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

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Product Description

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!

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: 223 pages
• Publisher: New Page Books (September 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601630891
• ISBN-13: 978-1601630896
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,064 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 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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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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Bob Curran Hit, September 29, 2009

By	Jeff Farrow "JEFarrow" - See all my reviews

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.