Monstrous Things: Essays on Ghosts, Vampires, and Things That Go Bump in the Night

A horror anthology that examines the origins and representations of supernatural entities, including ghosts, vampires, and monsters, in American culture. It also explores the otherizations of monsters in films like "It Follows," "IT," and "It Comes at Night," and considers monstrosity in the age of global pandemics, terrorism, and stranger danger.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

This horror anthology is a vital resource for students and researchers interested in paranormal myth and media. It delves into both popular and obscure pieces about the undead and unholy, offering a comprehensive exploration of this captivating subject matter.

The book begins with the author's personal reflections on frightening manifestations in media, providing a personal perspective on the topic. Essays then delve into the roots and representations of well-known supernatural entities, questioning their origins and the ways in which they have been depicted in various forms of media.

The anthology is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the supernatural. The first section, titled "Ghosts," explores the presence of ghosts in American culture. The author examines the work of Herman Melville and Toni Morrison, specifically focusing on spectrality and its significance in their writings.

The second section, titled "Vampires," delves into the complex relationship between vampires and antisemitism, suicide, and cinema. The author examines the historical and cultural significance of vampires and their portrayal in popular culture, exploring the ways in which they have been used to symbolize fear, power, and sexuality.

The third section, titled "Monsters," includes pieces that explore the otherizations of monsters in films such as "It Follows," "IT," and "It Comes at Night." The author examines the ways in which monsters are used to represent societal fears and anxieties, particularly in the context of global pandemics, terrorism, and stranger danger.

Throughout the anthology, the author raises important considerations about monstrosity in the age of global pandemics, terrorism, and stranger danger. They explore the ways in which these phenomena have shaped our understanding of the supernatural and the ways in which media and popular culture have contributed to these fears.

This horror anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in the paranormal, media, and the cultural significance of the undead and unholy. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of this fascinating subject matter, providing valuable insights into the origins, representations, and implications of supernatural entities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688299