The Vampire In Lore And Legend

Riveting study of vampirism in Europe — from vampires in Greek and Roman lore to their presence in Saxon England, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, and even modern Greece.

First published in 2005. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Vampires have always fascinated and frightened, and now their reach goes beyond horror-flick fans. Teens the world over have fallen under the spell of these mysterious, blood-sucking, and oh-so-alluring beings! From Buffy to Twilight, vampire fans have gotten smarter and savvier, and this is the book for them. Learn how vampires live, how they avoid capture, and why they're so darn attractive. Also trace the history of vampire lore--in literature, movies, and on television--from the woods of Transylvania to the modern-day high school. Chock full of info and insight, each gorgeous page will draw in readers of every age, with innovative styling, never-before-seen imagery, and deliciously wicked design. Perhaps this enticing tome is best read while wearing a garlic necklace . . .

A thrilling treasury of vampire lore! Since the seventeenth century, people have been frightened, mesmerized, and fascinated by the terrifying tales of vampires. In this book, you'll uncover the history and mystery behind these bloodthirsty monsters with folklore, mythology, and poetry from every tradition in the world. From the Bosnian Lampir, whose disease-ridden corpse spread infection and death throughout villages, to Bram Stoker's charming Dracula, who helped define modern-day vampires, the wicked stories surrounding these nocturnal beings are sure to captivate anyone who has ever wondered about these shadow-loving creatures. Whether you're interested in exploring the culture of vampires or just want to learn more about their supernatural abilities, you'll discover dozens of compelling tales, historical accounts, and haunting legends that shed some light on these sinister beings. Complete with detailed illustrations, Vampires reveals the dark allure and gruesome power of these creatures of the night.

Originally published: The werewolf. London: K. Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1933.

Delves into the myths, legends, literature, and history surrounding that ever-frightening and yet strangely seductive creature, the vampire.

"Throughout the whole vast shadowy world of ghosts and demons there is no figure so terrible, no figure so dreaded and abhorred, yet [looked upon] with such fearful fascination, as the vampire, who is himself neither ghost nor demon, but yet who partakes the dark natures and possesses the mysterious and terrible qualities of both." So begins this riveting study by one of the foremost authorities on witchcraft and occult phenomena. An indefatigable researcher, Summers explores the presence of vampires in Greek and Roman lore, in England and Ireland during Anglo-Saxon times, in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria, even in modern Greece. More than just a collection of library lore, however, this detailed examination of the history of vampirism in Europe also includes anecdotes and firsthand accounts gathered by the author from peasants in places where belief in vampires was still common. A fascinating, sometimes terrifying book, The Vampire in Lore and Legend is a "mine of out-of-the-way information full of unspeakable tales," writes The New York Times; and according to Outlook, "a fascinating inquiry into the vampire legend . . . a storehouse of curious and interesting lore." Of great interest to any enthusiast of the supernatural and the occult, this book will appeal as well to the legions of general readers captivated by this ancient myth.

Vampires explores the diverse myths and legends and their impact upon popular culture and the possible explanations behind such phenomena. Part of the Oxford People series, the book also investigates the lives of real-life individuals who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of blood, drawing on the vampiric tradition for their inspiration. Vampire legends go back centuries, taking root in the Gothic forests of Transylvania. Over time, the vampire has transformed from a vile re-animated corpse, bloated with blood, into a charming immortal that is cursed to live outside of society. From Count Dracula to Edward Cullen, for centuries we have been enthralled by the mysterious legends in horror fiction that surround these dangerous creatures. Vampires rarely have been more popular than they are today, although the Victorians could certainly give us a run for our money. Pale-skinned, dark-cloaked, garlic-hating—the folklore is crawling with memorable images that share one thing in common: their lust for blood. This book examines the vampire myth from all angles: from its genesis in folklore, to offshoots of blood-thirsty creatures, and eventually to its status today as one of the most iconic figures in popular culture. We will try to find out how this strange creature, who came into being centuries ago, transformed through gothic imagination from a hideous monster into a suave villain. This book creates a beautiful addition to anyone interested in the paranormal, and a great gift for gothic readers.