There's something about vampires. In all of their deadly, blood-sucking incarnations, they fascinate us. From Count Dracula to Edward Cullen, for centuries we have been enthralled by the mysterious legends that surround these dangerous creatures, and vampires have rarely been more popular than they are today. Pale-skinned, dark-cloaked, garlic-hating...the folklore is crawling with memorable images. But how much do we really know about the history of the vampire myth? And is there any truth in it?From Goodreads
Vlad the Impaler, the fifteenth-century warrior-prince renowned for his cruelty, is widely believed to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, but the roots of vampire mythology date back many centuries more, and fanged creatures of all shapes and sizes feature in cultures throughout the world. The Chupacabra - a strange beast said to stalk the countryside of Latin America - may appear to have little in common with the suave, sinister noblemen of gothic literature, or the tortured teen vampires of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series, but they all share one common obsession. A lust for blood.
Vampires explores these diverse myths and legends, their impact upon popular culture and the reason we just can't get enough of their blood-sucking ways. If you long to know more about your favorite vampire - whether it's Edward Cullen, Angel or the master himself, Count Dracula - then get your teeth into this...
My Copy: Mine and sits proudly on my bookshelf
Genre: Vampire Mythology
Publisher: Sphere
Pages: 192
Vampires: From Dracula to Twilight: The Complete Guide to Vampire Mythology by Charlotte Montague
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!
Thanks for reading, please comment below x x x
