The Book of Werewolves: Being an Account of a Terrible Superstition

by Sabine Baring-Gould

Book Overview

With the shocking histories of 10 famous cases, this classic blends science, superstition, and fiction to tell the full story of the werewolves among us. The first serious academic study of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1539654559
• ISBN13: 9781539654551
• Release Date: October 2016
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The Finest Factual Account To Date

This book is by far the finest factual account of lycanthropy that exists. It delves into the actual cause of the disease and gives vivid, stirring accounts with historic facts. The most truthful, non-fluff werewolf book you will ever read. If you want the truth and are willing to stomach the depravity of humankind, then definitely pick up the book. It is a classic read that has yet to be duplicated in quality or substance.

Baring-Gould's Classic on Werewolves Still Ignites Interest!

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was a Vicar in the Church of England in Devon, an archaeologist, folklorist, historian and a prolific author. Baring-Gould was also a bit eccentric. He reputedly taught classes with a pet bat on his shoulder. He is best known for writing the hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. This book is one of the most cited references about werewolves. The Book of the werewolf takes a rationalistic approach to the subject. The book starts off with a straightforward academic review of the literature of shape-shifting; however, starting with Chapter XI, the narrative takes a strange turn into sensationalistic 'true crime' case-studies of cannibals, grave desecrators, and blood fetishists, which have a tenuous connection with lycanthropy. This includes an extended treatment of the case of Giles de Rais, the notorious associate of Joan of Arc, who was convicted and executed for necrosadistic crimes. Margaret Murray had a controversial theory about this subject All that aside, if you are the least bit interested in Lycanthropy, you have to read this book!

Book of Werewolves

Written in the 1860's but still holding up to the test of time this book ranks as a classic of European lore on lycanthropy/shapeshifting in particular pertaining to werewolves. Worth its weight in gold just for the two chapters on Scandinavian wolf lore, and the idea that the viking berserkers were werewolves/shapeshifters. But besides that there is plenty of folklore on werewolves/shapeshifting in eastern Europe, France, and various other places in Europe. Also historical documentation of medieval serial killers who were alleged to be werewolves is recounted, as well as Baring-Goulds own encounters with local werewolf legends that had people in fear to go in the woods alone in various locales in France that he visited. The only fault I see with this book is that even though for a book written when it was it really covers a lot of bases the vast amount of Celtic shapeshifting/werewolf lore that exists is not included. Regardless this book still remains a timeless classic work.

Long in the tooth, but still has bite!

Arguably the first definitive study of the topic, penned by the eccentric clergyman best known for writing the hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers', this 1865 volume still beats most of the modern competition paws down. Its age means some will find it a tough read, but for others that will just enhance its charms. 'The Book of Werewolves' is still impressive scholarship today, and it was this volume that first made the careers of real-life monsters Gilles de Rais and Countess Bathory familiar to English readers (though somewhat toned down for its original Victorian audience). If you're serious about your lycanthropes, then this belongs on your shelf right beside Charlotte Otten's recent 'Lycanthropy Reader'.