Customer Reviews

The Beast Within/a History of the Werewolf

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is essential reading for anyone who likes unconventional history like I do. Adams takes you through examples of lycanthropy in all cultures and all signifigant time periods. No stone is left unturned. He even touches on a chapter on how feral children figure into the myth of the werewolf. Citing mythology, medieval history to current medical cases, this book is a delight to read. I highly recommend this to anyone. Historian and non-historian alike will find it nothing short of fascinating.

I have to say that I have found this book to be interesting with regard to the large number of historical, mythical, folkloric and legendary references that Douglas employs. He definitely did his homework and it shows in every sentence of the book.

But therein lies the fault I find with the book. With the exception of a few brief moments where Douglas manages to smirk at himself, his writing style is largely (and annoyingly) pedantic. He approaches the subject seriously, but he takes it to the point of stuffiness.

I also found that a lot (and I mean A LOT) of the information Douglas spends page after page running into the ground had little or nothing to do with the subject of werewolves. His interest seemed much more focused on displaying his copious (albeit only indirectly relevant) research and knowledge than in writing a digestible book about werewolves.

It is a shame that this title has gone out of print, whole so many terrible werewolf books remain in print. This mythological/folkloric/sociological study of the relation ship between man and werewolf is one of the most imformative books I've ever read.

I am hard pressed to find problems with this book, and I think you would be, too.

I deeply regret buying this book. I was so excited to find a comprehensive history of the werewolf. Unfortunately this is the worst written book I have ever had the displeasure to read. The author is long winded and rambling sometimes briefly touching on a story only to get caught up in endless side stories before eventually wandering back to the original story. I can honestly say I've never hated a book, but this book takes the cake. I hope no one ever makes the terrible mistake of buying this book. I wont even resell my copy, I don't feel I can do that to some poor soul. This man should be kept away from publishing permanently.

almost too much information for the average joe. i have always been a horror fan and when i saw a show called The Real Wolfman on the history channel, it piqued my interest. so i thought this book would give me more information. boy, did it! it goes way back in history to show where the theory of wolf- people came from.
it's an interesting book but very, very detailed.
this would make an excellent textbook for anyone studying this for high school, college, etc.

I was trying to find The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy by Adam Douglas at my university library, but then when I found Douglas Adams The Beast Within instead, I happened upon this gem of a book. Taking a chronlogical approach, Adams traces the origins of the werewolf myth from its abstract beginnings in myths and legends to its common usage in pop culture. Not only did I learn much about the werewolf legend, but also things I never knew about the Salam witch trails, Christianity and their conflict with Paganism and all sort of useful bit of random knowledge. Definately one of my favourite non-fiction books.

I Have Read This Book Two Or Three Times I Learn Something New EvryTime I Suggest EvryOne Read This Book.