A History of Horror, Fear, and the Uncanny

Venture into the realm of darkness and uncover the spine-chilling history of horror worldwide with this vividly illustrated volume. "A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny" delves into the sinister and mysterious themes that have defined horror through time, from prehistoric death customs to modern portrayals in art, literature, and cinema. Within the pages of this haunting book, readers will discover a comprehensive history of horror, spanning ancient depictions of the Underworld, spooky tales from fairytales, Gothic horror, and the eerie stories of creepypasta. The book boasts over 350 striking full-color images paired with engaging and accessible narrative. It profiles notorious supernatural beings such as ghosts, demons, banshees, and changelings, highlighting figures like Grendel, Baba Yaga, the Morrigan, and the Golem. Also included are analyses of some of the most terrifying books and films ever created, featuring authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Stephen King, as well as iconic movies like "The Exorcist," "The Shining," and "Alien." Presented in a beautifully designed package with special cover art and dramatically printed page edges, this volume invites readers to examine the transformation of our understanding of fear and terror across the ages.The exploration begins with ancient visions of a hellish Underworld, introducing chilling characters such as Medusa and the Babylonian demon Pazuzu. Journeying through the medieval era reveals widespread dread of the unknown, the apocalyptic panic of the Black Death, and the eerie phenomena like the danse macabre and the demonology in "Malleus Maleficarum." The book further explores folklore that spawned night-creeping creatures, from vampires and werewolves to Japan's Kappa water demon and the Indigenous American Wendigo. Readers will witness the rise of Gothic literature through the landmark works of authors like Mary Shelley, H. P. Lovecraft, and M. R. James, and trace the 20th-century horror evolution with Expressionist art, cinematic monsters, unsettling body horror films, and the revived folk horror. Whether an ardent horror enthusiast or merely intrigued, "A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny" provides a compelling journey into a world where darkness reigns supreme.The Esoteric Histories series by DK has captivated readers worldwide, with global sales surpassing 300,000 copies. These books intricately weave together the enchanting and obscure subjects of witchcraft, mystical phenomena, and the unexplained by relating them to art, culture, and science. Alongside this title, the series also features "A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult," "A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural," and "A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy."