles of major authors, critical analyses of important works, and overview essays focused on horror during particular periods as well as on related issues such as religion, apocalypticism, social criticism, and gender, readers will discover the fascinating early roots and evolution of horror writings as well as the reciprocal influence of horror literature and horror cinema.

This unique two-volume reference set provides wide coverage that is current and compelling to modern readers—who are of course also eager consumers of entertainment. In the first section, overview essays on horror during different historical periods situate works of horror literature within the social, cultural, historical, and intellectual currents of their respective eras, creating a seamless narrative of the genre’s evolution from ancient times to the present. The second section demonstrates how otherwise unrelated works of horror have influenced each other, how horror subgenres have evolved, and how a broad range of topics within horror—such as ghosts, vampires, religion, and gender roles—have been handled across time. The set also provides alphabetically arranged reference entries on authors, works, and specialized topics that enable readers to zero in on information and concepts presented in the other sections.

• Describes horror literature during different periods, thus helping readers understand the roots of modern horror literature, how works of horror have engaged social issues, and how horror has evolved over time
• Connects horror literature to popular culture through sidebars on film adaptations, television shows, video games, and other nonliterary, popular culture topics
• Includes excerpts from selected literary works
• Prompts students to consider the nature of horror as a genre, the relationship of horror literature and social issues, and how horror literature intersects with mainstream supernatural concerns, such as religion
• Includes all-new interviews with Ramsey Campbell, Caitlín R. Kiernan, Thomas Ligotti, Ellen Datlow, Joe R. Lansdale, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and Laird Barron

Praise

“The fan and the scholar alike will find much of use in this fun, well-organized two-volume reference set.. . . . Extremely informative in its content, easy to use, engaging in its writing style, Cardin’s comprehensive and inclusive reference work not only solidly makes the case for horror’s enduring importance in our lives, as humans, throughout history but also presents it in a package that is a pleasure to read.”
— Booklist (starred review)

“Fascinating. . . . Horror Literature Through History is an essential reference for horror fans that’s both entertaining and educational.”
— Kirkus Reviews

“Ladies and gentlemen, make space on your bookshelf for Matt Cardin’s super-ambitious Horror Literature through History. . . . [An] indispensable reference book. . . . The book’s three-part structure makes it ideal for research and educational reading, and it’s a book every horror fiction fan should cherish like a treasure.”
— Rue Morgue

“Matt Cardin has produced a beautiful encyclopedia set for the horror geek in us all, chock full of more information than anyone can read in one sitting. . . . Whether you take a copy out on loan, or spring for your own set, you will not regret the investment, nor will you find a horror literature reference guide as far-reaching and well-researched as this.”
— This Is Horror

“Overall, this encyclopedia does an excellent job of presenting the topic historically, broadly, and definitively in its three-part division of content. I highly recommend this resource as a reference work in high school and academic libraries.”
— American Reference Books Annual

“Fascinating, informative, jargon-free entries on horror literature from knowledgeable contributors. . . . Perfect for those delving into an area with which they are unfamiliar. VERDICT: High school students, undergraduates, or general readers with an interest in the topic will find this a valuable resource.”
— Library Journal

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