In textually applying his established criteria, Hurley also effectively sets up a framework that future critics could use in their own analyses of Catholic (or even Catholic-inflected) horror … If one of the goals of Catholic horror is to open up a thoughtful dialogue on transcendental matters through tales of terror, then Hurley's book could surely stand as a good conversation starter.

Papers on Language and Literature

Catholic Horror and Rhetorical Dialectics successfully argues that Catholic truths can be perceived and understood through works of horror literature ranging from nineteenth-century novels to The Exorcist. In asserting that rhetorical dialectics is an ideal methodology for a distinctively Catholic mode of horror, this eminently readable and thought-provoking study reminds us that horror fiction should be taken seriously rather than seen as mere entertainment.

Kevin J. Wetmore, Jr., professor of theatre arts at Loyola Marymount University

There is a difference between the dark arts and the art of darkness which is as wide as the distance that separates hell from heaven. The art of darkness exposes the evil and ugliness of the dark arts, exorcising its power with the light of goodness, truth, and beauty. In this much needed volume, Gavin Hurley explores the power of some of the great classics of horror fiction to exercise reason and rhetoric to exorcise demons, demonstrating the power of fiction to convey the deepest truths.

Joseph Pearce, visiting professor of Literature at Ave Maria University

Catholic Horror and Rhetorical Dialectics is a welcome contribution to the growing studies on horror and religion. Gavin Hurley offers penetrating insight on Catholic horror literature that is not content to leave anything simply on the surface in what is perhaps an unexpected juxtaposition.

Steve A. Wiggins, PhD, author of Holy Horror and Nightmares with the Bible