An obscure independent filmmaker until Halloween (1978), John Carpenter has been applauded for his classic sense of compositions, yet reviled for his "B-film" sensibility. This second edition of the first book-length analysis finds in Carpenter's films a vision of a profound but unexpected order in the universe. The author analyzes Carpenter's early independent work, his made-for-television movies, his big Hollywood films (The Fog, Escape from New York, The Thing, Stephen King's Christine, Starman), his more recent independent work (Big Trouble in Little China, Prince of Darkness, They Live), and his contributions to films he did not direct. This edition fully updates the 1990 edition with attention to the films made since that date. With a chronology of Carpenter's career, a detailed filmography, photos, brief plot synopses, and a thorough index, this volume will be treasured by film scholars and fans alike.

"Praise for the previous edition: ...intelligent...perceptive about making comparisons between Carpenter's films and the works upon which he drew to make them. The Hawks connection is particularly well handled......." - Film Quarterly

"Praise for the previous edition: ...one of the most cogent, best-argued books I've read about a fantasy specialist...particularly well-timed...a commendably sharp eye for detail...always dead on the money....." - Video Watchdog

"...this volume will be treasured by film scholars and fans alike." - Rapport Magazine

"...this is the long overdue second edition of Scarecrow Press' generally informative and robust series." - The Pocket Essential John Carpenter

"...this update comes into its own when discussing Carpenter's more deserving films (Dark Star, Halloween, The Fog, The Thing), which are examined in critical and interpretive detail. The book does make the reader want to dig out his films, which is no mean achievement." - Film Review

"The Second Edition of Robert C. Cumbow's Order in the Universe: The Films of John Carpenter provides a valuable service not only to Carpenter admirers as well as horror and science-fiction aficionados, but also to readers in search of thoughtful, accessible film criticism...not only sufficiently scholarly for academic readers, but also intellectually provocative and accessibly written...By examining the entire Carpenter oeuvre with intelligence, wit, and enthusiasm, he adds a distinctive contribution to contemporary film criticism." - Film History

"Praise for the previous edition: ...intelligent...perceptive about making comparisons between Carpenter's films and the works upon which he drew to make them. The Hawks connection is particularly well handled..." - Film Quarterly

"Praise for the previous edition: ...one of the most cogent, best-argued books I've read about a fantasy specialist...particularly well-timed...a commendably sharp eye for detail...always dead on the money." - Video Watchdog