The Very Scary Almanac [Paperback]

Eric Elfman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 10, 1993 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A compendium of trivia, facts, and lore about the world of the supernatural and the occult furnishes information on topics ranging from cannibalism, Ouija boards, and the Bermuda Triangle to vampires, zombies, poltergeists, and werewolves.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-A trivia treat for the occult-minded. Section titles such as "Creepy Culture," "Freaky Phenomena," and "Frightening Facts" draw readers into a brew of scientific fact, history, and folklore. The pages, brimming with lively black-and-white drawings of gory scenes, instruments of torture, and bizarre creatures, describe superstitions, witchcraft, psi phenomena, murderers, and encounters with aliens and dangerous animals. Lists and numerous decorated sidebars include peoples who have practiced cannibalism, directions for putting together a "Ghost Hunter's Kit," names and addresses of organizations interested in the paranormal, horror films, classic scary tales, Fortean phenomena, and phobias. Even vocational guidance is touched upon in brief descriptions of "Creepy Careers," such as embalmer and mortuary beautician. Every page contains literary quotations to ponder, humorous caricatures, and a wealth of weird tidbits. The index is adequate, though not comprehensive. This mixture of topics is unique, but readers who want more in-depth information will have to do independent research, for no bibliography of sources is appended. For shivery enjoyment, though, it's a welcome addition.
Ann G. Brouse, Steele Memorial Library, Elmira, NY
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 10, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679844015
• ISBN-13: 978-0679844013
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,321,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Formative Treasure, April 8, 2006

By 

Asleeponthesun "Vocal Savant" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Very Scary Almanac (Paperback)

I was got this book for Christmas when I was in [...] and it quickly became my constant companion and refernce. I carried it with me everywhere I went and spouted tidbits of information from it to anyone who would be willing to listen. I stil have my old copy, and find myself shocked by the strangeness of this children's book. It has profiles on Aleister Crowley, Ed Gein, and many other things that helps a kid see what a strange, fascinating, and sometimes scary place the world can be.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Dealing with Fear, June 23, 2009

By 

Joseph Adams "brother" (Superior, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Very Scary Almanac (Paperback)

This says they invented creatures to deal with fear of things they couldn't explain. Dates back to the middle ages. Vampires drink blood to survive. Belief in werewolves are widespead. Zombies are mindless slaves. In 1818 Frankenstein by Mary Shelly was released. 1897 saw Dracula by Bram Stoker. 1911 was Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Laroux. 1967 Rosemary's Baby was released. 1971 saw The Exorcist chillings. The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abra Melin the Mage was listed amongst the top 10 scariest books ever written. Malleus Maleficarum saw 1000s burnt at the stake accused of witchcraft. Jaws among the top box office grossers. November 1 is Samhain. Druids sometimes did human sacrifices. Black magic is to harm or kill. White magic is positive results. Aleister Crowley founded his own religion. Vlad Tepes was the historical Dracula. Elizabeth Bathory bathed in blood. Cannibalism goes back to the stone ages.