Oh, The Horror! A Horror Movie History Lesson

Kristin
Kristin

Looking to become a horror movie aficionado without falling victim to all those jump scares? More interested in the why of horror rather than the how (like how Michael Myers is still alive for all these sequels!?). If you call horror movies, horror cinema this is the list for you!  

For those of us dying to know what gear Goblin used on the Suspiria soundtrack or the perfect lighting for blood splatter enjoy these horror history and criticism selections! 

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) offers a robust collection of film history materials. Check out the list of items in the catalog (including many about Pittsburgh’s own George Romero and Tom Savini) here or even more finds on eAudio and eBook at this link. Hoopla offers an amazing selection of horror films you can stream the movie after you read!

You can sign up for a free library card here.

If you need help using our Digital Media tools to access these selections, visit our Online Resources Support page.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can call us at 412-622-3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org. You can find additional ways to contact us on the Need Help? page.

In the Catalog

The Black Guy Dies First

The Black Guy Dies First

Black Horror Cinema From Fodder to Oscar

Robin R. Means Coleman

From stereotypes to Jordan’s Peele’s Oscar win for Get Out, an in-depth analysis of Black representation and creation in horror. Check out Harris’s amazing criticism and review blog Black Horror Movies.

From the Catalog
From Libby
It Came From the Closet

It Came From the Closet

Queer Reflections on Horror

Joe Vallese (Editor)

A collection of essays from queer and trans writers explores the cultural and critical impact of horror movies on their lives and on the LGBTQIA+ community in general.

From the Catalog
From Libby
From Hoopla
Clive Barker

Clive Barker

Dark Imaginer

Sorcha Ní Fhlainn

Film Studies professor Sorcha Ní Fhlainn enters the dark world of Clive Barker director of films such as Hellraiser and author of some of the work that would become Candyman and Nightbreed.

From the Catalog
Cursed Films

Cursed Films

Jay Cheel (director)

Learn more about the lore and horror of your favorite movies. From rumors to tragic on set accidents sometimes the movie plot becomes reality.

From the Catalog
An Ennio Morricone, Dario Argento trilogy

An Ennio Morricone, Dario Argento trilogy

Ennio Morricone

The perfect soundtrack for your horror history reads!

From the Catalog
From Hoopla
Ennio Morricone

Ennio Morricone

Master of the Soundtrack

Maurizio Baroni

Maybe you’re familiar with Morricone’s western soundtracks, but the infamous composer did it all! Features essays from John Carpenter and Dario Argento speaking about one of the most important horror elements: the music.

From the Catalog
The Exorcist Legacy

The Exorcist Legacy

50 Years of Fear

Nat Segaloff

Just as Max von Sydow landed to film his iconic role as Father Merrin his brother died. Rumors and curses follow the cast and crew. Often called the scariest movie ever made learn more about the making and meaning of The Exorcist.

From the Catalog
From Hoopla
Horror Noire

Horror Noire

Blacks in American Horror Films From the 1890s to Present

Robin R. Means Coleman

Dr. Robin R. Means Coleman provides another look at the historical lack of representation or stereotypes in horror.

From the Catalog
From Hoopla
Nightmare Fuel

Nightmare Fuel

The Science of Horror Films

Nina Nesseth

Why do even us scaredy cats love horror? Learn more about the science to the reactions and emotions tied to the horror genre.

From the Catalog
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

The Film That Terrified A Rattled Nation

Joseph Lanza

Criticism and history about Tobe Hooper’s 1979 classic.

From the Catalog
From Hoopla
Toil & Trouble

Toil & Trouble

A Women’s History of the Occult

Lisa Kröger

From the Salem witches to WitchTok, this book documents how women and nonbinary people have historically used magic and the occult to influence, effect change, and find their place in the world.

From the Catalog