10
Jan252010
REVIEW: Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight – The Complete Guide to Vampire Mythology by Charlotte Montague
by Carolyn • Posted in 4 Star Reviews
Title: Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight
The Complete Guide to Vampire Mythology
Author: Charlotte Montague
Publisher: Sphere
PublicationDate: 4 March 2010 (UK)
Hardback: 191 pages
AmazonSummary:
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.
Review:
I haven’t reviewed a guide 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.
Thank you to SPHERE for sending me this book to review
10 Comments
This sounds like a perfect gift for a true vampire fanatic. I know just who would love this book. Thanks.
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I am a vampy fan, but I dont think my shelfs could take another book…
I must mention that the cover does look like those heavy doors on Dracula's castle in those Hammer Horror film… classic Cushing films…
Thanks for the intro…
E.H>
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Definitely putting this one on my list
…I have loved vampires forever….
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Another one to go on the list!
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I like little companions like this. I wonder if there's one for zombies..!
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This one sounds like it is right up my alley! Thanks for sharing!
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I'm a semi-vamp fan, but this book sounds very interesting (and it gets bonus points for mentioning buffy. Another book to add to my ever growing tbr list.
On the plus side, I did hope to read some nonfiction/ mythological books this year, so that works out. Thanks
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The book design alone would prompt me to pick it up then add in the fact it's appears to be a resourceful vampire companion makes me covet it more! LOL
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This book sounds fantastic. I would love this one…LOL Thanks for the great review.
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About 15 year ago I would done anything for a book full of vampires information like this. Might still go for one now, at least for the picture memorabilia. Nice review!
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