A cultural history of the phenomenon of the 'haunted house’ as seen through art, architecture, and ghost stories.
What makes a house haunted? Why do some buildings conjure up a reputation for being particularly creepy, while others leave us unmoved? Barring the possibility of a looming afterlife, what are the particular features, contexts, and histories that lend a building the dreaded identity of haunted house?
How to Build a Haunted House tours some of the world's most famously spine-chilling structures in search of answers. From Medieval Scotland to Enlightenment-era London; Victorian suburbs to pre-Civil War Louisiana, Blackwell Baines, an expert in Gothic art and architecture, will explore that specific set of ingredients that captures our imaginations and contributes to our collective understanding of the eternally eerie. After all, whether a staunch sceptic or paranormal enthusiast, we all know a haunted house when we see one.
Title alpha How to Build a Haunted House: The History of a Cultural Obsession
Category History High
Pages Count 320
Genre Nonfiction
Topics Haunted houses. Haunted house history. Social history. Ghost stories. Art. Architecture.
Trim Size 9" x 6"
JLG Span Spring
Language English
Rights type Print
Publication date 2026-04-06
JLG Release Date Jun 2026
Minimum grade 9
Maximum grade 12
Reading level High
Format Print
History - High (Grades 9 & Up)
History High
History - High (Grades 9 & Up)
For Grades 9 & Up
This collection features nonfiction and historical fiction titles that bring past events, eras, and influential figures to life through compelling storytelling. Selections span a mix of story-driven history and immersive historical fiction, offering engaging ways for teens to explore how the past shapes the present. Some selections are written for adults but are thoughtfully chosen for their relevance and appeal to teen readers.