Customer Reviews

Werewolves

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

 

 

I got this book for Christmas. I must say it is interesting. I agree with the other reviews, as it was a bit cumbersome to read at times. I guess that comes from the writing style, as the book was first published in the early 1900's. If your interested in the legend and myth of werewolves this book is priceless. It hasn't been watered down by tons of hollywood or mainstream info. The chapter that actually tells you how to become a werewolf was great. If I can find some raw opium and a wolf skin belt I'm in business!!

This volume is of incredible value from both an historical perspective and from a study of lycanthropy world-view as well. Comprehensive. I would highly recommend it to anyone delving into this fascinating behavioral syndrome and the history attached to it. Originally published in 1912 (I believe), you will find it heavy to read now and then but the insights gained are worth the effort. Not a "neo-werewolf" volume! Don't bother if you think Oz on Buffy the Vampire Slayer defines werewolves.

This book, originally published in 1912, was written by a British genealogist and historian Elliot O'Donnell. The information gathered within this book comes from old legends and folk stories that have circulated in Europe. There is a brief mention of other shapechangers, like were-leopards, -tigers and -bears, but the book clearly centers around "werwolves".

Most of the information is given in the form of stories and legends, they are a very interesting read. As you read the stories, you can notice how most of the stories have a moral to them, in the same way as fairytales tend to have. You can almost imagine how these stories have been told in the dark to scare children and to teach them things like not to be too vain and proud.

The book also contains some information on specific topics, like on how to become a werewolf, what is the spiritual side of them and if exorcism would work on a werewolf. The book has different chapters for some countries, including places such as Germany, Spain, British Isles, France and Finland.

I highly recommend this book for those interested in the old were-legends. The stories prevent it from being a dry read, even if the style of writing might sound a bit old. Highly recommended for those truly interested in werewolves!

This is actually a really great book, going into the matters of "Werewolves" though as noted before, it does touch upon the matter of other "Werecreatures" a little bit.

First i must add, i didnt find this book cumbersome at all, to be honest I found it as as sort of "light read" that I could relax with.

Mr. O'Donnel does an exellent job in taking us on a tour of the lore and legend concering the Werewolf in this book, going from the weretiger of Africa to the more known werewolf in europe.
He mixes it up with stories from all over the world, some of which are quite sad and disturbing.

I was really suprised about finding a book where the author has not let his own "faith" dictate his research, such is the case with M. Summers book about werewolves, but O'Donnel gives it to us in a fresh and informative way that may change your way of thinking concering the subject of werewolves.

It comes out as a good read for any History, werewolf or mythology/lore fan, and you owe it to yourself to read this book, even just if its for the chapter on how to become a werewolf!(couldnt resist)

Only thing I didnt like was that I felt it to be too short-once you read some you wanted more

I purchased this book hoping for a well-written history of legends about werewolves - annotated and with source material quoted.

That is not what this is.

This is a collection of stories about werewolves - and the source for these stories is Elliott O'Donnell. Mr O'Donnell, by the way, is not an historian. He is a writer and spiritist. He states unequivocally that he believes in werewolves, and that he thinks they are formed by the evil spirits or elements that (in his opinion) also helped to create the world. His blend of shamanistic spiritism is big on imagination and short on facts. There's NOTHING about source material here. Not so much as one example. All the stories (very nicely written - there's no doubt about O'Donnell's ability to spin a good tale) are without attribution.

The quotations Mr O'Donnell includes are notable for their lack of accuracy or the complete lack of existence of the works mentioned.

This isn't what I expected. The information is incorrect, incomplete and based on Mr O'Donnell's personal beliefs. He doesn't provide any of the terrific sources available on this subject from the classics - it's just story after story after story after story...

If I'd wanted a book called Tales of the Werewolf: A Collection of Chilling Stories by Elliott O'Donnell, I would have looked for that. I didn't want such a book - I wanted something that covered the primary sources of werewolves in documented history.

Don't waste your time with this book unless a book of well-written fiction and a fair bit of blather about spiritism is what you're after.

Definitely not recommended. I give this two stars for the effective writing style, but that's all.

Finally! An inexpensive version of Elliot O'Donnell's classic text on Werewolves and Lycanthropy. Although there is folkloric material and research in the book, the author manages to get his point across using stories and folktales. Overall, this is a great book and more than worth buying for any fan of shapeshifters.

This book is the BEST BOOK ON WEREWOLVES. It has plenty of stories and facts about werewolves. It even shows how to become a werewolf! Have fun... Just keep away from chickens (their beaks hurt--trust me, I know...)