Children of Usher: Major Figures in American Horror

Eerie Tales: a Glance Back and a Look Ahead at Horror Fiction is a Beyond the Page funded grant series held at eight participating Dane County libraries.

Horror fiction literature, with its roots in folklore and religion, its focus on the supernatural, demonic, death and afterlife, is a heavily played hand for readers and viewers of filmed and theatrical treatments. To quote H.P Lovecraft, "The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown." A startled reaction is the intention of this genre, which purposefully creates an unsettling ambience. This event strives to introduce library audiences to a fascinating genre in an atmosphere of education and entertainment.

In this overview and celebration of horror fiction, we will present expert speakers discussing the origins and key authors of horror fiction, speakers discussing the bringing of horror fiction to stage and screen, scary movies, author visits, makerspace, musical and storytelling events.