Horror Literature: A Core Collection and Reference Guide

by Marshall B. Tymn

Provides a look at the historical development of horror literature, with an annotated bibliography of major works in the genre, including fiction, poetry, literary criticism, biography, and bibliography

Genres: Horror, Reference

520 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1981

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long out of print, and apparently only sold to libraries, this reference book on horror literature is indispensible to anyone looking to build a "core collection" of horror classics. It's divided into sections on each "era" of horror literature, with essays on The Gothic Romance 1762-1820 (written by Frederick S. Frank); The Residual Gothic Impulse 1824-1973 (by Benjamin Franklin Fisher IV); Psychological, Antiquarian, and Cosmic Horror 1872-1919 (by Jack Sullivan); and The Modern Masters 1920-1980 (by Gary William Crawford). Following each section is a detailed bibliography of important works from each period, with starred recommendations. There is also information on anthologies, classic horror pulp magazines, poetry, biographies of horror authors, criticism, periodicals, socieites and organizations, directory of publishers, and more. This reference has guided me to great horror books I might have never discovered without it. It has given me a much greater insight into the development of the horror genre. I cannot recommend it strongly enough for fans of horror literature. If you're anything like me, you will need another copy in a few years once you've worn the first one out.