The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown. - H.P. Lovecraft
In the vast world of speculative fiction - a genre that explores the possibility and impossibility, often disregarding realism - there is horror fiction. Many plots in horror literature involve confrontation with subjects that are taboo and include metaphors for larger societal fears. Designed to disturb and frighten – it’s certainly not for everyone, but, if you dare, take a deep dive into the genre with the history, written by a horror fiction enthusiast.
The Roots and Foundation Are Laid
The history of horror fiction has ancient origins, with roots in various folkloric and religious traditions. Horror stories were set down in ancient times. In Plutarch's The Lives of Noble Grecians and Romans, there is the account of Damon, a restless spirit who haunts the bathhouse in which he was murdered. Most of the monsters and supernatural creatures we know today are based on cultural beliefs formed around the world.
It wasn’t until 1764 that the foundation for the horror novel was officially laid. The Castle of Otranto, by Henry Walpole, follows the life of a prince as he marries his son’s intended wife – after his son’s unusual death – and the supernatural events that occur. This is the novel that coined the term “Gothic" in relation to horror, as well as employing many elements used in the greater horror genre, such as supernatural elements and descriptions of dread-inducing architecture. Many readers and critics thought the novel was written in poor taste. Regardless, it went on to influence many stories and novels.
It was during the Romantic period of the late 18th to early 19th century when horror fiction took on the shape of what we know today. Classics published during this period include: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Or, The Modern Prometheus (1818), Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820), the works of Edgar Allen Poe, and Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) – a late bloomer, but extremely influential, nonetheless. In these examples, the era’s focus on the nature of humanity is obvious, as well as the intensity of emotions.¹ Many stories, such as the Brothers Grimm tales, were used as cautionary tales for children as well, warning them to behave correctly or someone or something would come after them.
20th-Century Serialized Horror & Slashers
Short story horror fiction in the 19th century increased the genre even more. Prominent serials, such as Weird Tales (1922-) and Unknown Worlds (1939-1943). Tales from the Crypt is an example of this type of serialized fiction, a popular horror comic series that ran from 1950-1955 and was inspired by early 19th-century works. These short story magazines featured authors such as H.P. Lovecraft, who popularized cosmic horror. The modern zombie tale was actually influenced by Lovecraft's works. His 1922 novella, Herbert West: Re-animator (made into a cult splatterpunk film in 1985), tells of a medical student who brings corpses back to life.
Stories about serial murders also became popular during this period, sometimes featuring real murderers, such as Jack the Ripper and Ed Gein. In 1959, author Robert Bloch wrote Psycho, which was turned into a classic film by Alfred Hitchcock in 1960. Psycho leads us into the slasher-and-splatter subgenre of horror, which was popularized in the 1960s and 1970s with body horror and Italian giallo films. This subject was (and still is) controversial and often censored due to the blood and gore that is involved.
Novels of good versus evil also became popular in Hollywood, such as Rosemary's Baby (1967), by Ira Levin, and The Exorcist (1971), by William Peter Blatty. Both were made into full-length films not long after they were published. The emergence of novels like these began what is known as the “horror boom” of literature. An author most commonly associated with horror fiction is Stephen King, who wrote Carrie (1974), The Shining (1977), and It (1986). In addition, he’s written over 200 short stories and several other novels, many of which attracted a new and more mainstream audience to the horror genre.
Lastly, and a personal favorite, is the haunted house subgenre of horror fiction. A story with a haunted house often explores various degrees of trauma - both past and present - and family dynamics. Books such as The Haunting of Hill House (1959) by Shirley Jackson, Hell House (1971) by Richard Matheson, and The Amityville Horror (1977) by Jay Anson, have given life to many modern tales on both television and in print.
21st-Century Horror
Many additional subgenres have emerged in the 21st century, such as werewolf fiction, alternate histories, and genre mashups, such as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2009), by Seth Grahame-Smith. There are many novels written for children as well, such as the 1990s Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine, and Five Nights at Freddy's, a popular video game that was turned into a book series and movie. There is – and will continue to be – controversy surrounding the exposure of adolescents to violence and gore that’s often in the horror genre. However, a recent study in 2021 concluded that a healthy dose of scares in a horror movie (or book) can be psychologically beneficial for some. Learning how emotions evoked by fear feel in a safe, controlled environment can build psychological resilience for dealing with difficult emotions in the real world.²
Horror fiction in the 21st century continues to expand and encompass other genres such as psychological horror, which combines mystery and intrigue with a sense of dread of the unknown. Authors like Riley Sager use supernatural elements in his novels, while maintaining the consistency of a whodunit. Teen horror is also extremely popular these days, especially in the form of television shows, such as Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020) and Stranger Things (2016-). Horror-related television shows have also been turned into books and graphic novels, which are of particular interest to the teen reading crowd.
Horror stories are designed to evoke emotional responses from those who read or watch them, and sometimes even a physical response related to fear. Many readers seek out horror stories for a thrill, similar to the feeling of being on a roller coaster. These stories can compel the reader to confront ideas and images that they may not encounter or seek out in their everyday lives.³
Horror fiction is not for everyone. But for those who want that eerie atmosphere, there are plenty on offer out there. Check out our website's genre browse page to begin your spooky journey into horror fiction.
¹ From the Gale Ambassadors’ “The Gale Review,” February 2, 2023.
² Nummenmaa, Lauri. "Psychology and neurobiology of horror movies." (2021).
³ Wikipedia’s article on “Horror Fiction,” Characteristics
