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Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight - The Complete Guide to Vampire Mythology
In the West the vampire myth is widely thought to have been based on the life of Vlad the Impaler, a 15th century Wallachian warrior-prince whose devotion to cruelty and killing made the lives of his subjects miserable, bloody and short. However, bloodsuckers of all shapes and sizes feature in many cultures. The most famous of these is the chupacabra, or 'goat killer', a creature that is rumoured to have attacked and mutilated as many as 2,000 animals in Puerto Rico and Latin America. The chupacabra is variously described as half alien, half tail-less dinosaur with quills running down its back, a panther with a long serpent's tongue and a hopping animal that leaves an unbearable sulphurous stench in its wake. Whatever his form, one thing is for sure, the chupacabra shares little with his dark-cloaked, virgin-biting, garlic-hating, European cousin, apart from his lust for blood. VAMPIRES explores these diverse myths and legends, their impact upon popular culture and the possible explanations behind such phenomena.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
27 people are currently reading
524 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Montague
14 books22 followersCharlotte Montague is an author specializing in maritime history. Her father was a naval office, and as a child, she travelled the world with her family. She travels for most of the year, but returns frequently to her home, a remote 18th century cottage close to a famous smuggler's cove on the Cornish coast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 9, 2017
A rather short, basic, introductory text to vampire mythology and literature. This is most certainly not a complete guide to vampire mythology. The physical book is apparently very pretty, but the e-book is just a regular run-of-the-mill ebook. This may be a book for teenage Twilight fans and the like, but for a serious researcher or just the curious, other books will be more useful.
Better books on the subject include:
Anything written by Claude Lecouteux, but specifically "The Secret History of Vampires" and "the Return of the Dead". Lecouteux writes scholarly books.
For a more informal style, Mark Collins Jenkins has written an informative book titled Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend.
Better books on the subject include:
Anything written by Claude Lecouteux, but specifically "The Secret History of Vampires" and "the Return of the Dead". Lecouteux writes scholarly books.
For a more informal style, Mark Collins Jenkins has written an informative book titled Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend.
July 26, 2015
I haven't reviewed a mythology before so it does feel a little strange. I haven't read the entire book but dipped into it as if it were an encyclopedia. This is how I wanted to review this book, as a reference guide to all things vampire.
To start off with this is a gorgeous book. The pages are glossy and beautifully designed. The images used for each section of the book are great. The book is separated into five chapters with each sub-dividing further into different subjects. They range from the origins of the vampire myth, including vampire babies and Vlad the Impaler to modern day TV shows such as Buffy and True Blood.
Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight is more than the title suggests as it includes practically every area that has featured vampires at some point: vampire movies (Peter Cushing: Dracula), vampire books (The Vampire Chronicles: Anne Rice), music (Ozzy Osbourne & Marilyn Manson) and so much more.
Verdict:
If you are a vamp-fan, you will love this book I'm sure. It's easy to follow and beautifully illustrated. A great vampire companion.
To start off with this is a gorgeous book. The pages are glossy and beautifully designed. The images used for each section of the book are great. The book is separated into five chapters with each sub-dividing further into different subjects. They range from the origins of the vampire myth, including vampire babies and Vlad the Impaler to modern day TV shows such as Buffy and True Blood.
Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight is more than the title suggests as it includes practically every area that has featured vampires at some point: vampire movies (Peter Cushing: Dracula), vampire books (The Vampire Chronicles: Anne Rice), music (Ozzy Osbourne & Marilyn Manson) and so much more.
Verdict:
If you are a vamp-fan, you will love this book I'm sure. It's easy to follow and beautifully illustrated. A great vampire companion.
January 30, 2010
Vampires is a lavishly illustrated look at vampire myths and legends, spanning hundreds of years and many different countries and cultures. Author Charlotte Montague has clearly meticulously researched the subject, and I can only imagine the time it must have taken her to accumulate all the relevant material.
It's a veritable source of information where vampires are concerned, and begins with an introduction into the undead, both in myth and the media. From there, it goes on to explore the origin of vampires, before moving on to myths and legends. I found the 'Myths and Legends' section fascinating, and especially enjoyed learning about the Chupacabra, which is an urban legend focusing on a "goat-eating beast". I'd never heard of a Chupacabra before, but it sounds pretty terrifying. Any creature that is said to run around like a one metre high dinosaur with long back legs and short front ones is sure to haunt anyone's dreams!
Vampires also has a section titled 'Vampire Devotees', which profiles people who actively pursue the vampire lifestyle, such as Vlad the Impaler and Elizabeth Bathory. It's interesting to find out about the real side of vampirism, though it might take a little bit more to convince me that the undead really do roam the earth.
Next up is the last section, and probably my favourite, 'Vampires of the Imagination'. It covers everything from Bram Stoker's Dracula, modern vampire fiction, vampire novels, and vampires on screen, in movies and in music. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel get a couple of dedicated pages, as does True Blood and Twilight. While I do love this whole section, I think it could have been more in-depth. A lot of YA fiction, like The Morganville Vampires, Vampire Academy and Blue Bloods series, was missing, and I think they're important players in today's slew of vampire novels. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson (which, by the way, is one of the best vampire books ever written) did get a big mention, though, so I can't complain too much.
Overall, Vampires is a fantastic tome of vampire lore, and is one I think any fan of the fanged will enjoy. I'm hoping Charlotte Montague might want to delve into vampires in entertainment in more detail one day, and if she does, I'll be first in line to pick up a copy!
It's a veritable source of information where vampires are concerned, and begins with an introduction into the undead, both in myth and the media. From there, it goes on to explore the origin of vampires, before moving on to myths and legends. I found the 'Myths and Legends' section fascinating, and especially enjoyed learning about the Chupacabra, which is an urban legend focusing on a "goat-eating beast". I'd never heard of a Chupacabra before, but it sounds pretty terrifying. Any creature that is said to run around like a one metre high dinosaur with long back legs and short front ones is sure to haunt anyone's dreams!
Vampires also has a section titled 'Vampire Devotees', which profiles people who actively pursue the vampire lifestyle, such as Vlad the Impaler and Elizabeth Bathory. It's interesting to find out about the real side of vampirism, though it might take a little bit more to convince me that the undead really do roam the earth.
Next up is the last section, and probably my favourite, 'Vampires of the Imagination'. It covers everything from Bram Stoker's Dracula, modern vampire fiction, vampire novels, and vampires on screen, in movies and in music. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel get a couple of dedicated pages, as does True Blood and Twilight. While I do love this whole section, I think it could have been more in-depth. A lot of YA fiction, like The Morganville Vampires, Vampire Academy and Blue Bloods series, was missing, and I think they're important players in today's slew of vampire novels. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson (which, by the way, is one of the best vampire books ever written) did get a big mention, though, so I can't complain too much.
Overall, Vampires is a fantastic tome of vampire lore, and is one I think any fan of the fanged will enjoy. I'm hoping Charlotte Montague might want to delve into vampires in entertainment in more detail one day, and if she does, I'll be first in line to pick up a copy!
April 3, 2011
I received this book as a Christmas gift from my partner.
At the time of reading I was mostly laid up in bed rather drowsy and nursing a terrible head cold.
so my appologies about my memory of it being a little foggy.
I did really enjoy it, it's different to all other vampire guides I have read.
The cover art, I found very appealing sort of like an old spell book.
Inside is where the real difference lies, Although the myths/and how these myths came about within this book are the exact same as the ones contained inside every other vampire folklore book, This book also gives lists and information on classic and modern vampire fiction books,movies and even music. I have never read another book which does the same so as far as I am aware there aren't any others, if there are I haven't read them yet!.
The downside to this book is the fact Charlotte (the author) could have added so much more into this book, There were many things I thought I would see in it which I were rather surprised about when I didn't, But then, I do love my vampires and have been reading about them and watching movies about them since I were a toddler (I were brought up on horror flicks and developed my love of these blood sucking beings from that)
The things I expected to read in this book which Charlotte didn't mention were:
Real vampires/vampire life stylers- Sang vampires,psi-vampires, In fact, I rather expected Don Henrie to get a mention in here.
As for movies, I also really expected one of my favourite vampire flicks (Vampire Journals) to get a mention.
Books...Well there are a fair number of these which didn't get a mention, Diary of a wimpy vampire,blood sucking fiends to name only 2 of them.
Music...Charlotte covered Marilyn Manson (I have no idea how he managed to get mentioned), Alice Cooper were both mentioned, However I was really shocked to see Theatres Des Vampires had no mention at all.
All in all, a very good read for any vampire fan, but as I pointed out it doesn't cover a few things that a die hard vamp fan would expect.
At the time of reading I was mostly laid up in bed rather drowsy and nursing a terrible head cold.
so my appologies about my memory of it being a little foggy.
I did really enjoy it, it's different to all other vampire guides I have read.
The cover art, I found very appealing sort of like an old spell book.
Inside is where the real difference lies, Although the myths/and how these myths came about within this book are the exact same as the ones contained inside every other vampire folklore book, This book also gives lists and information on classic and modern vampire fiction books,movies and even music. I have never read another book which does the same so as far as I am aware there aren't any others, if there are I haven't read them yet!.
The downside to this book is the fact Charlotte (the author) could have added so much more into this book, There were many things I thought I would see in it which I were rather surprised about when I didn't, But then, I do love my vampires and have been reading about them and watching movies about them since I were a toddler (I were brought up on horror flicks and developed my love of these blood sucking beings from that)
The things I expected to read in this book which Charlotte didn't mention were:
Real vampires/vampire life stylers- Sang vampires,psi-vampires, In fact, I rather expected Don Henrie to get a mention in here.
As for movies, I also really expected one of my favourite vampire flicks (Vampire Journals) to get a mention.
Books...Well there are a fair number of these which didn't get a mention, Diary of a wimpy vampire,blood sucking fiends to name only 2 of them.
Music...Charlotte covered Marilyn Manson (I have no idea how he managed to get mentioned), Alice Cooper were both mentioned, However I was really shocked to see Theatres Des Vampires had no mention at all.
All in all, a very good read for any vampire fan, but as I pointed out it doesn't cover a few things that a die hard vamp fan would expect.
December 27, 2016
I've had this Book for ages-Yet I've only just read it...I loved it!
I've always found Vampire mythology interesting, so I already knew that I'd definitely enjoy reading more about it.
This Book goes through Vampire history, changes throughout the ages, myths & legends, horrific historical figures & Vampires depicted in T.V & Film.
The author's clearly educated on all of the above & I learnt quite a bit from it-Especially the historical aspects.
The only thing that annoyed me slightly, was how Paganism {Constantly written with a lower case p} was referred to as something in the past, when actually, it does still exist in the present! :P
But aside from that, it's a great Book for Vampire fans! ;)
I've always found Vampire mythology interesting, so I already knew that I'd definitely enjoy reading more about it.
This Book goes through Vampire history, changes throughout the ages, myths & legends, horrific historical figures & Vampires depicted in T.V & Film.
The author's clearly educated on all of the above & I learnt quite a bit from it-Especially the historical aspects.
The only thing that annoyed me slightly, was how Paganism {Constantly written with a lower case p} was referred to as something in the past, when actually, it does still exist in the present! :P
But aside from that, it's a great Book for Vampire fans! ;)
June 5, 2025
αρκετά καλό βιβλίο από το οποίο μπορείς να μάθεις πολλά πράγματα, αλλά έχει πάρα πολλές επαναλήψεις πληροφοριών σαν να ξεχνάει η τυπισσα ότι κάτι το έχει ήδη αναφέρει μερικές σελίδες πριν. Πάρα πολλή λεπτομέρεια σε ορισμένα σημεία που δεν χρειαζόταν (πχ. στις αναφορές σε λεπτομέρειες των εγκλημάτων των ιστορικών σειριακων δολοφόνων που βάφτιζαν τότε ως βαμπίρ εξαιτίας αυτών) το οποίο σε συνδυασμό με τις επαναλήψεις έκανε αυτό το βιβλίο να έχει υπερβολικό ζουμί σε ορισμένα σημεία και σε άλλα ελάχιστες λεπτομέρειες όπως πχ η αναφορά σε ταινίες και σε βιβλία ( τα οποία όταν αναφέρονται στον τίτλο περιμένεις ότι θα υπάρξει κάποια ανάλυση μέσα στο βιβλίο αλλά όχι). Επιπλέον θεωρώ (καθαρά προσωπική μου γνώμη) ότι οι αναφορές αυτών των σειρών και κατά κύριο λόγο αυτών των τραγουδιστών που έγιναν, δεν αναδεικνύουν την έμπνευση που έχει δώσει ο μύθος των βαμπίρ σε αυτές τις τέχνες. Μου φαίνεται γελοίο να γίνεται αναφορά στον ozzy Osborne και alice cooper που απλά έκανα τα δικά τους διεστραμμένα πράγματα πάνω στην σκηνή και όχι σε κάποιες θρυλικές γκοθ πάντες όπως bauhaus, sisters of mercy που πραγματικά συνδυάζουν στοιχεία gothic και vampiric αισθητικής στην μουσική τους. Εξάλλου ο ίδιος ο peter murphy έκανε εμφάνιση σε μια υπέροχη ταινία που αναφέρεται στο βιβλίο -> The Hunger. Τέλος η συγγραφέας κάνει μια προσπάθεια να δικαιολογήσει την αγάπη και των εθισμό των ανθρώπων για τους μύθους για τα βαμπίρ παρουσιάζοντας κάποιος «ψυχολογικούς λόγους» αλλά το κάνει τόσο επιφανειακά που νιώθεις λίγο σαν να τους κατακρίνει χωρίς αυτά που λέει να έχουν κάποια βάση σε κάποια έρευνα όπως θα περίμενε κανείς.
April 25, 2023
Wow, what an excellent and well composed book Charlotte Montague offers here. The opening reminded me a bit on a menu in a restaurant. She promises the complete guide to vampire mythology. But how good is it? In my opinion she catches up with all the most important stuff: numerous kinds of demons, lores, buried alives, werewolves, vampire bats, Lilith, Lamia, Strix, Chupacabra, Elizabeth Bathory, Peter Kürten, Fritz Harmann, the Victorian Vampire Craze (Varney), Lesbian Love (Carmilla), Succubus, modern vampire fiction, a fine overview of the best known vampire novels of all time with a short description, vampires on screen and a glossary. Mission more than accomplished. This opus magnum with all its beautiful illustrations and photographs definitely is up to the task. Highly recommended! For all vampire fans and those who want to be it.
February 16, 2021
Πολύ απολαυστικό βιβλίο με πολλές φωτογραφίες και πληροφορίες για όλο το είδος του βαμπιρισμο. Το βιβλίο αρχίσει με της ρίζες και τελειώνει με τα πιο σύγχρονα έργα. Πολύ ωραία, είχε κάποιες πληροφορίες δίπλα, αυτό πάντα με νευρίαζε λίγο, χαχα, και το τέλος ήταν πολύ απότομα χωρίς τελευταία λόγια. Κατά τ'αλλα μου άρεσε πολύ.
Read
September 16, 2023Μια εισαγωγή στον μύθο των Βαμπίρ.
Σύντομα και περιεκτικά που τα συναντάμε, σε ποιες χώρες και με ποιες παραλλαγές.
Σε ποια βιβλία, ταινίες και σειρές.
Ωστόσο κούρασε σε σημεία που αναφερόταν στο ίδιο πράγμα δύο και τρεις φορές γιατί έπιανε διαφορετικές κατηγορίες.
Από τα πιο όμορφα βιβλία που έχω δει σαν στήσιμο.
Καλουλι
Σύντομα και περιεκτικά που τα συναντάμε, σε ποιες χώρες και με ποιες παραλλαγές.
Σε ποια βιβλία, ταινίες και σειρές.
Ωστόσο κούρασε σε σημεία που αναφερόταν στο ίδιο πράγμα δύο και τρεις φορές γιατί έπιανε διαφορετικές κατηγορίες.
Από τα πιο όμορφα βιβλία που έχω δει σαν στήσιμο.
Καλουλι
November 19, 2021
An interesting look at how the myth of vampires has evolved over time, including short biographies of possible real-life inspirations.
December 27, 2021
A nice simple overview of vampire myths and their influences of film and literature. It includes interesting history and frightening figures, all of whom played a part in the modern vampire story.
July 19, 2022
Interesting information on vampire origins and evolution from antiquated to modern day, albeit a little repetitive at times. Overall a fun read!
December 17, 2022
Interesting stuff about the real life Vampires and legends and whatever but when it came to the TV and Film stuff, nothing I have not heard before!!
April 6, 2023
Very informative. Lots of historical information
March 30, 2013
Really more of a 2.5 stars, but since I can't do half a star it gets rounded up.
As the title may suggest to you, this comes across as a book written to cash in on the popularity of Twilight. Especially since references to it crop up occasionally in the body of the book outside of the series' allocated two-page discussion, but also as the discussion of it includes no external criticism when it is sometimes included when discussing other books and films - don't want to alienate or upset your (presumed) target audience, now do you?
For every positive of this book there is a corresponding negative, which is why I wasn't able to rate it much higher. The book itself is beautifully designed - if the cover picture there doesn't indicate how pretty it is you'll see it when you open it to discover glossy pages with 'aged paper' backgrounds, blood red headings in calligraphic font and lots of pictures for reference. However, there are occasional typos in the text such as calling Murnau's film 'Dracula' in one section before reverting back to the proper title 'Nosferatu' for the rest of the book (I don't think it was ever known by a different name, but I could be wrong. Either way it could confuse a reader who was new to the subject), missing words and one instance where a section breaks off in mid-sentence and after a two-page film poster spread following it goes on to a separate section. It's not overly frequent, but if I picked up on these small issues then surely an editor or proofreader could have.
The shortness of the book and the fondness for large graphics means that the content is limited. Again as the title suggests, the majority of the book is about the mythology around the vampire creature, charting the development as a feature of folklore, vampire elements in general mythology, historical figures that may have influenced the myth and ending with one chapter charting representation in entertainment. The coverage mainly focuses on and summarises more well known elements, particularly when it comes to the entertainment section, but generally appears decently researched if sometimes repetitive. I say 'decently', because in a few places the wording choices gave me the impression that Montague might have got the information from other sources rather than doing the research herself. An example of this is when summarising the plot of Dracula she states; "Count Dracula tries to find out as much information as he can about London, Harker's home city, and we get the impression that Dracula plans to visit the city soon." Well, yes! The whole point of Harker going there was finalising the purchases of properties in England (including in London) the Count had made in preparation for a move there. Harker knew this, his boss knew this, and the surprise to the characters is that Dracula is a vampire not a regular nobleman, and that he's not going to let Harker return alive. This is clear in the text, so someone who had read the novel would surely know this. Another thing which needled me a bit is that while Vlad the Impaler and Gilles de Rais get a very brief mention of a contesting train of thought which tempers the sensationalism and horror of their reputed deeds, Elisabeth Bathory doesn't, she is referred to as "a monstrously evil madwoman" - when in fact there is also a train of thought that she might have been the victim of propaganda and/or a conspiracy mounted by her political rivals. Even her Wikipedia page mentions it. Why are they allowed a sliver of doubt but she isn't?
As an end note, I wondered if the author's name is a pseudonym in reference to Montague Summers the occult author, though after reading it I assume not as he isn't even mentioned in passing unlike some other vampire reference books.
In short, if you are a Twilight fan who knows nothing else about vampires, this book is for you. If you are an obsessive collector of vampire items you'll probably want it. If you're interested in vampires and you've read a bit already on the subject you might want to give it as miss as it's unlikely to tell you anything you don't already know.
As the title may suggest to you, this comes across as a book written to cash in on the popularity of Twilight. Especially since references to it crop up occasionally in the body of the book outside of the series' allocated two-page discussion, but also as the discussion of it includes no external criticism when it is sometimes included when discussing other books and films - don't want to alienate or upset your (presumed) target audience, now do you?
For every positive of this book there is a corresponding negative, which is why I wasn't able to rate it much higher. The book itself is beautifully designed - if the cover picture there doesn't indicate how pretty it is you'll see it when you open it to discover glossy pages with 'aged paper' backgrounds, blood red headings in calligraphic font and lots of pictures for reference. However, there are occasional typos in the text such as calling Murnau's film 'Dracula' in one section before reverting back to the proper title 'Nosferatu' for the rest of the book (I don't think it was ever known by a different name, but I could be wrong. Either way it could confuse a reader who was new to the subject), missing words and one instance where a section breaks off in mid-sentence and after a two-page film poster spread following it goes on to a separate section. It's not overly frequent, but if I picked up on these small issues then surely an editor or proofreader could have.
The shortness of the book and the fondness for large graphics means that the content is limited. Again as the title suggests, the majority of the book is about the mythology around the vampire creature, charting the development as a feature of folklore, vampire elements in general mythology, historical figures that may have influenced the myth and ending with one chapter charting representation in entertainment. The coverage mainly focuses on and summarises more well known elements, particularly when it comes to the entertainment section, but generally appears decently researched if sometimes repetitive. I say 'decently', because in a few places the wording choices gave me the impression that Montague might have got the information from other sources rather than doing the research herself. An example of this is when summarising the plot of Dracula she states; "Count Dracula tries to find out as much information as he can about London, Harker's home city, and we get the impression that Dracula plans to visit the city soon." Well, yes! The whole point of Harker going there was finalising the purchases of properties in England (including in London) the Count had made in preparation for a move there. Harker knew this, his boss knew this, and the surprise to the characters is that Dracula is a vampire not a regular nobleman, and that he's not going to let Harker return alive. This is clear in the text, so someone who had read the novel would surely know this. Another thing which needled me a bit is that while Vlad the Impaler and Gilles de Rais get a very brief mention of a contesting train of thought which tempers the sensationalism and horror of their reputed deeds, Elisabeth Bathory doesn't, she is referred to as "a monstrously evil madwoman" - when in fact there is also a train of thought that she might have been the victim of propaganda and/or a conspiracy mounted by her political rivals. Even her Wikipedia page mentions it. Why are they allowed a sliver of doubt but she isn't?
As an end note, I wondered if the author's name is a pseudonym in reference to Montague Summers the occult author, though after reading it I assume not as he isn't even mentioned in passing unlike some other vampire reference books.
In short, if you are a Twilight fan who knows nothing else about vampires, this book is for you. If you are an obsessive collector of vampire items you'll probably want it. If you're interested in vampires and you've read a bit already on the subject you might want to give it as miss as it's unlikely to tell you anything you don't already know.
September 12, 2012
I have had this book for about two years now and I've read it through just once but I've come back and read it as a vampire resource countless times. I was recommended the book from a friend who thought I'd like it, she was right. I love all the mythology being put together alongside cult vampire classics such as Dracula up to the Twilight and True Blood times. I took off the papery sleeve as soon as I got it home, I like the feel of the actual hardcover and especially with a front cover that shows the secrets it's about to reveal it has to taken off!
The research in the book is very extensive and doesn't just cover vampires but also steps into others like werewolves too. Obviously the majority of the book is about vampires and the book is so well laid out with pictures that this cannot fail to capture your imagination. It's a book that I've noticed when friends visit that they tend to pick it out of my books and have a look through, there is definitely something for everyone in here.
I really enjoyed the chapters about vampires on screen and also vampire influences in music. Again the pictures help to reel you in and this book becomes more than just a book about mythology. It's a book I will continue to go back to and if you're interested in vampires then you must have it. I know she has other books in this series and they are definitely going on my wish list. Christmas is coming and all that... yep I said it!
The research in the book is very extensive and doesn't just cover vampires but also steps into others like werewolves too. Obviously the majority of the book is about vampires and the book is so well laid out with pictures that this cannot fail to capture your imagination. It's a book that I've noticed when friends visit that they tend to pick it out of my books and have a look through, there is definitely something for everyone in here.
I really enjoyed the chapters about vampires on screen and also vampire influences in music. Again the pictures help to reel you in and this book becomes more than just a book about mythology. It's a book I will continue to go back to and if you're interested in vampires then you must have it. I know she has other books in this series and they are definitely going on my wish list. Christmas is coming and all that... yep I said it!
August 13, 2010
A well researched book, with wonderful detail on the historial and mythological context of vampires. For those not too hot on vampire history (and those who *think* they are), you'll come across loads of stuff you did not know. Even I learned a few things here, and that's saying something considering the amount of research I did into vampire lore for my Garden Saga novels. Some of the stories of supposed historical vampires were rather gruesome; vampire mythology is one thing, easily digested. But the acts that some of these people got up to, the murder and degrading acts, is quite sickening.
However. This book falls down, pretty much flat on its face actually, when we get onto the vampires of fiction. It does pretty well with the books (although misses out a whole host of key novels - plumping for the more obvious choices), but when it comes to the movies/TV shows... Well, that it skips 'Nosferatu' with barely a detailed description is quite unforgiveable. If it wasn't for this movie than it's debatable if Dracula would have become so damned popular in the 20th Century. It also skips past a few other seminal vampire films (The Lost Boys, 30 Days of Night to name but two), and yet gives a few pages to such films and the Twilight saga and the True Blood series. Terrible.
However. This book falls down, pretty much flat on its face actually, when we get onto the vampires of fiction. It does pretty well with the books (although misses out a whole host of key novels - plumping for the more obvious choices), but when it comes to the movies/TV shows... Well, that it skips 'Nosferatu' with barely a detailed description is quite unforgiveable. If it wasn't for this movie than it's debatable if Dracula would have become so damned popular in the 20th Century. It also skips past a few other seminal vampire films (The Lost Boys, 30 Days of Night to name but two), and yet gives a few pages to such films and the Twilight saga and the True Blood series. Terrible.
January 23, 2011
My family has been so supportive of my twilight love affair...buying me books to feed my never-ending curiosity with vamps. I dig this creepy book. I technically didn't "read" this book as much as I have flipped through and read excerpts as they catch my eye. The folkloric stories trace back centuries ago and cross multiple cultures -- which give me chills b/c the stories have sustained and embedded themselves so deeply into our art and literature. Cool book, slightly creepy, but fun to own if you are piqued in the slightest when daydreaming about "those who bite".
February 5, 2013
I really like a good vampire story. However, I haven't really read any of the books. So, I thought I would get a rundown from this, as to what was good and what wasn't.
I really enjoyed this. It's a combination of comparisons between how different movies, books, myths describe vampires without saying which is right and which is wrong, or which is good and which is bad. It goes into the history, the real stories, the backgrounds and the fiction of vampires. A must read for vampire fans.
I really enjoyed this. It's a combination of comparisons between how different movies, books, myths describe vampires without saying which is right and which is wrong, or which is good and which is bad. It goes into the history, the real stories, the backgrounds and the fiction of vampires. A must read for vampire fans.
February 2, 2016
Such a fascinating read! I love learning about the historical facts behind legends such as those of vampires. I knew alot on the subject going into this, but I still managed to learn quite a few new things by the end of the book. You really aren't a big fan of vampires until you take the time to learn where it all began, way back even before Bram Stoker ever wrote Dracula.
June 7, 2016
Interesting look at the Vampire lore and where the mythical creature came from. Some very interesting illustrations and pictures included in the book. My favorite part of the book was the history of Vampire movies. My least favorite part was blurbs about historical killers that really weren't vampires but they did bizarre things with the bodies and blood.
May 26, 2010
Good and interesting information. Not great writing or editing, but still worth reading for quick info on the development, history & current state of the vampire mythos.
February 9, 2011
My Happy Birthday Book! I love new books!
July 13, 2012
I really liked learning from this book. my favorite thing to read is the Vampire devotees-- the serial killers!
September 12, 2013
lots of nice pictures and stuffs.Important stories about vampires and mythical sources.
July 28, 2015
Very informative and quite fun to read to see where the popular stories originated from and to find some lesser known books to now read!
November 6, 2015
Great book to dip in and out of, full of gruesome facts about the history and mythology of vampires and other mythical beasts.
March 3, 2017
En av de bedre faktabøkene om vampyrer. Gir deg kort det basics, men veldig bra. Til og med noen ting jeg ikke visste.
November 20, 2016
Very interesting. Did skip the bit about "Twilight."'
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