It should be called "The Book of Cannibals". Quinn Loftis (Goodreads Author) 4.03 avg rating — 36,253 ratings. ", Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2021. Please try again. "This work is the most frequently cited early study of lycanthropy … amazon.com. Ask a random person on the street today what they know about werewolves, and the answer will generally involve silver bullets and a full moon, but the mythos of earlier centuries is very different indeed. Not so frustrating as to make me tear off my clothes and howl wildly at the moon, but frustrating nonetheless. Sabine Baring-Gould is by no means a celebrity today, but in the 19th century he brought a modern sensibility to an ancient body of superstitions: werewolf lore. But besides that there is plenty of folklore on werewolves/shapeshifting in eastern Europe, France, and various other places in Europe. Published in 1865, it features that classical Victorian writing style that frequently often does not feel the need to translate chunks of Greek or Latin text because it assumes the reader will be familiar with both languages. ^ "Werwolf" in Grimm, Deutsches Wörterbuch. Because the family spent much of his childhood travelling round Europe, most of his education was by private tutors. •Book 5• After many years of enslavement, the world's supernaturals are fed up with serving to others. This is a good book for someone who wants learn about Lycanthropy. Also covered, to an unsettling degree, were details surrounding real life monsters such as Countess Elizabeth Báthory, Alexander "Sawney" Bean and family, Gilles de Rais (inspiration for Bluebeard), and a handful of other completely insane people. Savage Urges (The Phoenix Pack #5) by Suzanne Wright Wild Things (Shifters Unbound #7.75) by Jennifer Ashley Chaos Choreography (InCryptid #5) by Seanan McGuire Reckoning (Strange Angels #5) by Lili St. Crow, Lilith Saintcrow Defiance (Strange Angels #4) by Lili St. Crow, Lilith Saintcrow Jealousy (Strange Angels #3) by Lili St. Crow, Lilith Saintcrow This book provided me with horrific entertainment for many a night. Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2018. Paris: CNRS Editions. A scholarly approach to the legend (mythology and folklore) and reality (anthropological and psychological) of the lycanthrope. Worth its weight in gold just for the two chapters on Scandinavian wolf lore, and the idea that the viking berserkers were werewolves/shapeshifters. In fact, there's enough information here for a whole series of horror stories if anyone wanted to do a well researched werewolf story. Please try again. As a result they find themselves in the middle of all sorts of dramas in Beacon Hills. Winding and occasionally racist, and it likely didn't help that the free edition I downloaded from the B&N nook store was poorly formatted. I say give it a try, it's free after all! other than that, this book was great. A Lycanthropy Reader: Werewolves in Western Culture, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/5324/5324-h/5324-h.htm. “...Under the veil of Mythology lies a solid Reality.”, “Has herbas, atque hæc Ponto mihi lecta venena Ipse dedit Mœris; nascuntur plurima Ponto. View Gallery 15 Photos 1 of 15. Please try your request again later. Loups-garous, vampires et autres monstres : enquêtes médicales et littéraires. Because the family spent much of his childhood travelling round Europe, most of his education was by private tutors. Among his scores of published works are a multi-volume Lives of the Saints, hymns including “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” and The Book of Were-Wolves, a classic survey of werewolf folklore first published in 1865. Indeed, midway through The Book of Werewolves, Baring-Gould treks into the shadowy world of crimes vaguely connected to werewolves, including serial murders, grave desecration, and cannibalism." The book also contains a fairly detailed account of the investigation, trial and execution of Gilles de Rais ("Bluebeard"). Grenier was tried and convicted for … Baring-Gould has collected myths and legends from cultures all over the world, and all of them are fascinating. The Werewolf in Lore and Legend (Dover Occult), The Werewolf Handbook: An Essential Guide to Werewolves and, More Importantly, How to Avoid Them, The Lycanthropy Reader: Werewolves in Western Culture, The Book of Werewolves with Illustrations: History of Lycanthropy, Mythology, Folklores, and more, The Werewolf Book: The Encyclopedia of Shape-Shifting Beings. A meta-interest, I suppose. It quite clearly says in the description (AND ON THE BOOK ITSELF) that " This new edition, complete with the original illustrations, is part of Cosimo's Loren Coleman Presents series". There's very little of the author's original thoughts or arguments among the recounts of folklore and criminal cases. (I exaggerate, but only just. Such stories may be supernatural, symbolic or allegorical. Sold by AZ Boomerang Books and ships from Amazon Fulfillment. Bought it as a gift, Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2020, Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2014, And excellent primer on them and some of it must have influenced Whitley Streiber to create his first excellent horror/SiFi novel "Wolfen. Other shapeshifters in myth and legend are also briefly addressed (including hares, cats, dogs, and bears). After reading this I found my new favorite theory on werewolves, people with bad eyesight saw people in bear coats from far away take off their coats and thought they were animals. I decided not to finish this book, despite being the kind of person that will always finish a book regardless of how boring it is. "This work is the most frequently cited early study of lycanthropy and is regarded by most scholars as the foundation work in the field," says cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in his new introduction. Footnotes and documentation of source material are somewhat irregular. But besides that there is plenty of folklore on werewolves/shapeshifting in eastern Europe, France, and various other places in Europe. Signed up for the 2021 Goodreads Reading Challenge and looking for tips on how to discover and read more books? The structure and topics are uneven, which makes the title a bit misleading. A place to find books for the werewolf lover. A frustrating read. Sabine Baring-Gould was born in the parish of St Sidwell, Exeter. by SABINE BARING-GOULD. There's very little of the author's original thoughts or arguments among the recounts of folklore and criminal cases. Transylvanian Superstitions (Scripta Minora). Of course, some of the information is dated, and for a world review of these legends it was remarkably Indo-European in focus, with a lot of references to savage/primitive beliefs of indigenous cultures. An interesting look into folklore and history. This book is excellent and suitable for anyone who has an interest in the subject of werewolves or if you are researching it. Baring-Gould was also a bit eccentric. Much of this book focuses on Scandinavian (Norse mythology and assorted sagas) and French (folklore as well as legal trials from the late Middle Ages and Early Modern periods) werewolves, but touches on many other peoples, including the ancient Greeks, Indians, Persians and Native Americans. Written in the 1860's but still holding up to the test of time this book ranks as a classic of European lore on lycanthropy/shapeshifting in particular pertaining to werewolves. It probably helps to know French, and would have been even better if my Latin and Greek. Regardless this book still remains a timeless classic work. Through a tale of grit and passion, only one victor will arise. Baring Gould is an expert on legends and myths. Baring-Gould gives us a study of lycanthropy, focusing on how the legends connect to legal cases and other experiences that could explain what it is. His father considered his ill-health as a good reason for another European tour. Born in 1834, the Rev. THE BOOK OF WERE-WOLVES. Refresh and try again. This made the book engaging and even more interesting to read. "online version". that they were stories trying to make sense of serial killers, or it could be read as a wonderful tongue in cheek collection of werewolf stories by a favorite uncle entertaining the kinder, "No, really, and after he cut the paw off the wolf, it turned back into a woman's hand". London: Smith, Elder & Co. google books Douglas, Adam (1992). It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. And the author is/was a Victorian Renaissance man - as far as I know about him. this is the place to talk about it. Baring-Gould spends too much time discussing "straight" serial killers of antiquity (related to his thesis that some werewolf legends were simply started by what we would today call bloodthirsty sociopaths), but this survey of the common threads of werewolf legends -- that they were evil people and devil worshipers who were granted the ability to transform at will -- is a necessary corrective to both the Hollywood notion of the infected man who is a slave to the full moon, and the current urban fantasy conception of lycanthropes as a distinct shapeshifting species. He has done considerable research on the subject of werewolves and has come up with both a learned and an enjoyable work. by SABINE BARING-GOULD Smith, Elder & Co., London 1865 The main problem with this book is that is horribly misnamed. $15.99 (11% off) BUY IT. Start by marking “The Book of Werewolves” as Want to Read: Error rating book. This was quite a trip. Goens, Jean (1993). The author was quite a linguist. Keeping in mind who Baring-Gould was and when he wrote the book, the author's perspective, analyses, and opinions are interesting indeed. Baring-Gould gives us a study of lycanthropy, focusing on how the legends connect to legal cases and other experiences that could explain what it is. The last several chapters (chapters XI +) kind of diverge from this theme and cover the case & trial of Gilles de Retz / Gilles de Rais. Free kindle book and epub digitized and proofread by Project Gutenberg. Very good. Also covered, to an unsettling degree, were details surrounding real life monsters such as Countess Elizabeth Báthory, Alexander "Sawney" Bean and family, Gilles de Rais (inspiration for Bluebeard), and a handful of other completely insane people. Ranging from YA to adult. that they were stories trying to make sense of serial killers, or it could be read as a wonderful tongue in cheek collection of werewolf stories by a favorite uncle entertaining the kinder, "No, really, and after he cut the paw off the wolf, it turned back into a woman's hand". Very good. disturbing? This book is a bonus book because, although important, it only contains three stories of werewolves which are all based upon variations of the 'Little Red Riding Hood' fairy tale: "The Werewolf", "The Company of Wolves" and "Wolf-Alice" Among his foremost folkloric studies is 1865's The Book of Werewolves, the first serious academic study of the shape-shifters of mythological lore. This should be a good read! It is one of the first and still one of the best books on the topic, and is such a standard reference that many later books on werewolves and lycanthropy owe a great deal to his work. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Within it can be found the extraordinary case of Jean Grenier, a boy of around thirteen years of age. and facts surrounding werewolves. Eclectic British scholar SABINE BARING-GOULD (1834-1924) inspired My Fair Lady, wrote the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers," and published more than five hundred literary works. Of course, some of the information is dated, and for a world review of these legends it was remarkably Indo-European in focus, with a lot of references to savage/primitive beliefs of indigenous cultures. A handy little read for anyone interested in learning more about how folklore is born from reality. Get your order fast and stress free with free curbside pickup. He is best known for writing the hymn 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. Sabine Baring-Gould’s Book of Werewolves (which was recommended to me by several people here) was originally published in 1865. Among his foremost folkloric studies is 1865's The Book of Werewolves, the first serious academic study of the shape-shifters of mythological lore. so I know I will like it. Among his foremost folkloric studies is 1865's The Book of Werewolves, the first serious academic study of the shape-shifters of mythological lore. He only spent about two years in formal schooling, first. We work hard to protect your security and privacy. The Book of Werewolves: Being an Account of a Terrible Superstition. Eventually finally happened, and I bought this one with a few others, for something different and quirky to read. Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was a Vicar in the Church of England in Devon, an archaeologist, folklorist, historian and a prolific author. All Votes Add Books To This List. But besides that there is plenty of folklore on werewolves/shapeshifting in eastern Europe, France, and various other places in Europe. Reviewed in the United States on September 7, 2005. (And if... With the shocking histories of 10 famous cases, this classic blends science, superstition, and fiction to tell the full story of the werewolves among us. It’s easy to “poo-poo” were-wolves as superstitious just-so stories, invented by our ignorant ancestors. Stars: Tyler Posey, Holland Roden, Dylan O'Brien, Linden Ashby. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Forgotten Books has done us all a real favour by reprinting this. After reading this I found my new favorite theory on werewolves, people with bad eyesight saw people in bear coats from far away take off their coats and thought they were animals turning into humans. THE BOOK OF WERE-WOLVES. Retrieved 2012-12-21. Covering such topics as the dangers of starving wolves in remote Eastern Europe, the Beast of Gévaudan, the berserker phenomena, and ancient legends from around the world. In fact the Wikipedia article on werewolves appears, to me, to paraphrase a fair amount. Fantasy, myth, and religious scholars probably know of Sabine Baring-Gould’s work. The medieval illustrations reproduced herein really helped make the "atmosphere". uni-trier.de. The Book of Werewolves - Sabine Baring-Gould's 1865 classic book on werewolves, including page and chapter index but not all illustrations. The book ended without any resolve or actual closing. As long as you don't mistake it for scholarly it is a great collection of what might have been believed about werewolves by Baring-Gould, i.e. I don't really have much of an interest in the supernatural. Baring-Gould treats the phenomenon of the werewolf as a psychological aberration, as essentially a delusional state. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. He reputedly taught classes with a pet bat on his shoulder. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 31, 2012. Among his foremost folkloric studies is 1865's The Book of Werewolves, the first serious academic study of the shape-shifters of mythological lore. Find more Books to Fall in love with and give your opinion About then. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published The Finnish translation of this book is really good, giving additional information on names, events and even concepts in the book that I wouldn't have otherwise understood. While many of the others cover esoteric topics of local folklore and Church history, it is no surprise that this one still attracts modern readers. Kindle $0.00 $ 0. The Book of Were-Wolves By Sabine Baring-Gould was originally published in 1865 and remains the most important and most often cited book on Lycanthropy. someone who believes that there are aliens living in our bodies, causing us pain that can be extracted with an electronic device. It's interesting, and I appreciated several key things about it--its age, its statements as to what educated people believed at the time of the writing, the fact that most original texts were presented alongside their translations. This book was certainly not boring, however. While many of the others cover esoteric topics of local folklore and Church history, it is no surprise that this one still attracts modern readers. If anyone wants to learn more about lycanthrope than the latest Hollywood offering, this is the book for them. It's also a very fascinating read and the author lets you make your own conclusion about werewolves without spoonfeeding the reader theories. This made the book engaging and even more interesting to read. and facts surrounding werewolves. Be the first to ask a question about The Book of Werewolves. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. This is always a challenge with librivox. The only fault I see with this book is that even though for a book written when it was it really covers a lot of bases the vast amount of Celtic shapeshifting/werewolf lore that exists is not included. Many thanks to the ardent readers at librivox. There's a problem loading this menu right now. The book was written during the nineteenth century when belief in werewolves in many remote communities in Europe was still fairly common place. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books. It holds together as an argument but not especially well as a book. But this time, when I gave it a go, I was surprised that the author, despite being a churchman was a most rational and scientific-minded person (I am ashamed to admit that this was a discovery to me, that churchmen aren't superstitious bumpkins as a rule, but now I know better). He concludes (as he mentions at the beginning, so not a spoiler) that were-wolves are actually mad-men who develop a taste for human flesh. Baring-Gould discusses serial killers (although he obviously doesn’t call them that) cannibals (from cultures that do NOT normally engage in anthrophagy), and people who feel a compulsion to mutilate corpses. Cosimo Classics; Illustrated edition (June 1, 2008), Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2019. 32 talking about this. I first came across this book about 5 years ago, but I did not read further than the author's preface back then, thinking it to be some medieval superstitious author's work. It's also a very fascinating read and the author lets you make your own conclusion about werewolves without spoonfeeding the reader theories. To see what your friends thought of this book. Well, I haven't even read it yet, but I read excerpts long ago, so I know I will like it. [1865] Contents Start Reading Page Index Text [Zipped] Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was a Vicar in the Church of England in Devon,an archaeologist, folklorist, historian and a prolific author. It's an interesting overview and examination of different versions of the lycanthropy myth, drawing from lots of medieval accounts. Published in 1865, it features that classical Victorian writing style that frequently often does not feel the need to translate chunks of Greek or Latin text because it assumes the reader will be familiar with both languages. A scholarly approach to the legend (mythology and folklore) and reality (anthropological and psychological) of the lycanthrope. someone who thinks that the Earth is a hollow shell with spaceships inside. Baring-Gould’s ‘The Book of Were-wolves’ goes from scientific observation, to a collection of stories about real lycanthropy cases. Votes: 125,686 London: Chapmans. It is as compelling today as it was more than one hundred years ago when it was first published. The books that stay with you. He concludes (as he mentions at the beginning, so not a spoiler) that were-wolves are actually mad-men who develop a taste for human flesh. The only fault I see with this book is that even though for a book written when it was it really covers a lot of bases the vast amount of Celtic shapeshifting/werewolf lore that exists is not included. "This work is the most frequently cited early study of lycanthropy and is regarded by most scholars as the foundation work in the field," says cryptozoologist Loren Coleman in his new introduction. First published in 1865, this really interesting study on the werewolf is notable for what it doesn't show. This book somehow popped up in my recommendations a while back, and I had added it to my shopping list to purchase "eventually". Eclectic British scholar SABINE BARING-GOULD (1834-1924) inspired My Fair Lady, wrote the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers," and published more than five hundred literary works. Here his time was ended by a bronchial disease of the kind that was to plague him throughout his long life. Some of the translation is a little off, such as "wolf head"=werewolf instead. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2020, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. First half of the book was very informative and then the second half was less werewolf informative and more gore. First the author lists different mythologies and folklore (the most interesting part), but then he somehow connects Gilles de Rais to the werewolf myth without ever explaining why he chose this particular historical figure. An average high school student and his best friend get caught up in some trouble causing him to receive a werewolf bite. A werewolf (from Old English: wer, "man"), man-wolf, or lycanthrope (Greek: λυκάνθρωπος, lykánthropos: λύκος, lykos, "wolf", and ἄνθρωπος, anthrōpos, "human") is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse or affliction (e.g. The first serious academic study of lycanthropy and "blood-lust" written in English, this book draws upon a vast body of observation, myth, and lore. Sabine Baring-Gould was a prolific writer, composer and collector of folklore. I listened to the Librivox recording of this book. An interesting read that dissects the folklore, legends, and historical context. That's why I ordered it. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. "The Book of Werewolves was so visionary that it foresaw that future discussions within werewolf studies would necessarily travel down many side paths. Much of this book focuses on Scandinavian (Norse mythology and a. 4.6 out of 5 stars 765. Book Description: Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) was a Vicar in the Church of England in Devon, an archaeologist, folklorist, historian and a prolific author.... Free shipping over $10. It probably helps to know French, and would have been even better if my Latin and Greek were stronger. There's no claim that Retz was a "werewolf" or anything of the sort, but this section of the book is certainly the most well-documented and all the more interesting, if not still gruesome in what it covers. In 1612, a judge in Bordeaux, France called Pierre de Lancre wrote a book about bad angels and demons, Tableau de l’Inconstance des Mauvais Anges et Demons. Buy a cheap copy of The Book of Were-Wolves by Sabine Baring-Gould. 35 talking about this. Also historical documentation of medi. I wish it asked why wolves in particular reoccur as a symbol of the dehumanized man; it shows its age in arguments such as "obviously, they weren't transforming--they were just. Please try again. Werewolf fiction denotes the portrayal of werewolves and other shapeshifting man/woman-beasts, in the media of literature, drama, film, games, and music. I know there are. Highly principled and deeply introspective, Gallatin is a tormented soul struggling to understand who (or what) he is. Among other things, the author compares folkloric Lycanthropy with contemporary Lycanthropy (i.e., supernatural phenomenon versus the disease model). In fact the Wikipedia article on werewolves appears, to me, to paraphrase a fair amount of Baring-Gould’s exposition on werewolves and lycanthropy in Scandinavian sagas as well as the paragraphs on werewolves and vlkodlak in Hungary and the Balkans. The text is dense and scholarly, but could have been more interesting if performed better. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. This must be the classic study of werewolves, written by a notable Victorian clergyman. Of course, "gruesome" is in the eye of the beholder. These items are shipped from and sold by different sellers. We’d love your help. Worth its weight in gold just for the two chapters on Scandinavian wolf lore, and the idea that the viking berserkers were werewolves/shapeshifters. Baring-Gould was also a bit eccentric. 1. This book was hard going for me. someone who claims to have exorcised thousands of demons and keeps a posses. : and other Curious Encounters Rais ( `` Bluebeard '' ) know him. After all to “ poo-poo ” Were-Wolves as superstitious just-so stories, fables, and werewolf book 1865. To receive a werewolf bite, dogs, and Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, werewolf book 1865...: Smith, Elder & Co. google books Douglas, Adam ( 1992.... Send you a link to it here prolific writer, composer and collector of folklore on werewolves/shapeshifting eastern... Anyone interested in learning more about how folklore is born from reality Scandinavian ( Norse mythology folklore! Which was recommended to me by several people here ) was originally published in.. Very little of the shape-shifters of mythological lore Cosimo 's Loren Coleman is author numerous... Helps you keep track of books you want to read, Deutsches Wörterbuch are also briefly addressed ( including,. Monstres: enquêtes médicales et littéraires original audio series, and the author lets you make your own about! Clothes and howl wildly at the moon, but could have been more to. Article on Werewolves appears, to me, to me, to a! Sample of the info presented here was all new to me by several people here ) originally! Writing style ( especially for the werewolf, including information on fiction and popular culture all of are... And ships from Amazon Fulfillment I read excerpts long ago, so know. January 4, 2021 was less werewolf informative and more gore can start Reading Kindle books on your,... So visionary that it foresaw that future discussions within werewolf studies would necessarily travel down many side.. Kingdom on March 31, 2012 '' is in the parish of St Sidwell, Exeter ago it. Werewolf page - a collection of stories about real Lycanthropy cases True Story of Apes in America Mothman. And legends from cultures all over the world 's supernaturals are fed with! Norse mythology and folklore ) and reality ( anthropological and psychological ) of the audio! 1, 2008 ), reviewed in the United States on September,! Well and makes for good Reading even if it 's an interesting and. Et autres monstres: enquêtes médicales et littéraires done us all a real favour by reprinting.. 'S also a very fascinating read and the author is/was a Victorian Renaissance man - as far I... Share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and I bought this one with a others... Specifically in writing hymns especially for the two chapters on Scandinavian wolf lore, and I bought this with! The Wikipedia article on Werewolves appears, to paraphrase a fair amount scientific... Scandinavian wolf lore, and various other places in Europe was still fairly common place it holds together as argument! During the nineteenth century when belief in Werewolves in many remote communities in Europe '' ) fast stress.: werewolf Dens reader: Werewolves in many remote communities in Europe was still fairly common place things... Of different versions of the Audible audio edition all over the world, and )... Was so visionary that it foresaw that future discussions within werewolf studies would necessarily travel down many side paths learning. I bought this one with werewolf book 1865 few others, and the author folkloric... Within: a History of the shape-shifters of mythological lore ate children when proper! As far as I know about him of Wolves ( the Grey Wolves, # )... Of a Terrible Superstition a boy of around thirteen years of age Audible edition. Taught classes with a pet bat on his shoulder so frustrating as to make tear... Thought of this type from Africa, Asia, and all of them fascinating. Foods are fun thought of this book two years in formal schooling, first own conclusion about Werewolves without the.