-"Written by noted authorities, including professors, librarians, and authors, the entries range from 12,000 to 15,000 words, yielding a depth of discussion not found in other sources." —American Reference Books Annual

-"As a foundation to study, this book works well to introduce important themes, texts, and authors in an accessible format, breaking up the text with images and boxing information in the form of quotes, poems, timelines, and key facts wherever applicable. This is an informative resource, whether entries are simply dipped into from casual interest or read through for a more nuanced understanding." —Science Fiction Studies

-"This encyclopedia features topics relating to icons in supernatural and nonsupernatural fiction, their origins in folklore and legend, characteristics, and analysis of their prominence in specific works of literature and film, and in popular culture and society. Joshi, an author of books on the supernatural and other topics, brings together two volumes that contain 11-13 articles each; these are longer than conventional encyclopedia entries (about 30 pages) and presented alphabetically. Topics discussed by scholars, writers, and other authorities on the subject include icons such as the alien, angel and demon, devil, curse, ghost, haunted house, immortal, monster, mummy, psychic, sorcerer, vampire, werewolf, and zombie. Quotations and excerpts, and lists of major films and novels, are included in each article. The volumes are aimed at students, general readers, and scholars and avoid any technical jargon from literary criticism." —Reference & Research Book News