This highly acclaimed anthology traces the evolution of horror, from Nathaniel Hawthorn and Edgar Allan Poe to Stephen King. Adopted by colleges across the country to be used in literature courses, "The Dark Descent" showcases some of the finest horror fiction ever written.

This highly acclaimed anthology traces the evolution of horror, from Nathaniel Hawthorn and Edgar Allan Poe to Stephen King. Adopted by colleges across the country to be used in literature courses, "The Dark Descent" showcases some of the finest horror fiction ever written.

** Winner of the World Fantasy Award for Best Anthology.**

** A gigantic, superlatively edited historical overview of horror fiction." --* Chicago Sun-Times**In The Dark Descent *, hailed as one of the most important anthologies ever to examine horror fiction, editor David G. Hartwell traces the complex history of horror in literature back to the earliest short stories. The Dark Descen t showcases the finest of these ever written--from the time-honored classics of masters of the form.