Review by Choice Review
Prince (Virginia Tech) has compiled 13 essays that explore the history of the horror genre, its changing iconology, and its general social and psychological appeal. Including contributions by David Skal, Steven Jay Schneider, and Mary Beth Oliver, the book is divided into two parts. The four essays that make up the first section, "The Silent and Classical Hollywood Eras," offer historical examinations of the genre in relation to its European roots and its growth into a Hollywood staple. The essays in the second section, "The Modern Era," cover subjects ranging from horror's postmodern elements to the appeal of horror and suspense. Of special note in this latter section is Mikita Brottman's essay "Mondo Horror: Carnivalizing the Taboo," which examines how mondo horror--documentaries presenting sensational graphic material--fits into the overall horror canon. Offering a variety of insights into the horror genre and a concise and interesting examination of its development to date, this volume will be a good resource for those interested in film genre. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. A. F. Winstead Our Lady of the Lake University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
