Knowing Fear: Science, Knowledge and the Development of the Horror Genre

Jason Colavito

McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2008 - Literary Criticism - 458 pages

Tracing the development of horror entertainment since the late 18th century, this study argues that scientific discovery, technological progress, and knowledge in general have played an unparalleled role in influencing the evolution of horror. Throughout its many subgenres (biological horror, cosmic horror and others) and formats (film, literature, comics), horror records humanity's uneasy relationship with its own ability to reason, understand, and learn. The text first outlines a loose framework defining several distinct periods in horror development, then explores each period sequentially by looking at the scientific and cultural background of the period, its expression in horror literature, and its expression in horror visual and performing arts.

Contents

• Preface: 1
• Literary Developments: 37
• Horror in the Arts: 54

About the author

Jason Colavito is also a frequent contributor to Skeptic magazine, and has earned praise from Archaeology magazine for his archaeology writing. He lives in Delmar, New York and can be found online at www.JasonColavito.com.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Knowing Fear: Science, Knowledge and the Development of the Horror Genre
• Author: Jason Colavito
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2008
• Original from: the University of Michigan
• Digitized: May 20, 2008
• ISBN: 078643273X, 9780786432738
• Length: 458 pages
• Subjects: Literary Criticism / General; Literary Criticism / Horror & Supernatural; Literary Criticism / Renaissance; Performing Arts / Film / Genres / Horror; Performing Arts / Film / History & Criticism; Social Science / Anthropology / General; Social Science / Popular Culture