HORROR FICTION – There are 2 main horror fiction sub genres,
with further delineations and specificity. Classic slasher, serial killer and
gore--undiluted by any paranormal or fantasy element--features a psychopath/s
on a murderous killing spree. These always take place in a conventional world but
flexibility happens at times with alternate timelines/ histories. Supernatural horror
covers everything else: a creature, supernatural entity, monster, ghost, etc. These
stories take place in a conventional world with the monster inserted. Or in an
imagined world built from pure fantasy. Either variety (slasher or supernatural)
can be told from the point of view of the killer/ monster, the victim or both. Obviously,
some stories blend both elements. As part of speculative fiction (supernatural,
fantasy, superhero, science fiction, horror, etc.), supernatural horror features
worlds with fantasy or futuristic elements. Classic slasher is closely related
to crime and thrillers, but the focus is on the act of terror itself, not the
crime and investigation elements.
Frankenstein by Mary
Shelley 1818
A scientist develops a technique to impart life into a non-living
humanoid, pieced together from collected parts.
The Picture of
Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 1890
A hedonist wishes his image would age instead of himself. He experiments with every vice, influenced by a morally
poisonous French novel.
Dracula by Bram
Stoker 1897
When a solicitor visits a Transylvanian castle, he soon realizes
he’s the Count’s prisoner.
The Call of
Cthulhu by H. P. Lovecraft 1928
A writer working on a manuscript discovers a cult that worships
the Great Old Ones and awaits the return of a monstrous being.
The Haunting of
Hill House by Shirley Jackson 1959
A paranormal investigator rents Hill House for a summer, inviting
guests who have had past paranormal encounters.
The Exorcist by William
Peter Blatty 1971
Two priests attempt to exorcise a demon from the 12 year old
daughter of a famous actress.
Interview with the
Vampire by Anne Rice 1976
A vampire tells a reporter about an encounter, whereby
another vampire turned him into his immortal companion.
Pet Sematary by Stephen King 1983
When a doctor and his family moves into a new house, his elderly neighbor warns him about the highway that runs past them.
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis 1991
An investment banker narrates his midnight murders in
Manhattan during the late 80s.
Heart-Shaped Box by
Joe Hill 2007
I'm a big scaredy cat when it comes to horror (I have an incredible imagination when I'm in the dark!) so I really tend to stay away from these kind of stories but it's interesting to see the way that you have classified horror.
ReplyDeleteI definitely prefer supernatural - who knew there were so many sub genres to horror stories.
ReplyDeleteHorror normally horrifies me, but I am slowly becoming a convert. Not to the slasher type movies/books, but a good dose of supernatural creepy demon stuff is going down rather well. I kind of look forward to screaming through my Saturday nights now!
ReplyDeleteFantastic treasures you dug out there. I love those posters / images. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFrankenstein, Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray were on the required reading list for my English classes in high school. All three have become some of my favorite pieces of literature.
ReplyDeleteGreat description of the different subgeneres. I'm not into horror stories myself. Although I loved some good Stephen king stories when I was a child.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection. There are a few from here that i haven't read and now I can't wait to :-) But I love pure suspense too - normal settings and non-dramatic but nevertheless gripping suspense.
ReplyDeleteGreat description and selection!
ReplyDeleteI’ve read some of these classic books but I can’t read the newer ones. They are too creepy and aren’t as well written
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