A History of Horror, Fear, and the Uncanny

In this petrifying book, you will find:

• A complete global history of the subject – from Gilgamesh, the Underworld, and horror in fairytales to Gothic horror and “creepypasta” tales
• More than 350 stunning full-colour images combined with engaging and accessible text
• Profiles of infamous supernatural creatures – from ghosts and demons to banshees and changelings, and from Grendel to Baba Yaga and the Morrigan to the Golem
• Profiles of the scariest books and films of all time – from novels by Edgar Allan Poe, Bram Stoker, and Stephen King to movies like The Exorcist, The Shining, and Alien

…in a stunning, giftable package with a specially commissioned cover artwork and gorily printed page edges.

Discover how our experience and understanding of fear and terror have evolved through the ages, beginning with the ancient visions of a hellish Underworld. Encounter terrifying figures like Medusa and the Babylonian demon Pazuzu. And tread carefully through the medieval world, where a fear of the unknown stoked apocalyptic terror around the Black Death and gave rise to the danse macabre and the demonology of the Malleus Maleficarum.

Delve into the folklore that gave birth to creatures of the night – from vampires and werewolves to the Japanese Kappa water demon and the cannibalistic Wendigo of Indigenous American lore. Witness the emergence of Gothic literature, with the terrifying and genre-defining works of authors like Mary Shelley, H. P. Lovecraft, and M. R. James. And learn how the 20th century saw a new wave of terror unleashed through Expressionist art, monsters in the movies, “body horror” films, and the “folk horror” revival.

Whether you are a dedicated horror aficionado or simply curious, A History of Horror, Fear and the Uncanny isn’t just for Halloween… It is a thrilling – chilling – journey into the heart of darkness.

The Esoteric Histories series

With global sales of more than 300,000 copies, DK’s Esoteric Histories explore the rich traditions of mystical and mysterious subjects – from witchcraft to the world of the unexplained – weaving together religion, mythology, folklore, and the paranormal with art, culture, and science. Other titles in the series include A History of Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult; A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural; and A History of Astrology, Divination and Prophecy.

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs