Horror author and scholar Wood has collected dozens of her essays and lectures from the last decade into one volume centered around her thoughts on the genre from her perspective as an African American woman and professor. With essays on topics as broad as the genre as a whole to specifics about tropes, the use of African folklore in horror, the history of horror and its popularity across time, horror film, and more, Wood's collection stands out as more than a book. Rather, it could be seen as a course on horror, genre fans, and society as a whole...Whether readers turn to this book for a specific essay, to read the book in its entirety, or for something in between, this is a stellar entry point into the genre, told with a compelling mix of the authoritative voice of a well-known teacher and the grace of a critically acclaimed fiction author. It is suitable for die-hard horror fans and newcomers alike...
-Becky Spratford, Booklist
Horror Aesthetic is an insightful exploration of the shadows that lurk within the human mind and in the horror genre. With a keen eye, L. Marie Wood delves into the heart of darkness, revealing the tremendous contributions of Black writers in the field. Her essays are a stark, unflinching examination of why horror is a necessary, powerful imaginative and creative force and how it reflects and informs our society and our unpacked, unhealed traumas. Wood offers perspectives on familiar frights and speculates on possible futures. This is a book not only for casual fans of horror but for those who study it as well. Illuminating and revelatory, Wood has offered an important new volume in a growing area of exploration.
-Sheree Renée Thomas, Three-time World Fantasy Award winner and author of Nine Bar Blues: Stories from an Ancient Future, Sleeping Under the Tree of Life, editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, and associate editor of Obsidian
"THE HORROR AESTHETIC is a brilliant, elegant and deeply insightful exploration of the many faces of horror. This will enchant both scholars and...well...everyone! Very highly recommended!" -Jonathan Maberry, NY Times bestselling author of NecroTek and editor of Weird Tales Magazine
"L. Marie Wood's The Horror Aesthetic: Essays from the Dark Corners of the Genre is a front-row seat to a masterclass in horror from one of the genre's most knowledgeable practitioners. Dissecting monsters and the monstrous with insight and verve, including topics such as intensity, romantic connections, and the horror of hair, Wood's essays are accessible and immersive, making them perfect reading for students and connoisseurs. A must-have text for your horror library."
-Lee Murray, five-time Bram Stoker Award(R)-winning author of Grotesque: Monster Stories
"A thoughtful and engrossing examination of horror fiction's enduring popularity and place in society. Absolutely essential reading for fans and scholars alike." - Brian Keene, Bestselling author
