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Horror Films of the 1980s

John Kenneth Muir

ISBN 978-0-7864-2821-2
156 photos, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
843pp. hardcover (7 x 10) 2007

Description
John Kenneth Muir is back! His Horror Films of the 1970s was named an Outstanding Reference Book by the American Library Association, and likewise a Booklist Editors’ Choice. This time, Muir surveys 300 films from the 1980s. From backwards psychos (Just Before Dawn) and yuppie-baiting giant rats (Of Unknown Origin), to horror franchises like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser, as well as nearly forgotten obscurities such as The Children and The Boogens, Muir is our informative guide through 10 macabre years of silver screen terrors.

Muir introduces the scope of the decade’s horrors, and offers a history drawing parallels between current events and the nightmares unfolding on cinema screens. Each of the 300 films is discussed with detailed credits, a brief synopsis, a critical commentary, and where applicable, notes on the film’s legacy beyond the 80s. Also included is the author’s ranking of the 15 best horror films of the 80s.

About the Author
John Kenneth Muir is the author of 22 reference books covering science fiction and horror on film and television, including award winners Horror Films of the 1970s (2002 ALA Best Reference) and The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television (2005 New York Public Library Best Reference). He is creator of the Internet sci-fi series The House Between (www.thehousebetween.com) and his popular blog can be found at reflectionsonfilmandtelevision.blogspot.com.







Other Book(s) by John Kenneth Muir Available from McFarland:

Wes Craven

Exploring Space: 1999

An Analytical Guide to Television’s Battlestar Galactica

The Films of John Carpenter

A History and Critical Analysis of Blake’s 7, the 1978–1981 British Television Space Adventure

An Analytical Guide to Television’s One Step Beyond, 1959–1961

Horror Films of the 1970s

A Critical History of Doctor Who on Television

The Encyclopedia of Superheroes on Film and Television, 2d ed.

Terror Television

Eaten Alive at a Chainsaw Massacre



Table of Contents & Excerpts

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