Danse Macabre is an incredibly interesting and in-depth exploration of the horror genre, penned by the maestro himself, Stephen King.

King delves into great detail about all aspects of horror in movies, books, TV, and radio plays during the period from 1950 to 1980. He even includes his earliest memories, providing a personal touch to the narrative.

One fascinating aspect is the timing of when this non-fiction work was written. It was still early in King's career, just after the publication of Firestarter. By the age of 34, he had consumed an astonishing amount of horror-related material!

However, this also leads to the only negative aspect of the book. King's detailed descriptions can sometimes be a bit spoilery. It would be advisable to wait until you're a bit older and have a good knowledge of the main horror releases during this time period before reading it.

One of the great additions to this book is the lists of movies and books that King recommends at the back. I'm extremely tempted to take on all of them, especially Peter Straub's Ghost Story.

I would absolutely love to see a follow-up to this. My edition had a new essay that included films like The Blair Witch Project, but a sequel covering the last 30+ years would be truly amazing. It would be great to see how King's perspective on the horror genre has evolved over time.

When the King of Horror delves into writing about the Horror culture, one would expect a book that is bound to be perfect.

Well, almost. It was, but now it's a bit outdated. King predominantly writes about horror films and books from the 1950s up to the 1970s. Since then, more than thirty years have passed, and thousands of films and books have been released and published. So, he is mainly talking about things in the past.

With the books, it's okay because you can still find many of the books he recommends available today. The same goes for films to some extent, but watching films from the 50s - 60s is not quite like reading a book from that era. They don't age as gracefully as the books.

However, films can still be watched in one way or another if you desire. Horror radio, on the other hand, is something relatively unknown today. It ceased to be current with the advent of TV, and a whole chapter dedicated to horror shows on the radio was a bit of a bore. The same can be said about the archaic TV shows from the USA. A long chapter about shows that one isn't going to watch. The same holds true for most of the films, but of course, not all of them.

But 72% of the book [334 pages (i - xxviii, 1 - 128, 282 - 460) out of 460] is about the archetypes (and their creation) of Horror (such as the Vampire, Frankenstein Monster, Werewolf), Horror fiction in English, King's experience with the horror genre both as a writer and as a reader/viewer, and more. So, this leaves 126 pages for Radio, TV, and Films, which amounts to 27% of the book.

Mathematically speaking, this book has more positive elements than negative for me. But even the negative aspects are not really that bad. They were just not as interesting to me as the autobiographical sections and the horror book sections.

But I was familiar with some of them and even watched and liked them, such as: Radio: Orson Welles - War Of The Worlds - Broadcast (1938), TV: The Twilight Zone (1959 - 1964), Film: The Shining (1980), Nosferatu (1922).

In conclusion, this uneven (much like the book) review shows that I liked it. I recommend it to every King and horror enthusiast. For me, it's 4.5 stars. King, even in non - fiction, is a master storyteller.

I was in a bookstore in Bangor, Maine.

As I was looking at all the foreign editions of this book, a teenager mumbled that Danse Macabre is Stephen King's worst book.

However, I beg to differ.

This is a nonfiction analysis of the horror genre, encompassing both fiction and film.

It was truly fascinating to me.

In fact, I photocopied the suggested reading in the back of the book and spent about five years working my way through the lists.

Surely, it's out of date now, and many of the titles he suggests are even more difficult to find.

But I still firmly believe that the master knows horror.

I would absolutely love to see an updated edition of this remarkable work.

It would be exciting to see how King's analysis has evolved over the years and to discover new works that have emerged in the horror genre.

Perhaps an updated edition could also include a discussion of the impact of modern technology on the horror genre.

Overall, I think an updated Danse Macabre would be a valuable addition to any horror lover's library.

The Stephen King Goodreads Discussion Group is embarking on a comprehensive re-read of his works, starting from the very beginning and going all the way to the end. It has been an extensive period since I truly submerged myself in Uncle Stevie’s captivating world. However, with a reading rate of one book per month, I am fully committed. My aim is to read and review each work with utmost honesty and reflection, giving it my best effort.

Background – “Danse Macabre” is a non-fiction masterpiece that was initially published in April 1981. It delves into King’s profound views on the “horror genre” across various mediums such as print (including books, novellas, and comics), television, and film. Later, in February 2010, the book was republished with a new essay by King titled "What's Scary".

In the introduction of the book, King attributes Bill Thompson, his first and long-term editor, as the wellspring of inspiration for penning this work. Thompson ultimately convinced King that by writing such a book about the horror genre, he could put an end to repeatedly answering the same interview questions.

The primary source material for this book stemmed from King's college teaching notes from the diverse courses he taught during the 1970s. Nevertheless, King deliberately chose a casual, non-linear writing style to avoid what he regarded as "academic bullshit".

Plotline – The plotline of “Danse Macabre” is refreshingly simple and straightforward. It is a work of non-fiction that zeroes in on the multifaceted influences of horror on Stephen King’s writing and his journey as a fan. King embarks on an exploration of the history of horror, predominantly presented through the media of books, movies, and radio. He delves as far back as the Victorian era but places greater emphasis on his own lifetime, spanning from the 1950s to the early 1980s (the period during which he wrote and published this book).

Thoughts and Reflections – This book poses a challenge when it comes to providing in-depth commentary as it is primarily a reflection of Stephen King’s thoughts regarding the influences of horror in his lifetime and its profound impact on his highly successful writing career. Reading this book is akin to enjoying a thrilling amusement park ride. It is highly enjoyable from one’s perspective and leaves little room for excessive criticism. Although non-fiction is not my personal favorite type of writing, King does an exemplary job of presenting the material and offering a critical examination of horror as an art form. What I found particularly fascinating was King’s personal perspective on how various historical and cultural events influenced horror and the anecdotes from his life that vividly illustrated those moments in action.

Also, I am reading this book at the conclusion of 2018, a full 38 years after King first published it. It would be truly captivating if King were to pen a follow-up book, chronicling the continuing influence of horror during these intervening 38 years. There have been a plethora of horror-based movies and books during this time that are ripe for discussion and debate, and I firmly believe that King would have a field day continuing his critical examination of how the genre has evolved, both positively and negatively.

Overall – Considering that this is a work of non-fiction, deviating from the typical fictional stories for which he is renowned, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying it. It exceeded my expectations by a significant margin, largely due to King’s powerful descriptive prose and personal reflections that breathed life into his analysis. It was effortless to follow his point-of-view and his well-described suppositions. Studying the history of horror has never been more entertaining and laced with a touch of sarcasm.

In my opinion, given what he was striving to achieve and having no pre-existing model to follow, I believe King achieved a highly successful outcome.

The writing in this book is truly excellent.

However, it was penned 34 years ago, and as a result, the subject matter related to the horror genre is extremely outdated.

A significant portion of the book also takes the form of an autobiography, which can be quite interesting.

Nevertheless, if you have already read 'On Writing', you won't find a great deal that is new in this particular volume.

Unless you are an extremely enthusiastic fan like myself, I would not recommend this book.

It may have its merits for those with a specific interest in the author's life or a more comprehensive understanding of the horror genre's history, but for the average reader, it may not offer enough to justify the investment of time and money.

Overall, while the writing is of a high standard, the outdated nature of the content and the lack of novelty make it a somewhat niche read.

This is an extensive survey of the horror genre, as perceived in the early stages of the career of its most accomplished and emblematic practitioner and enthusiast.

It is partly autobiographical and contemplative, partly historical and academic, yet predominantly an honest and succinct perspective of the field from the 1950s to 1980, as he witnessed it from diverse viewpoints. He examines works and creators not only in relation to various themes but also as they feature in the history of the genre.

The book includes appendices of influential films and books, with markings indicating those he found most personally significant. These appendices are excellent sources of recommendations for worthwhile works to explore. For instance, the book is dedicated to Robert Bloch, Jorge Luis Borges, Ray Bradbury, Frank Belknap Long, Donald Wandrei, and Manly Wade Wellman. Thus, even before delving into the book, readers have a list of authors to sample if they are not already acquainted with these names.

Some sections might seem a bit dull for casual readers at times, but it is a wealth of information for both seasoned fans and those with a genuine interest in the subject matter. His discussion of Harlan Ellison in chapter nine is alone worth the cost of the book.

Stephen King is a renowned author who offers us a fascinating peek into the realm of horror, science fiction film, and essential reading.

I have a deep affection for nearly all of his fictional works. Additionally, his non-fiction novel, "On Writing," provides a remarkable insider's perspective on his writing world.

This particular piece, however, contains more ramblings. At times, it can become quite annoying. While it's true that he crafts excellent stories, hearing an excessive number of his rants about film and fiction might not hold the same level of captivation for other readers.

He also mentions three important horror classics: the vampire, the werewolf, and the "thing with no name" novels. If you happen to be a fan of the old cult horror movies, there's a good chance you'll enjoy this.

Overall, Stephen King's works are a mixed bag, with both brilliant storytelling and some less engaging aspects.

In rankings of King's work, this particular piece tends to rank quite low. And I guess that makes sense.

If you're seeking a comprehensive history of horror, this work isn't structured and complete enough.

Moreover, if you're only reading this because you're a fan of King and don't have a fascination for fiction from the 50's to 70's, it might be rather hard to relate.

I, on the other hand, enjoy older media. I especially relish when people tell me about the media they care for. King presents interesting and compelling thoughts on books, films, and radio programs. He also sprinkles in some personal experiences and general musings on the horror genre.

I think he should have left out the TV chapter, as he clearly cared much less for that medium. However, I found it easy to follow King's opinions, even when I disagreed with them. And he seemed like a really cool dude while sharing his thoughts.

Overall, while this work may not be King's best, it still offers some valuable insights and entertainment for those interested in his perspective on the horror genre and related media.

One of the things I most look forward to when King has a new release is the possibility of a foreword. Or perhaps an afterword.

I love when King writes a conversation to us, his "Constant Readers." The joy of this book is that the entire thing is one of those conversations!

I must be honest and say that I don't agree with all of his opinions, but I love the way he shares them with me. When King is telling me about the first time he saw such and such a movie, I wish I was there. I almost feel like I was there. That's the beauty of this book.

King's conversational ramblings are warm and funny. They are comfortable and cozy. King talks to us as if we've known each other for a long time. And we have, after all. At least I have. I've been reading King for 35 years or so and I am on intimate terms with the majority of his characters. The difference is that he made them up. Those characters are exactly who he wants them to be. Or, if you believe him, that his stories somehow make up their own minds where they will go, they are at least his own creations despite not being exactly who he meant them to be. It's a bit like our children, I guess.

When King spends hundreds of pages telling us how he feels about others' creations, I get a glimpse of my own feelings, but from him. Despite being a master storyteller himself, he can be just as awed by a tale as we can. Possibly even more so despite knowing how those stories are built. A book like this simply solidifies my feeling that I know him. Almost as well as he seems to know me.

This book is not just a collection of King's thoughts and opinions. It's a window into his mind and his creative process. It's a chance for us, his readers, to get to know him on a deeper level. And for that, I am truly grateful.

A good horror story operates on a symbolic level and refers to fictional (and sometimes supernatural) events to assist us in understanding our own deep real fears. And note that I said "understand" and not "confront". I believe that a person who needs help to confront their fears is, strictly speaking, not entirely mentally healthy. However, if I assume that most readers of horror stories are like me - and I do - then we are just as mentally healthy or even healthier than those who, after reading People magazine, the daily newspaper, or a few blogs, consider themselves ready for the day. My friends, hand on heart: To be obsessed with celebrities and passionately hold a few political opinions cannot be described as a meaningful, imaginative life. That is the life of a beetle that just happens to have opposable thumbs and the ability to count to ten.

"A good horror story works on a symbolic level and draws on fictional (and sometimes supernatural) events to help us understand our own deep real fears. It's important to note that I said 'understand' and not 'look in the eye'. I think a person who needs help looking their fears in the eye is, strictly speaking, not entirely mentally healthy. But if I assume that most readers of horror stories are like me - and I do - then we are just as mentally healthy or even healthier than those who, after reading People magazine, the daily newspaper, or a few blogs, consider themselves ready for the day. My friends, be honest: Being obsessed with celebrities and passionately holding a few political opinions can't be described as a meaningful, imaginative life. That's the life of a bug that just happens to have opposable thumbs and the ability to count to ten."

This book-length essay on the horror genre proved to be far more engaging than I had anticipated. Even when penning a nonfiction genre study, King remains true to himself. His zany sense of humor, unwavering frankness, and the occasional brash comment made me feel as if I was sharing a beer with him and chatting about books, rather than sitting in a lecture hall. King enthusiasts who渴望 to learn where he draws his inspirations from and which authors/films have brought him pleasure will gain a great deal from this book.

However, a word of caution is in order. If you abhor spoilers, you WILL loathe this book. King delves deep into the discussion of several movies and books that he believes have had a significant impact on the genre, and he doesn't refrain from revealing major plot points or endings. If you think you might have the impulse to read older sci-fi, fantasy, or horror and don't wish to have any spoilers, then this is not the book for you.

It's important to note that while the book offers valuable insights and entertainment, it may not be suitable for those who prefer to experience stories without prior knowledge of their twists and turns.

3 stars if you are a casual King fan.

4 stars for being a very decent dissertation on the horror genre (remembering that it was released in the early 80s, so any horror between then and now is missing).

I have been in the middle of rereading King’s books in chronological order – mostly on audiobook. This is the first one in order that I got to that I had never even read before! This one I did not do on audio. I have actually had a paperback copy of this for decades and it is quite beat up. In fact, on the cover it says it is by the co-author of The Talisman.

Danse Macabre is an extended book and movie report. If King had done this as a master’s thesis, I would not have been surprised. With that in mind, unless you are really into the history of the horror genre, really enjoy non-fiction, or are a King completist, I don’t think there is a reason to give this one a try. If you are a casual or occasional King reader, it is likely that this book will bore you despite the fact that he does interject some King charm and anecdotal humor from time to time.

Now, even though I did use the word “bore” in the previous paragraph, if this sort of book is your thing and you are passionate about the horror genre, I think you will enjoy this book quite a bit. It is well written and researched. There are lots of different books and movies discussed so you might find yourself wanting to hunt them down to read and watch as you go along. There were a few parts that drug on a bit - since he is a novelist, his chapters on novels felt a bit longer than they needed to be.

A thought I had while reading this is that he released it when he was less than a decade into his career. I was only about 3 years old when it came out so I don’t know what the feeling was on King at the time, he only had 7 novels out, and had not yet been revealed as Richard Bachman. The reason I point this out is he definitely presents himself as an expert on the topic and pulls no punches when he is describing something he does not like. With how we feel about King now we would probably think “Why, of course, he is THE KING, and THE KING has spoken”. But back then I wonder if people were more like, “I know he has had a few successful books and movies, but who does this guy think he is?”

In summary – a great book for hardcore horror and King fans. Not really necessary for those casual in either of these areas. It offers a detailed exploration of the horror genre, but its appeal may be limited to those with a specific interest. However, for those who are passionate about horror or are die-hard King fans, it provides valuable insights and a wealth of information. The writing is engaging, and King’s unique perspective adds an interesting dimension to the discussion. Overall, it’s a book that will be enjoyed by some and skipped by others, depending on their individual tastes and interests.