This book provides a critical introduction to the genre of horror film. It balances discussions of horror's history, theory, and aesthetics, chronicling the genre from its silent roots to the present day. The book features studies of both obscure and famous films, maintaining an international scope. It is designed to be accessible to beginners while still offering value to experts in the field.

As a straightforward and convenient critical introduction to the history and key academic approaches to horror film, this book is accessible to the beginner but still of interest to the expert. The text balances discussions of horror's history, theory, and aesthetics effectively. Its international scope and coverage of films from silent roots to the present day provide a comprehensive overview. The book is noted for its ability to adapt to different cultural contexts while retaining a recognizable core of the genre.