Book excerpt: This is an exploration of the tradition of horror, from its earliest origins - as far back as the biblical victim Job - to the monsters, slashers, satanic children and serial killers who represent our anxieties today. Each letter of the alphabet is used as a starting point for an aspect, element or ingredient of horror. It may be a scene in a film, such as the shower scene in Psycho, or a character such as Freddie in Nightmare on Elm Street. Or it may be idea such as evil, violence or darkness, which is explored to reveal hidden meanings. Other themes examined include the psychological impact of horror, the role of women as heroines and victims, and the incarnation of the film monster.