This collection investigates the critical evolution and thematic foundations of the horror film genre through a curated selection of scholarly discourse. Mark Jancovich, a prominent scholar in film studies, compiles foundational and contemporary essays to map the trajectory of horror cinema. By providing editorial context for each section, the text establishes a framework for understanding how horror functions as both a cultural artifact and a cinematic form, spanning from early expressionist works to modern found-footage phenomena.

Experts and students of film history frequently cite this volume as a foundational resource for understanding the academic study of horror. Readers often note the density of the prose, which is tailored for undergraduate and graduate-level film studies curricula.