Bannatyne, author of Halloween: An American Holiday, An American History, presents this book about modern Halloween, how it is celebrated in the United States, and what it means to its enthusiasts. Bannatyne claims that Halloween is a very important American holiday not just because it has historical meaning, but also because it has profound meaning in contemporary American culture. Drawing from interviews with those who take the holiday the most seriously and her own 20 plus years of research, this book offers those who enjoy Halloween a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of American culture. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)