Customer Reviews

Book of Werewolves

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

 

 

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'.

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.

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!

This is an interesting insight into the 'olde' world. A fascinating subject with viable accounts of were-wolves (I realise that they are fiction) in history and how this reflects on the common psche of the time. Macabre at times, perhaps going into too much detail on the incidents that were blamed on people who claimed lycanthropy. This book is not for the faint of heart.

I like the book, but someone didn't proofread this thing. I found typos on page one! The author does an excellent job of citing sources and really demonstrates a fundamental understanding of the anthropological history of Werewolves. The book isn't for light reading. There's plenty of Greek and Latin excerpts and the language is a bit stilted. Still, if you want a good, well-rounded history of Werewolves - buy it.

If, as is apparently the case for at least one other reviewer, you're looking for a more "modern" book on werewolves--and you, say, happen to be obsessed with "Underworld", "Van Helsing", and similar Hollywood-contrived fluff, this is almost certainly not the book for you. I'm sure that there are plenty of new books out there that rehash and add to modern popular (mis)conception of what werewolves are, which will suit your taste much better.

If, however, you have an interest in genuine folklore and mythology, and want to know how werewolves were thought of back when folks still actually BELIEVED in werewolves, then this the book for you. It was masterfully written back in 1865, before Hollywood got its claws on the concept of werewolves and distorted them almost beyond recognition.

Among other things, the author explores the mythological origins and (as a mid-19th Century Anglican priest saw it) psychological precedent for the phenomenon of the werewolf. He also presents case studies of werewolves, and of men whose heinous crimes (often homicidal and cannibalistic) recall various aspects of werewolf lore.

Notwithstanding the macabre topic of the book, it is delightfully well-written (in a moderately verbose, 19th Century sort of way) and well-reasoned (inasmuch as an account of werewolves can be described as such). Sabine Baring-Gould's Christian perspective shines through clearly enough, although his piety is nothing compared to the zeal of a certain Montague Summers, author of "The Werewolf in Lore and Legend". Nevertheless, I would highly recommend both books for any serious student of werewolf lore.

The book was a purchase for my son who is serving in the military.
He has enjoyed it and I am glad that it was available at a fair cost.
The history in the book is deep and very gripping.
Thanks

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.

This book is an example of the Victorian type of scholarship that ropes in everything that could concievably have something to do with the topic at hand. This means you get lots of interesting things around the edges. It should have made the book longer though. I was rather disappointed. This is why I only gave the book 3 stars. It's great stuff but the book should be thicker.
A lot of the material centers on medieval France. It becomes pretty clear that what was known as a 'werewolf' at that time was what we would now call a 'serial killer' of a certain type, a modern example being Jeffrey Dahlmer. I wound up giving my copy to a friend who is an amateur criminologist, to be shared with her daughter the vampire expert.

Not a bad book, but I was also after more modern versions and stories, how and why the werewolf came to be created and to be such a widespread phenom, how to kill them, how they truly live, their character, etc, etc, etc....
I liked the book for what it is, but I want something more "MEATY FACTS AND THEORY" into the mythical beast I have come to love and envy.