ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces readers to the way monster metaphors will be imagined through the course of the book. Most metaphors appear as brief and transitory enhancers of the way we communicate in everyday life, but through repetitive use and by embedding themselves in how topics are thought about, a small number can grow in size to a point they are able to dominate a topic domain. Monster metaphors are depicted here as maintaining their dominance by pursuing a constant presence and by stomping out rival perspectives. The chapter concludes with an overview of the layout of the book.
