This book surveys the diverse landscape of horror cinema, cataloging its most terrifying and iconic elements. Nigel Andrews, an established film critic, draws upon a broad range of cinematic history to examine the creatures and forces that have populated the genre. The book explores themes of the monstrous, the demonic, the extraterrestrial, and the supernatural, as well as the more visceral 'video nasties' that pushed boundaries. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the visual and thematic vocabulary of horror films.

This book offers a broad overview of horror film tropes and subjects, as suggested by its comprehensive listing of monstrous entities. The author's focus on cataloging these elements points to an analytical approach to the genre's iconography. It appears to serve as a reference or introductory text for enthusiasts interested in the various forms of cinematic terror. The scope suggests it would appeal to readers seeking to understand the common threads and specific manifestations of horror across different eras and subgenres.