Horror is all the rage this fall with TV shows like Scream Queens and American Horror Story, and movies like The Visit, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension, and Crimson Peak. In THE ART OF HORROR: An Illustrated History (Applause Theatre & Cinema Books Hardcover; October 31, 2015; $40), editor Stephen Jones beautifully captures the rich artistic history of this subversive genre.
THE ART OF HORROR is a true celebration with over 500 frightful images, compiled and presented by some of the genre’s most respected names, including a foreword by cult favorite Neil Gaiman. Readers will be ensnared by the shockingly lurid and hauntingly beautiful color photos and illustrations representing every aspect of the horror genre since Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in the 19th century. Editor Stephen Jones and his exceptional team of over 100 contributors have sourced visuals from archives and private collections worldwide, ensuring an unprecedented selection for those discovering the genre and the most committed fans.
Here’s what reviewers have to say about this exceptional book:
“The archetypes of horror are primeval. In The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History (published by Applause Theatre & Cinema Books), editor Stephen Jones draws a line from the cat-headed Egyptian goddess Bast to Val Lewton’s classic B film Cat People (1942). Lavishly illustrated, The Art of Horror is a compendium of images from ancient through postmodern, accompanied by texts that serve as a history of human fear as manifested in literature and the visual arts.” —Shepherd Express
“A must-have for monster movie lovers. It’s a sumptuous visual feast of moody imagery.” —Creative Loafing
“If you’re a fan of things that go bump in the night, the works of H.P. Lovecraft, or anything related to the world of horror for that matter, this is the book for you. Even if you don’t have much knowledge on the subject, this book is certainly something worth checking out. There are images that have been seen many times before, but there are also many that have rarely seen or have never been seen before. It’s a terrific, in-depth look into the world of horror and art.” –The Examiner
“The Art of Horror is a horror fan’s dream….This book is not just loaded with great visuals, but it turned out to be a great read as well with plenty of information about the history and how it reflected society. I can’t recommend this book enough. It was done with research and care and celebrates a genre that we love so much. What more can we ask for?” — Scared Stiff Reviews
“A fine addition to your coffee table or coffin lid, The Art of Horror: An Illustrated History, edited by Stephen Jones, is a horror connoisseur’s choice of movie posters, comic books, paperback and dust jacket art, pulp magazine covers, and ancient and contemporary art that gleefully dwells on the morbid predilections of the frightening genre so many fans clamor for yet know little about.’ —Zombo’s Closet
“In The Art of Horror, multi-award winning horror and dark fantasy writer and editor Stephen Jones brings together thrilling visuals of the horror genre that have bewitched audiences since the 19th century . With a foreword by Neil Gaiman, this is one collection you don’t want to miss.” —Dread Central
“It’s certainly the art that you’ll buy it for, and it’s well worth it. As a long-time fan I’ve seen a LOT of horror, but this book is packed full of images and artists I’ve never heard of.” –Horror Talk
