The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear- Book Review

I love horror films as I find that the genre encapsulates so much in its broad church; it is many things to many people often reflecting societal anxieties, cultural shifts, and technological advancements. The genre offers a fascinating historical context for the scares as they are a product of their time.

The book is a hefty tome and the paper stock quality is great.

For example, the classic monster movies of the early 20th century dealt with fears of the unknown, reflecting a world grappling with rapid industrialization and scientific advancements. Then came the Cold War era, and suddenly we have anxieties about nuclear annihilation and the loss of individuality, which manifested in films about alien invasions and body snatchers. It's not just big, sweeping societal issues either as horror can also reflect more personal anxieties, like those surrounding family, relationships, and even our own bodies. The slasher films of the 1980s, for example, often played on anxieties about changing social norms and the breakdown of traditional family structures.

Most recently, we've had horror films based on the theme of technology as we're living in a world increasingly dependent on technology, and with that dependence comes a whole new set of anxieties.

It's fascinating how the horror genre constantly evolves to reflect our changing world and looking at this evolution, we have Matt Glasby's The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear in Film to guide us. Glasby, a seasoned film journalist, brings a wealth of knowledge and a palpable passion for horror to this project, resulting in a book that's as informative as it is engaging.

The book is a meticulously crafted exploration of the genre, dissecting the very essence of fear on screen by looking at the core films he sees within the genre, starting chronologicalally from Psycho all the way to It: Chapter 2.

The structure is both logical and accessible, with a grading system based on dread, the unexpected and other key theme and a graph of the key moments. Glasby's writing style is clear and concise, avoiding academic jargon and technobabble while still maintaining a level of intellectual depth for cinephiles. He manages to be both informative and entertaining, making the book a pleasure to read even for casual horror fans.

Given the wide expanse of horror content out there, Glasby can not cover the entire genre but he does cast his net wide and the recommended viewing lists provide plenty of avenues for further exploration for those so inclined.

Overall, The Book of Horror: The Anatomy of Fear remains an essential addition to any horror fan's library.  It's a beautifully designed, intelligently written, and thoroughly engaging exploration of the genre.  Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of horror cinema, this book is sure to provide you with new insights and a deeper appreciation for the art of fear.  It's a book that you'll likely return to again and again, discovering new details and perspectives with each reading.