From the Publisher
"A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies lives up to its name. Clasen addresses all the major concerns people have about horror, providing evidence-backed arguments for why people should not be so nervous." Coltan Scrivner, Evolutionary Studies in Imaginative Culture
"Mathias Clasen is like the Carl Sagan of horror. He enthusiastically brings us into the unknown, showing us the remarkable psychology and biology of scary movies–the deeper meanings hidden inside popular culture. His frontline research on horror audiences and their mixed emotions makes him a respected expert in this emerging field. But his expertise is matched by his own nervousness and anxiety about horror. This makes him a kindred spirit and perfect guide to the terrifying world of attraction and repulsion." Stephen Asma, author of On Monsters: An Unnatural History of Our Worst Fears"Overall, A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies offers a comprehensive examination of the horror genre, addressing cultural stigmas, moral concerns, eff ects on children, societal implications, and coping strategies. Through his meticulous research and balanced, but persuasive perspective, Clasen invites the nervous reader to explore the multifaceted nature of the horror genre, ultimately highlighting the horror film's potential for cultural significance, psychological growth, and social commentary." Peter Turner, Projections "A Very Nervous Person's Guide to Horror Movies offers a comprehensive examination of the horror genre,...Through his meticulous research and balanced, but persuasive perspective, Clasen invites the nervous reader to explore the multifaceted nature of the horror genre, ultimately highlighting the horror film's potential for cultural significance, psychological growth, and social commentary. Scholars will surely find some useful references that they will wish to explore further, but more importantly, the book's target reader will find a wealth of evidence to give them confidence to start enriching their lives with horror films." Pete Turner, Projections: The Journal for Movies and Mind