Encyclopedia of the Undead
by Bob Curran
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Book Summary Information
Author: Bob CurranEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-03-19
ISBN: 1564148416
Number of pages: 312
Publisher: Career Press
Product features:
- ISBN13: 9781564148414
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
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Book Reviews of Encyclopedia of the Undead
Book Review: A TREASURE TROVE OF MYTH AND LEGEND
Summary: 5 Stars
Vampires, werewolves, and other things that go bump in the night are the subject of Dr. Bob Curran's "Encyclopedia of the Undead". In this riveting book of myth, folklore, and fact, Curran looks at the history and mystery of these creatures from their earliest mentions in ancient texts right up through modern day. It's fresh and fascinating, a monster lover's dream!
The book begins with the ultimate creatures of the night...vampires! Legends of vampires and vampirism have been around since men first wrote on papyrus thousands of years ago. Ancient Greek mythology abounds with vampiric creatures such as the Lamia, Succubi while Sumeria wrought its tales of Lilith, supposedly the first wife of Adam who spawned many demons called the Lilm. Even if you think you know a lot about vampires, Curran will surprise you with the many tales of vampires throughout history who have plagued mankind. But the tales are not all legend. There are many modern accounts from the past couple of centuries about reputed vampires, or medical afflictions, which were deemed to be vampiric by the peoples of the times. No account of vampires would be complete without a look at two of the most notorious figures from Eastern Europe, Vlad Tepes and Elizabeth Bathory, and Curran covers both figures in detail.
Next up are similar chapters on Werewolves, Voodoo and Zombies, and Ghouls and the Golem. Most of the section on Zombies and Voodoo focuses on those grisly legends of Africa, the Caribbean, and New Orleans. The reader will get up close and personal with several notorious voodoo priests and voodoo queens. You've perhaps heard of one of the most famous of New Orleans' voodoo queens, Marie Laveau, but did you know there actually three Marie Laveaus? You'll get to meet all three...and maybe wish you hadn't!
The last chapter of the book deals with the terrors of H.P. Lovecraft and while I am a Lovecraft fan, the inclusion of his works is slightly curious. While Lovecraft did have his tales of the undead, many of his creations were decidedly NOT dead. Still, it's the inclusion of the Lovecraft chapter makes for a great primer for those who may be unfamiliar with his life and work. Curran provides a biographical overview of Lovecraft's troubled life before delving into his mind-ripping creations such as the Cthulhu Mythos with its tales of Old Ones and Elder Gods, ancient civilizations, and books of forbidden lore that could drive men to madness if they read them. In fact, the Lovecraft chapter ends up being the longest in the book although Lovecraft fanatics will certainly be familiar with most of what's covered.
The Encyclopedia of the Undead is one of those books you just love to pick up and flip through in no particular order. It has broad appeal to those who are interested in myth and folklore, monster films, role-playing games, and horror fiction. Curran does a great job pulling it all together!
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Fairy Tales Books
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