Author: A. P. Sylvia
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing
Publication Date: 28 October 2019
Pages: 128
Format: eBook - PDF
Genre: Non-Fiction/Folklore
Source: ARC via NetGalley
Vampire . . . the word immediately conjures up bloodstained fangs, an aversion to sunlight, bats, garlic, and wooden stakes. These undead immortals have haunted our favorite books, television shows, and movies for decades. This exploration of a seemingly supernatural topic delves into past traditions around the world and how those traditions have affected our pop-culture modern-day monster. Explore belief systems as well as origins of various notions we all seem to have about vampires, and unearth the bloody dirt about this mystical creature. Discover differences and similarities between the realm of folklore and what modern media has taught us. Did villagers really use wooden stakes, garlic, and mirrors? What about vampires turning into bats or hypnotizing victims? Did they really cause disease, turn into dogs, and sleep in coffins? Topics are arranged by trait so that the reader can consider each characteristic before believing or dismissing it. So . . . if you're ready, let's hunt some vampires.
Vampires of Lore is an engaging read. The book is nicely presented, with the discussion arranged by trait, making it easy to follow and allowing you to dip in and out of the book by topic, rather than reading straight through, if that's your preference. Is it groundbreaking? No. I've read other similar texts before, and anyone who's done any research into the folklore behind vampires isn't going to find anything new here. However, I do recommend it to fans of vampires in fiction who are unfamiliar with the folklore side of things, as it offers a compelling introduction to the field.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment