Two faculty members at the University of Pittsburgh have teamed up to study the science of fear. They are interested in learning more about the psychological benefits of being scared.
Category Archives: The Thrill of Horror
7 Nightmarish Reads
Interested in reading some creepy stories? Check out this list of seven recommendations from the School Library Journal.
Horror movies tap into a primal fear instinct in your brain
Click this link to learn about “neurocinematics,” an area of research that investigates the connection between the mind and the experience of watching movies.
Finding Frankenstein: On the trail of a monster across Europe
This article describes a Frankenstein-themed tour across Europe. How would you like to visit the sites that may have inspired Mary Shelley to write her famous tale?
Without Edgar Allan Poe, We Wouldn’t Have Sherlock Holmes
This article points out that Edgar Allan Poe should be credited with creating the character upon which Sherlock Holmes was based.
A Legacy of Horror Films
In this online exhibition, the Academy of Motion Pictures celebrates the genre of horror films. Explore interviews with famous directors and images from classic horror films.
Fiction Podcasts Are Finally a Thing! Thank You, Sci-Fi and Horror
Read this article to find out how science fiction and horror stories have helped make fiction podcasts more popular.
One third of parents avoid reading children scary stories, study finds
A recent survey found that many parents avoid exposing their children to frightening stories and characters. Read to find out why some people think parents should let their kids read scary books.
HP Lovecraft: The man who haunted horror fans
H.P. Lovecraft, perhaps best known for his tentacled monster Cthulhu, is regarded as one of the most influential horror writers in literary history. Read this article to find out what makes his work unique.
Why do we read scary books?
In this article, author Lou Morgan provides insight into the reasons people choose to read horror stories.
Poe Museum
Are you curious about Edgar Allan Poe? Would you like to read his stories? Explore this site to learn about his life, read his work, and even solve the mystery of his death!
The Castle of Otranto: The creepy tale that launched gothic fiction
Horace Walpole’s novel The Castle of Otranto is considered by many to be the first example of gothic horror fiction. This article discusses the lasting influence the book has had on the horror genre.
How a Volcano Helped Inspire Frankenstein
Mary Shelley began writing Frankenstein two hundred years ago at a time when a powerful volcanic eruption had caused changes to Europe’s climate. Read to find out how this event affected the author and influenced her famous horror story.
Geology And Ancient Fossils Inspired H.P. Lovecraft To Write His Best Horror Story
H.P. Lovecraft, author of “The Outsider,” was fascinated by geology and paleontology. This article explains that his story “At the Mountains of Madness” was based in part on scientific observations from expeditions to Antarctica.
8 awesome adaptations of the classic horror tale The Monkey’s Paw
Read and view this slideshow to find out about some adaptations of W.W. Jacobs’ well-known horror story, “The Monkey’s Paw.”
Why are zombies still so popular?
Ever wonder why so many people love movies and TV shows about zombies? The author of this article has an interesting theory on why stories about the “zombie apocalypse” are appealing to such a wide audience.
The Silent Era of Horror Movies
Almost from the beginning of film, there have been movies made to frighten viewers. Learn about and watch some classics of the genre.
Interview With A Vampire Maker – The Face Behind The Horror
Abi Gordon-Cody is a self-taught UK special effects artist. The creative household she grew up in inspired her love of special effects make-up.
Horror Films for Apes Are Teaching Scientists About Long-Term Memory
Japanese science researchers observed how apes use their long-term memory by showing “horror” movies to chimpanzees. They used an eye tracker device to record the chimps eye movements in response to the key action scenes in the movies.
Hollywood Horror: The Evolution of the Horror Movie Poster
How were movies advertised before the internet existed? This article looks at the important role that movie posters played in spreading the word about the latest, scariest horror movie.