Horror Films of the 1980s

John Kenneth Muir is an American literary critic and award-winning author. As of 2022, he has written 30 reference books in the fields of film and television, with a particular focus on the horror and science fiction genres.

“writing is clear, with a personal but expert tone...useful information and enjoyable commentary...recommended”—Booklist; “fans of the horror genre are sure to find something to scream about. Muir again plunges into the dark...appropriate to the so-called era of greed, he has this time added more of everything: films, background, appendices, and critical analyses...ample, witty, well-versed entries...highly recommended”—Library Journal; “have no fear. Muir reveals all...readable and entertaining...this tremendous tome of terror is the quintessential concordance to the films of the dead teenager decade...Muir opts for comprehensiveness...Muir’s genius lies in his giving context to the films. Muir has carved out a niche for himself with this kind of reference work...recommended”—Choice; “comprehensive...insightful”—C&RL News; “one of the finest horror reference books I’ve ever read”—City Slab; “he did it again...Muir is back and better than ever”—NVF Magazine; “readers will be pleased by the attention to detail that is lavished on each of the 325 films included...a far more thorough approach to the material and his dedication creates a definitive reference book...recommend”—Horrortalk.com.

• Table of ContentsAcknowledgments      Preface      PART I: DON’TWORRY, BE HAPPY (OR, BE AFRAID … BE VERY AFRAID…)AN INTRODUCTION TO HORROR FILMS OF THE 1980S      PART II: A HISTORY OF THE DEAD TEENAGER DECADE      PART III: THE FILMS (BY YEAR OF RELEASE)       Conclusion      Appendices      Notes      Bibliography      Index