Blog Post #2 - Genre History in Literature

 

The horror genre has a very diverse history that spans across centuries, combining literature, film, television, and various other forms of entertainment. The horror genre has adapted and evolved over time, reflecting worldwide fears, cultural changes, and artistic innovations.

The start of the horror genre can be traced back to Gothic literature from the 18th century, with books such as Horace Walpole's "The Castle of Otranto" published in 1764. It was considered a path waver for Gothic novels. These kinds of stories often feature supernatural elements, mysterious settings and the sense of dread.

In the 19th century, writers like Mary Shelly and Edgar Allan Poe continued to contribute to the advancement of horror literature. However Poe, in particular, is credited with popularizing his short story and emphasizing psychological horror.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed the emergence of classic horror literature, including Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (1897) and H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror tales. These works explored themes of vampires, the supernatural, and the unknown, laying the foundation for future horror storytelling.