Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts [Paperback]

Bob Curran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2009

Most of us are familiar with the idea of a werewolf--that someone can change, either deliberately or unwillingly, into a ravenous creature--but is there some justification for such a belief? And if so, how is it achieved--through magical potions or ointments or simply by the light of the full moon? Or is the whole thing simply a form of delusion, the product of a disturbed mind?

In Werewolves, author Dr. Bob Curran examines the deep psychological roots that underlie this profane linking of human and beast. Do the roots of such a belief lie in the supernatural world, or are there other explanations? How has the discovery of feral children shaped our ideas of human-beasts? And what is the future of such beliefs? The author also considers the use of genetic engineering--in this case, the fusing of human and animal genes--in order to cure some human diseases and alleviate suffering. Is the idea of man turning into beast really so far fetched?

Werewolves is an essential reference book that takes an in-depth look at a fascinating subject. One word of warning, though: It must never be read under the baleful rays of a full moon. You have been warned!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr. Bob Curran was born in County Down, Northern Ireland. After leaving school, he held down a number of jobs and travelled extensively in several countries. Returning to Northern Ireland, he went to University before becoming a teacher and lecturer. He now works as a writer and broadcaster, as well as in a cultural and educational advisory capacity for a number of governmental organizations. Curran is the author of numerous books including the popular Vampires, Zombies, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms. He currently lives in the very north of Ireland with his wife and young family. He appears frequently on Coast to Coast AM and other radio programs.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: New Page Books (September 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601630891
• ISBN-13: 978-1601630896
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,944 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bob Curran is a broadcaster, writer, teacher, and researcher he has written a number of books including Vampires, Encyclopedia of the Undead, Walking with the Green Man, Celtic Lore and Legend, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms, all published by New Page Books. Bob was born in a remote area of Northern Ireland and has held a number of jobs--grave-digger, journalist, musician, and hospital porter among them. He travelled in many parts of the world, exploring the cultures and traditions of other peoples before returning to Northern Ireland to take several University degrees. He currently lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and young family.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book!, August 20, 2009

By 

Kyle Van Helsing "The Demon Hunter" (Fort Wayne, IN) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts (Paperback)

Dr. Curran has done it again. He has written a book about a fairly obscure subject, one that not too many people know the truth about. In this book, he examines the Werewolf's ancient origins, shapeshifting monsters from other cultures, tales from medieval times (many of them coming from France), and the true nature of the Werewolf. Although not a field guide as we know it, Dr. Curran has done a more than adequate job. He reflects on the symbolism behind the Werewolf, perceived and known causes of lycanthropy, the morals behind the stories, and the very nature of the beast that lurks inside each one of us. I love the book, and it is sure to bring me hours of entertainment and learning for my research and my own enjoyment. Anyone seeking information on Werewolves in folklore should check out this book. You won't regret it.

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What rubbish! Do not buy this book!, March 19, 2010

By 

Frog242 (Berlin, Germany) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts (Paperback)

I bought this book and cannot say how disappointed and angry I am. Never mind the illustrations which distract the reader away from the substance of the text (when there is any), as they are quite good. This book offers nothing new: no new perspective or analysis, no new interpretation, no new material. The classic references (mythology, Roman and Greek times for instance) can be found in countless other books (medieval authors in particular and contemporary academics). So Dr. Curran repeats what we already know. However, what is unacceptable is to publish material as fact, when it is clearly not the case. Dr. Curran may know some good Irish tales, since that is his native country, and I do not have time to trace his sources to see how accurate they are. But he clearly should spend more time in libraries. One example: his chapter on France. It is such rubbish, it is shocking, to say the least. Let's mention Jean Grenier's story: we do have a transcription of his trial, word for word (Paris, Bibliotheque Nationale). There is NO excuse to come up with facts and notions which are absolutely NOT true, and to mention people who had nothing to do with it. Same for Jacques Roulet's story, which is well documented. He cannot even spell a place mentioned in another story (Gévaudan) correctly! How pathetic is that? Anyone who does not consult the original material cannot be taken seriously as a researcher. I certainly expected far more on the subject and I have to question not only the author's sources but also his interpretations. This book might be fun as an introduction to the subject for werewolves for those who have no idea about them. However, it cannot be used as a reference. Dr. Curran should be ashamed of publishing such poor material and pretending to be an expert on the subject. Thank God there are academics who respect history and facts, and can do a better job.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I was impressed, August 4, 2010

By 

Amanda Pike (NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Werewolves: A Field Guide to Shapeshifters, Lycanthropes, and Man-Beasts (Paperback)

It's rare that an author of a paranormal guide book can impress me. I'm a little bit of a snob when it comes to my occult reference guide books. In the last few hours I have grown to appreciate the work of author Bob Curran. Bob really knows his stuff. If I had known how impressed I would be by him I would have bought more than just his werewolf book and Dark faeries book.
First he impressed me by actually bringing up the Lykaon (Lycaon) myth which few werewolf books actually talk about even though it's the source for the terms Lycanthrope, Lycanthropy and the more modern Lycan. Then Bob actually knew the ingredients of the chains that held Finris. That caught my attention. He really knows what he's talking about. He's actually reading his books. I read a negative review of his vampire book by someone who wanted to use his work as a reference guide but got bored while reading it. That's because it's an actual text book, honey. I'm sorry facts and the myths bored you.