Reference Books That Will Give You Chills

Reference Books That Will Give You Chills

September 16, 2015

Halloween is just around the corner, so what better way is there for brave, thrill-seeking library lovers to get in the seasonal spirit than to peruse Scranton Public Library?  Aside from the wide array of scary novels and horror movies available to borrow from the library, the Reference Department also includes a chilling selection of resources to learn more about the scariest of seasons.

Notable selections include:

The Dream Encyclopedia by James R. Lewis (REF 154.63 LEWIS) illustrates how dreams and nightmares influence culture, religion, history, art, literature, and our personal lives.

The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters by Rosemary Ellen Guiley (REF 133.423 GUILEY) explores the duel nature – both human and monster – that has inspired enduring fascination, often expressed in film (Bela Lugosi’s Dracula) and literature (Anne Rice).

Witchcraft in America by Peggy Saari (REF 133.4 SAAR) explores the history of witchcraft in the United States, from the superstitions and fears that traveled to the new colonies with the Puritans that led to the Salem witch trials, to the rebirth of pagan religions in the twentieth century.

The New Encyclopedia of the Occult by John Michael Greer (REF 133.03 GREER) covers the whole range of occult tradition, lore, history, philosophy, and practice in the Western world–including topics such as tarot, palmistry, magic, and astrology.

These and additional titles are available to explore in the Reference Department.