Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend Hardcover Book Review
About the Book: Mark Jenkins's engrossing history draws on the latest science, anthropological and archaeological research to explore the origins of vampire stories, providing gripping historic and folkloric context for the concept of immortal beings who defy death by feeding on the lifeblood of others. From the earliest whispers of eternal evil in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, vampire tales flourished through the centuries and around the globe, fueled by superstition, sexual mystery, fear of disease and death, and the nagging anxiety that demons lurk everywhere.
In Vampire Forensics, Mark Jenkins probes vampire legend to tease out the historical truths enshrined in the tales of terror: sherds of Persian pottery depicting blood-sucking demons; the amazing recent discovery by National Geographic archaeologist Matteo Borrini of a 16th-century Venetian grave of a plague victim and suspected vampire; and the Transylvanian castle of "Vlad the Impaler," whose bloodthirsty cruelty remains unsurpassed.
Jenkins navigates centuries of lore and legend, adding new chapters to the chronicle and weaving an irresistibly seductive blend of superstition, psychology, and science sure to engross everyone from Anne Rice's countless readers to serious students of archaeology and mythology.
Our Take: There is a tidal wave of vampire interest right now in pop culture. Everything from Twilight to True Blood has got everyone from tweens to the middle-aged into the blood-sucking denizens of the night! It should only follow suit that not only are a pile of movies being produced in this realm, but also a rash of vampire books! If you've been around the bookstore block, so to speak, you know that just like with film, plenty of poor quality books get published. How does one decide which vampire books are the best? Well, you turn to Book Legion, of course! We only feature books we enjoy, so you don't waste your time.
Vampire Forensics was published by National Geographic. Right there, you know that you're on the right path. What I enjoyed about this book is that author Mark Jenkins really took the subject seriously. This isn't a campy genre book, but rather a scienfitic and historical look back into what makes up the legend of the vampire. These bloodsuckers are so prevelant in our everyday lives, you would think that they truly did exist! Jenkins reaches back to ancient accounts of vampirism and the undead, to really paint a picture of how long and from where these accounts have been coming from. Its a great look at what was reported in different parts of the world, most of which you've never heard of previously.
Honestly, we're tired of vampires. They're just everywhere right now, but I was so surprised by this title that we just had to feature it. This one is definately worth checking out.
Vampire Forensics was published by National Geographic. Right there, you know that you're on the right path. What I enjoyed about this book is that author Mark Jenkins really took the subject seriously. This isn't a campy genre book, but rather a scienfitic and historical look back into what makes up the legend of the vampire. These bloodsuckers are so prevelant in our everyday lives, you would think that they truly did exist! Jenkins reaches back to ancient accounts of vampirism and the undead, to really paint a picture of how long and from where these accounts have been coming from. Its a great look at what was reported in different parts of the world, most of which you've never heard of previously.
Honestly, we're tired of vampires. They're just everywhere right now, but I was so surprised by this title that we just had to feature it. This one is definately worth checking out.
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