American Horror Story and Cult Television: Narratives, Histories and Discourses
Author(s): Richard Hand (Editor), Mark O’Thomas
Publisher: Anthem Press
Publication Date: November 14, 2023
Language: English
Print length: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1785279335
ISBN-13: 9781785279331
Book Description
Over the course of ten seasons since 2011, the television series American Horror Story (AHS), created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, has continued to push the boundaries of the televisual form in new and exciting ways. Emerging in a context which has seen a boom in popularity for horror series on television, AHS has distinguished itself from its ‘rivals’ such as The Walking Dead, Bates Motel or Penny Dreadful through its diverse strategies and storylines, which have seen it explore archetypal narratives of horror culture as well as engage with real historical events. Utilising a repertory company model for its casting, the show has challenged issues around contemporary politics, heteronormativity, violence on the screen and disability, to name but a few. This new collection of essays approaches the AHS anthology series from a variety of critical perspectives within the broader field of television studies and its transections with other disciplines.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“Richard J. Hand’s and Mark O’Thomas’ collection contributes important voices, original analyses, and insightful critical perspectives to existing scholarship surrounding not only the American Horror Story series but to genre, media, and television studies more broadly. Accessible and engaging, this volume is poised to become an essential ‘go to’ resource.” ―Jay McRoy, Professor of Literary and Cinema Studies, Department of Literatures and Languages, University of Wisconsin – Parkside.
“Hand and O’Thomas have curated an original, interesting, and useful collection, exploring the delightful and depraved depth of AHS and television horror studies in general for both the fan and the scholar. The highest compliment I can pay to the volume is that it made me want to go back and rewatch all of AHS with these insights in mind. It’s that kind of book.” ―Kevin Wetmore, Loyola Marymount University, USA.
Book Description
A collection of essays approaching the American Horror Story cult television series through a rich variety of critical perspectives.
About the Author
Richard J. Hand is Professor of Media Practice and Head of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia, UK. He has a particular interest in popular culture, especially horror. Mark O’Thomas is Principal and CEO of the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) and Visiting Professor of Theatre and Performance at the University of Greenwich, UK. He has a particular interest in popular culture, especially television dystopias.
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