High-TAIL It Outta Here: The History of Horror

In a classic that remains relevant today, King addresses the topic of what makes horror horrifying and what makes terror terrifying. King delivers one colorful observation after another about the great stories, books, and films that comprise of the horror genre--from Frankenstein and Dracula to The Exorcist, The Twilight Zone, and Earth vs. the Flying Saucers.

Frankenstein was just the beginning- horror stories and other weird fiction wouldn't exist without the women who created it. And their own life stories are as intriguing as their fiction. Everyone knows about Mary Shelley, creator of Frankenstein, who was rumored to keep her late husband's heart in her desk drawer. But have you heard of Margaret "Mad Madge" Cavendish, who wrote a science-fiction epic 150 years earlier? You'll meet celebrated icons, forgotten wordsmiths, and today's vanguard.

Take a tour through the horror paperback novels of the 1970s and '80s . . . if you dare. Page through dozens and dozens of amazing book covers featuring well-dressed skeletons, evil dolls, and knife-wielding killer crabs! Read shocking plot summaries that invoke devil worship, satanic children, and haunted real estate! Horror author and vintage paperback book collector Grady Hendrix offers killer commentary and witty insight on these trashy thrillers that tried so hard to be the next Exorcist or Rosemary's Baby.

Reel Terror is a love letter to the wildly popular yet still misunderstood genre that churns out blockbusters and cult classics year after year. From The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari to Paranormal Activity, Konow explores its all-time highs and lows, why the genre has been overlooked, and how horror films just might help us overcome fear. This is the perfect companion for this Halloween's movie marathon.

No single author has been adapted more regularly than Stephen King. With 65 existing movies and 30 television shows, the concept of the King adaptation lies at the core of Hollywood horror. Illustrated with a fabulous array of familiar and unusual iconography, this is the most comprehensive account of the films and television series adapted from the work of Stephen King ever put together.