A History of Horror, Fear, and the Uncanny

By: DK

Published by Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Incorporated, 2026-04-21

<b>Take a step--if you dare--into the shadows and the story of our primal fascination with fear, terror, and the macabre.</b><br> <br> This comprehensive and creepily illustrated guide explores the dark and eerie landscapes of horror down the centuries and around the world--from prehistoric death rituals and early monster myths to modern manifestations of the subject in art, literature, and film.<br> <br> Discover how horror has evolved through the ages, beginning with the ancient visions of a hellish underworld. Encounter terrifying figures like Medusa and the Babylonian demon Pazuzu. Tread carefully through the medieval world, where a fear of the unknown stoked apocalyptic terror around the Black Death and gave rise to the demonology of the <i>Malleus Maleficarum</i>.<br> <br> Delve into the folklore that gave birth to iconic creatures of the night--from vampires and werewolves to the Japanese Kappa water demon and the cannibalistic Wendigo of Indigenous American lore--many of which still haunt our dreams to this day. Witness the emergence of Gothic literature, with the terrifying and genre-defining works of authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, and learn how the 20th century saw a new wave of terror unleashed through silent films, Expressionist art, and the emergence of horror cinema--from gruesome "body horror" movies to the social commentaries of films like <i>Get Out</i>.<br> <br> Whether you're a dedicated horror aficionado or a curious newcomer, this book is the ultimate guide to the subject. Prepare yourself for a thrilling--and chilling--journey into the heart of darkness.