Early literary critics feared Gothic's potential to corrupt youth, inspire deviant sexuality, instill heretical beliefs, and encourage antisocial violence. This book examines Gothic and horror fictions over the last three centuries, from their literary foundations to the influence on modern popular culture. Topics covered include homosexuality, interest in paranormal research, and violent school shootings -- Provided by publisher.

Burning the Middle Ground is a dark fantasy about small-town America that transforms readers' fears about the country's direction into a haunting tale of religious conspiracy and supernatural mind control. A character-driven sensibility like Stephen King's and a flair for the bizarre like Bentley Little's delivers as much appeal for dedicated fans of fantasy and horror as for mainstream readers looking for an exciting ride. Brian McCullough comes home from school and discovers that his ten-year-old sister Fran has murdered their parents. Five years later, a journalist, Ronald Glassner, finds...

Frankenstein is arguably the most famous horror story ever told, written by Mary Shelley when she was just nineteen. That book explored ideas of creation, rebellion, terror, arrogance, mortality, immortality, and more. Today's most talented authors build upon the original themes and topics to present new ghastly fiction based on many of the various aspects of the original Frankenstein story. But there was a catch to the assignment -- each story could only be four pages long. Enjoy these tales, which have been distilled down to their very essence for your horrific pleasure.