I initially had no clue what to make of this book. Since I aim to read every book by Stephen King, it was on my list. The reason I read it recently was simply that out of all the books I wanted, it was the only one available at the library when I needed a read. I've always been curious about what movies King deems worthy in the horror genre and what his favorite novels are, so I was eager to see his take. At the same time, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about a lecture on the subject. Would it suck all the fun out of horror by dissecting it into its simplest forms?

I liked this book. King is one of those celebrities I wish I could have dinner with. Just to chat about life, writing, and the topic of horror. Of course, baseball would have no place in our dinner conversation. I'm a Cardinals fan and he's a Red Sox fan. We don't see eye to eye, and the rivalry is almost as intense as that between the Cardinals and the Cubs. King is also someone I'd love to take a class with. If I could take a writing course with him, I'd be in seventh heaven. This book was like a combination of a class he's teaching and a dinner conversation.

It was nice to know that I'm just as twisted as King. We share the same taste in crappy B horror movies, and I got a kick out of that. The foreword was written somewhat recently, so he mentions some newer remakes that he enjoyed, and I liked those too. Otherwise, the rest of the book is all about some of the really old horror movies that laid the foundation for what we have today. Not only does he discuss horror movies, but he also delves into some of the classic novels. He breaks down Dracula and Frankenstein and how they influenced the movies that were spun off from these novels. King also has a small section about radio horror programs. That was really interesting because I've heard some of those programs. The old radio dramas make great audio books.

As cool as this book turned out to be, there were times when I zoned out and found myself a bit bored. He got a little wordy in parts, but I'm used to that. Some of his books exceed the 1000-page mark, so it wasn't a shock. I enjoyed this book and I'm giving it 4 out of 5 stars. It was a fun journey through the corridors of horror.

This book was truly a remarkable experience. It was like the next best thing to sitting down with Stephen King himself and engaging in a lively conversation about our favorite horror books and films.

What could be more thrilling than having two minds that are slightly inclined towards the macabre come together over a topic that they both hold dear? I had an absolute blast reading this book.

Some of my top moments from this one were the in-depth discussions on The Haunting of Hill House and Rosemary's Baby. These two novels are not only my absolute favorites in the horror genre but also masterpieces of literature.

The author's insights and analysis of these books added a whole new layer of understanding and appreciation for me. It was fascinating to see how these two works, despite being so different in their settings and storylines, both managed to create a sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the final page has been turned.

Overall, this book is a must-read for any horror fan. It's a great way to explore some of the classic works in the genre and gain a deeper understanding of what makes them so effective.

“¿Cómo justifica usted ganarse la vida alimentando los peores temores de la gente?”

This and other related questions are the ones that the author attempts to answer with this book. But his main motivation was Bill Thompson, his editor at that time, who gave him the idea of writing about the horror phenomenon from his own point of view. Such a request began to intrigue the author. As he himself said, one of the questions that bothers him the most is why he writes what he writes and why people want to read it. That's how "Danza Macabra" started to take shape.

It is an essay that I quite liked. The author develops several ideas related to the horror genre through the analysis of movies and books from 1950 to 1980. I must say that King remains true to his style throughout, with his characteristic humor and several autobiographical anecdotes.

"Danza Macabra" is rather a journey through the author's mind, in which we learn about his stance on various topics and controversies that have surrounded the horror genre over those years.

I really liked the way King invites you to reflect on the impact that horror has had at a cultural level, as well as his way of seeing it as a subgenre of fantasy, something that for many could be quite shocking.

I admit that I haven't read most of the books he mentions, let alone seen the movies, so at times I felt a bit discouraged.

Despite the above, I think it is a necessary read for every lover of the genre, and I feel fortunate to have been able to read this good essay.

This article is a personal reflection on the author's multiple readings of Stephen King's "Danse Macabre."

The author first read the book at seventeen, but at that time, being a novice in the horror genre, a lot of it went over their head.

Ten years later, in their late twenties, with more experience in horror movies and books, the second reading completely blew them away. They finally understood the book as a love letter to the genre and a dissection of its fans, including King himself.

The 2010 edition includes a new introductory essay, "What's Scary," which, while not the sequel the author longed for, is still vintage King and worth reading for his thoughts on recent horror movies.

The author loves the book, despite its imperfections, and admires King's conversational tone and "brainy" analyses. They consider it the definitive work on modern horror, although they still hope for a sequel.

At 37, having consumed a significant amount of horror, the author realizes they could never articulate the genre's meaning as well as King has in "Danse Macabre." King cuts to the heart of horror with sincerity and respect for both the work and the fans.

"This book is only my ramble through that world, through all the worlds of fantasy and horror that have delighted and terrified me….It’s a dance. And sometimes they turn off the lights in this ballroom. But we’ll dance anyway, you and I. Even in the dark. Especially in the dark. May I have the pleasure?" ~Stephen King

This is my absolute favorite Stephen King book.

I have read it far more times than any of his other works.

It's no mystery what makes this book so enjoyable.

It's truly what makes all of his books successful - his remarkable storytelling power.

He has such a friendly and compelling narrative voice.

It's as if he is casually sharing secrets with you, and you can't wait to hear what he has to say next.

If you are a horror fiction/film enthusiast, it might enhance your enjoyment of DANSE MACABRE.

However, it might even turn you into one if you weren't before.

It had that very effect on me.

I endeavored to watch as many of the films and read as many of the books he discussed as possible.

(I don't share his favorable opinion of the movie "Prophesy" or Peter Straub's "Ghost Story," but I do join him in highly recommending Ramsey Campbell's horribly titled "The Doll Who Ate His Mother" and the unforgettable "Dawn of the Dead.")

Next, I delved into the list of recommended books and movies at the end and found most of them to be extremely worthwhile as well.

If you're borderline compulsive like I am, coming across a list like that is probably a double-edged sword.

You can't rest until you've crossed everything off it, which would likely take a lifetime.

I've been working on it intermittently for more than a decade and am not even halfway done.

But the pursuit continues, and for that, I must express my gratitude to Mr. King, and more specifically, to this delightful, engaging, and illuminating book.

A truly terrific personal tour of the horror genre is presented here by a master of this domain. The author, Stephen King, has an amazing ability to engage the readers. I was particularly delighted by the personal anecdotes that were interjected throughout the text. These anecdotes added a touch of authenticity and made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but compile a rather lengthy list of books and movies that I now feel compelled to read and watch. It's like a treasure trove of recommendations that I'm excited to explore. Stephen King's knowledge and passion for the horror genre are truly infectious.

Thank you, Stephen King, from one of your Constant Readers. Your work has not only entertained me but also inspired me to delve deeper into the world of horror. I look forward to many more spine-chilling experiences with your books and the recommendations you've provided.

When I first picked up this book, I had already seen the Johnny Depp adaptation of "Secret Window, Secret Garden" (unfortunately, the movie cut out the last half of the title). Although the movie was far from excellent, it made me realize that there was more to the horror genre and to Stephen King in particular than I had previously thought. This book truly showed me the light.

Since reading this treatise on the genre, I have actively started seeking out more horror fiction than any other type of fiction. In fact, I now write almost exclusively in the horror genre. The best part of this book are the appendices in the back. They contain excellent recommendations on books to read. I have read several novels from that list, and not ONE of them has been bad. The appendices also have good recommendations on movies to watch. Some of them were not to my liking, but they are still a good place to start. Everyone should read this book if they are interested in horror or fantasy.

This book is an absolute MUST for any reader of horror. Tracing the history from, more or less, where HP Lovecraft left off in his essay on Supernatural Literature, Stephen King describes what it means for a novel, story, movie, etc. to be modern horror. From the moderately suspenseful to the obscenely gory, it's all covered... up to 1980. And yet, it doesn't feel dated at all. When talking about these books, King not only treats them like classics that have been around for hundreds of years, but he also gets the authors and filmmakers themselves to describe their work. All of a sudden, Ramsey Campbell is beside us, explaining "The Doll That Ate Its Mother", followed by King's expert summarization (without giving away too much) and analysis.

Even for those who do not enjoy the horror genre, this book will be illuminating. It's far from scary, after all, it's non-fiction and about as close to a documentary as a book can get. However, it will lead you to many dark corners that could have you sleeping with the lights on anyway.

Magic seems to radiate from every direction when you see a person enthusiastic about what they do. I suppose their eyes sparkle, their way of speaking quickens, and they can't stop expressing all the emotions that come with finding a like-minded individual who shares each of their passions. Just look at the success of social media to understand that, in a way, we all seek someone who sees the night in the same color as we dream it.

That's why having "The Dance Macabre" in your hands is like having a front-row seat to that spectacle called Stephen King.

In this book, the genius from Maine offers his reflections on what the horror genre means to society. He invites us to feel that passion, to discover that in this world full of darkness, sinister creatures, blood, guts, tremors, and fear, there are enough reasons to feel the joy of the shadows. And he does it from pure passion, from that feeling that brings us closer to him as he speaks to us in the same language. In fact, the close way King has of commenting on "The Haunting of Hill House," "The Other World Enigma," "The Incredible Shrinking Man," or "Psycho," to name just a few examples, it feels as if he is sitting beside us, enthusiastic about being able to share all his experience, with our phones turned off and feeling the passage of the hours. And even though he knows his natural place would be at a lectern giving a lecture, King enjoys the genre and has the feeling that he needs to share his madness with all of us.

That's why what we find in "Danza Macabra" is an invitation to a party where we, the lovers of horror, are the guests. Throughout its pages, he takes a journey through the great moments that made a difference in the development of the genre, but focusing on his own experience, forgetting the well-trodden origins to talk about King and his love for horror. His childhood, his adolescence, the emotions he felt when seeing a certain movie that everyone criticized but that captivated him, the books he considers fundamental and innovative in this century, and all kinds of moments that bring us closer to the more human King who is reflected in our mirrors.

And all these experiences he frames within the defense of a genre that has made him a renowned writer, endowing it with an importance and dignity that delights any of his readers. In each of its pages, that love can be felt. A love that is not so far from the one we each feel. We all are part of that dance, that macabre dance that follows the rhythm of some musicians who bet on a genre we love. And we never want that melody to end.

Stephen King's conversational tone has a remarkable allure that continuously draws me back to his introductions.

It is truly captivating to observe how he perceives his work and its connection to the media and the life that surrounds him.

In "Danse Macabre," his loyal readers are treated to a book-length conversation on the horror genre. King enthusiastically delves into b (and some a) movies, the tumultuous history of horror on TV, the long-extinct radio dramas, and some of the finest books in the genre up until 1980.

His reminiscences of the 1950's creature features are particularly enjoyable, as he wholeheartedly permits his childhood nostalgia to shape his adult reactions to these films.

However, one drawback of reading "Danse Macabre" in 2018 is its undeniable datedness. "A Nightmare On Elm Street," Clive Barker, "Poltergeist," and numerous other books and films had not yet emerged.

Thankfully, a new 2008 introduction attempts to address this issue, although it predominantly focuses on very recent works, especially "Blair Witch."

Nevertheless, the ultimate purpose of the book endures, as SK's thoughts on horror are both intelligent and distinct from the realms of academic or popular criticism.

It's been an incredibly long time since I've derived such intense pleasure from reading a book. Stephen King's Danse Macabre is a remarkable non-fiction work that delves into the horror genre spanning from 1950 to 1980.

He commences by presenting horror in its most fundamental story form and then proceeds to discuss films, radio, and books. The writing is exquisitely crafted in the most captivating manner, making the reader feel as if the author is engaged in a personal conversation with them.

The text is not only insightful but also often hilarious and thought-provoking. It is an ideal choice for readers渴望 to learn more about the genre and for authors seeking to glean some valuable tips.

I have assigned this piece a five-star rating as, being a Stephen King enthusiast, it holds great appeal for me. His writing style here closely resembles that of his earlier books, including his penchant for going off on tangents.

For readers who are not die-hard King fans, this experience might prove jarring or even frustrating. However, if you are a fan or in search of advice on writing within the genre and yearning for more after reading his other outstanding non-fiction work, On Writing, then this book is tailor-made for you.

The book is replete with in-depth advice on the most effective approaches to writing in the genre while also offering insights into some of King's own creations. As I mentioned earlier, the book is like having a conversation with King, where the reader pauses to contribute their side of the dialogue.

With this, I found that I did not always concur with King's theories. One such instance is his assertion that after Dracula, the vampire sub-genre had exhausted the theme of sex in its telling. King mentions that he chose not to incorporate such a theme in his own vampire novel.

However, I beg to differ, especially considering the year 2019 and books like Twilight and Stackhouse, which heavily play on the theme of desire within the sub-genre. My final point is that the book comes with a list of films and books that any aficionado of the genre would relish spending their time exploring. I fully intend to do just that.

I believe it will be fascinating to see if I align with the King of Horror regarding the books he deems to be the best in the field.

Wish there was more. Oh wait, he has another sixty books.

Before King achieved success as a writer, he made a living as a teacher, even having a period of teaching at the University of Maine. His book On Writing offers us an opportunity to envision what it would be like to have Mr. King teach composition. Dance Macabre provides a rather good understanding of what one of his courses on the history of literature would be like. And, of course, this would be a course on the history of horror, science fiction, and fantasy literature, and we would have to expand our definition to include horror movies, comics, radio, and TV.

The work is comprehensive, presenting extensive plot descriptions and quotes from King's favorites, such as The Haunting of Hill House, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Shrinking Man, the Thriller TV series, The Night of The Living Dead, Psycho, Them, Tarantula, and plenty of other giant bug movies from the 50s.

It is all presented with studied academic precision, reason, and rules. (Horror, at its core, is a force for the status quo and thus a reinforcement of a conservative point of view. The things we are most afraid of are personified in three great novels of the 19th century: Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.)

The tone of Danse Macabre is pure King: funny, sarcastic, and opinionated. (Rod Serling wasn't much of a writer, and The Twilight Zone wasn't really a horror series or very good either.)

As great as that narrative tone is when you hear it in King's own voice (like in his audiobook version of On Writing), I wouldn't recommend the audio version of Dance Macabre. The narrator/reader William Dufris really overacts the voices and accents of both characters and personalities, and he's just a bit too glib to convey the attitude we get when we hear Mr. King. However, the book is worth reading, and then you can breeze through some of those additional bug movie scenarios and comic book plots that reference titles that may still have been relevant in 1980 but are probably difficult to find today.

Audiobook (18 hours) narrated by Holter Graham

The narration and audio of this audiobook are truly excellent. Narrating a nonfiction book without characters and conversation is no easy feat. It's likely one of the more difficult book narrations. However, Holter Graham manages to do it with great skill. He narrates for 18 hours in a solo voice, not only without droning on, but with remarkable zeal. It takes a special talent to insert a style that matches the content, keeps things interesting, and intriguing. He did such a great job that I could really hear King coming through in all the best ways. I am thoroughly impressed. This is not my first encounter with Holter Graham, as he also narrated Christine, which blew me away.

While there are many reasons to pick up the print version of a book like this one, with an index and lists that are more accessible, I would suggest considering getting both and following along in the print. There are PDF's that come with the audiobook purchase, but unfortunately, Libby does not make PDF's available when borrowing through the library. However, I think that Hoopla and other library apps may have accessible printed content for audiobooks, so that is potentially another option.

This book celebrates 30 years of horror. I love how King starts at a movie or series and then delves into the beginnings or origin of the piece, covering everything in between. He dissects, puts it together, brings in outside influences, adds personal notes or information, assembles it, gives it another once over, and then adds a little shine before moving on. As he goes through other pieces, he often references back, as in they did this just like they did when filming x... so that everything fits together. One quote that I found hysterical, especially as we in New England have some friendly banter with or about Jersey, was in Chapter 3 when speaking about Frankenstein's monster: "if his wish is granted he will take his lady and the two of them will live out their span in some desolate wasteland. South America is suggested as New Jersey had not yet been invented... --Stephen King, Chapter 3, Danse Macabre". I tried to make this an actual quote, but there was a glitch in the Matrix, which associated the quote with Dahl: Sonata Pastorale. I have deleted it and re-added it three times, but it keeps showing up incorrectly. Maybe it will resolve itself and needs a minute to catch up? I don't know. It's really weird. Maybe it's an online haunting of some sort.

I absolutely loved the book. I know it's a few years old, so it doesn't have anything from the last 30 years, which is kind of funny. Perhaps King will consider doing a sequel? It does have all of the greats though, like Ray Bradbury, Shirley Jackson, Lovecraft H P, and so on. October, the month of Halloween, is the best time to read about 30 years of history of things that go bump in the night. If you can't fit it in now, the other 11 months are the second best time to read. lol

Happy Halloween!