Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I was going to list this as a 5 Star Review as I view myself a bit savy regarding general werewolf lore. Then I read the 1 Star Review as I like to see what anyone else has said that's negative in comparison to "glowing reviews".

In my opinion, what Curran has done that I've seen different from the other Werewolf Lore books that I currently have on hand, is to try and explore how the concept and idea of the Werewolf got it's start and has evolved, devolved or developed over the years.

That is, how the Shape Shifter, Werewolf went from the use of Shamanic Magic for Hunting and Battle Prowess to our current image of the Curse Werewolf, Full Moon and Silver Bullets.

I knew some facts in the chapter for French Connections were wrong and I heavilly questioned his comments of the Far East and Dog Headed people... I know of and have found for Western thought about Dog Headed people.

Still it's a good read, yes, good art work, but I would check against other sources rather then rely solely on this book as authoritan.

When asked if I would be interested in reviewing WEREWOLVES, I said Yes! without any hesitation. Previously I reviewed Bob Curran's ZOMBIES & loved it. Same feeling about Werewolves. Curran has discovered a format that works very well because his supernatural work can appeal to just about any readership & individual level of interest in the subject. In fact, his books have filled a certain void in my nocturnal routine. For years I read Agatha Christie mysteries before going to sleep--all 100 + of them. I love mysteries & really appreciate the sly and not so sly humor in Christie's work. She had a wonderfully "modern" sense of humor. However, after re-reading the entire collection six or sevens times (fact!), I finally needed a new literary addiction, but by then I really only had time to peruse review books for my site Parallel Perspectives. That meant either politics, religion, archaeology, metaphysics or astrophysics--hardly relaxing fare. Unlike the gentle soma of Agatha Christie, late at night these other books would jack me up (the good ones) or give me a headache (the not so good ones).

Then I discovered Bob Curran's great work.

I've gone to some length in explaining my literary sleep disorder because I don't want to convey the impression that Curran's supernatural thrillers actually put me to sleep, they just relax me so I can sleep. Then there's the added pleasure that these books are most appropriately read at night anway--and a good thunder storm would be a real plus too!

Curran's books are FUN, and the fact that you can really learn a lot about the spooky subjects presented, is a sure fire formula for success. The author deftly delves into the historic & cultural milieu in anticipation of then presenting the various stories, fables & legends about werewolves--and there's a lot more than you might think.

One of my favorites is a story set in Ireland.

The story takes place in "only a few years before the arrival of Prince John in Ireland." A werewolf approaches a traveling priest & a young companion. He begs the priest to follow him to an isolated spot were his wife is dying. The female werewolf desires to receive the last rites. When the priest sees the patient is an elderly wolf, he's concerned that the creature was not a human at all (can't imagine why, after all he's been guided in the middle of the night by a male werewolf.) Anyway, the priest is finally convinced & administers the sacred services requested & the old woman (as she then appeared) dies peacefully. As promised, the male wolf leads the priest & the young boy back to their campsite.

"The wolf guided him back to his fire as morning approached, and after making prophecies about the continuation of the English in Ireland, disappeared back into the woodlands." Page 97.

I had to chuckle when I read this, having a certain familiarity with Irish temperament & concerns. What else would you expect from an itinerant, good ol' Irish werewolf to do? It also reminded me of a woodcut used to illustrate St. John's Apocalypse. The scene depicts "The Beast" in a doglike form, preaching to an assortment of pilgrims from all walks of life. "Dog Men" are also mentioned in Curran's book.

In the course of WEREWOLVES the author also lays out the cultural, social and even economic basis of the phenomena. The Roman Catholic Church, for example, was highly involved with the apparent explosion of the lycanthrope population in pre-Renaissance Europe.Incidentally, Bob Curran claims that the first known depiction of a werewolf was on a 13,000 BCE painting cave wall beneath the Pyrenees in France.

This book can form the basis for a new oral tradition & storytelling--great for any Halloween party.

As in the case of ZOMBIES, WEREWOLVES is illustrated by Ian Daniels.

Also of interest:

· Does the Bible promote cannibalism?
· Are "monstrous births" the product of bestiality?
· Dog-headed saints!
· St. Patrick turned a man into a werewolf!
· Werewolf assists royal lovers in Spain
· St. Christopher, a pagan giant?
· Why was Ovid's METAMORPHOSES banned?
· Shape-shifters & Navajo witchcraft!
· Werewolves in the Wild West!
· Rastafarian link between the Queen of Sheba & Lion Cults!
· Lycanthropy & Snoop Doggy Dog!

And much, much more.

I purchased this to obtain more information/research. Personal, it has been interesting as I am still reading it. I am satisfied with what I've learned thus far. Thank you.

This is a great book i you want to learn about shapeshifers in other cultures.

I found this book to be rather poorly written. First, one gets the impression that the author believes in the existence of werewolves; thus, to me, he loses credibility. Moreover, there is little reference to the classical sources (Pausanias, Apollodorus etc.), which indicates the author's research was shallow. If one is looking for a survey of werewolves done with big crayons, this is your book. Otherwise, I would not recommend this book.

When I ordered the book I was hoping it wasn't about the full moon and so on, but the book gave me references like the bible. John 10:16. Anyway it gave me about the oldest myths on wolfs and its origins. It was an incredible book. Plus it had pictures of some of the creatures it described. This book increased my beleive in werewolves.

WEREWOLVES: A FIELD GUIDE TO SHAPESHIFTERS, LYCANTHROPES, AND MAN-BEASTS is for any library strong in supernatural and mythological titles: it provides an examination of the psychological roots of werewolf belief, offering an analysis of werewolves that adds discussions of feral children and even genetic engineering potentials. It moves far beyond the usual mythical approach and thus deserves a place in any collection strong in supernatural or mythological discussions.