The Encyclopedia of Vampires and Werewolves

by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

The definitive guide to vampires and werewolves in fiction, film, and folklore.

Praise for the previous hardcover edition:
"...a highly recommended purchase." - VOYA

"...fascinating..." - Booklist

Vampires and werewolves are often portrayed as existing alongside humans in modern fiction and film. While some use their beauty and allure to form dramatic relationships with human beings, others are untrustworthy monsters determined to prey on ordinary men and women. These shapeshifters and undead beings fascinate us because they embody the dark side of human nature and reflect some of humanity's most primal fears. All of these strange creatures of the night have their roots in stories that have existed for centuries in folklore and mythology.

The Encyclopedia of Vampires and Werewolves, Second Edition provides more than 500 entries exploring the supernatural aspects of these creatures and their pop culture counterparts. Entries describe supposed true historical accounts, how vampires and werewolves come into existence, beliefs about vampires and werewolves, and real-life creatures and cases that may have inspired their legends. The most popular fictional vampires from a range of media are discussed, along with the people who helped create them.

Topics include:

-Vampire and werewolf legends from many world cultures
-Discussions of vampires and werewolves in comic books, literature, movies, television, and other media
-Overviews of the most popular vampire and werewolf movies and television shows from Dracula and The Wolf Man to True Blood and Twilight
-Discussions of the most influential literature, such as Dracula, Dead Until Dark, Interview with a Vampire, and I Am Legend
-Biographies of key figures in vampire and werewolf literature and lore, including Lord Byron, Montague Summers, Bram Stoker, Richard Matheson, Anne Rice, Charlaine Harris, Elizabeth Miller, Stephenie Meyer, Vlad Tepes, and many others
-Actors who portrayed the most famous movie monsters, from Bela Lugosi and Lon Chaney Jr. to Christopher Lee and Robert Pattinson
-Real-life vampire and werewolf lifestyle subcultures.

Also included in this invaluable resource are more than 150 full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations, suggestions for further reading, and a bibliography.

Genres: Reference, Vampires, Werewolves, Paranormal, Nonfiction, Research, Supernatural

430 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2004

About the author

Rosemary Ellen Guiley is a leading expert on the paranormal, and is the author of 45+ books, including ten single-volume encyclopedias. Since 1983, she has worked full-time in the paranormal, researching, investigating and writing. She has done extensive field work investigating haunted, mysterious and sacred places, and has had numerous strange and unexplained experiences. When she is not on the paranormal road, she is working on new books and writing for TAPS Paramagazine, FATE magazine, and the Journal of Abduction-Encounter Research. Rosemary lives in New Jersey, and spend much of her time traveling the spooky byways of one of the most haunted states in America, Pennsylvania."

Reviews

[Alice Wulf · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid 'OK' book, but it really depends on what you're looking for.

There is PAGES UPON PAGES on unnecessary stuff like full-on season-by-season summaries of Buffy and tons of stuff on all the movies about vampires, which...if you're going to have the word Encyclopedia in the title of your book, you should really be more specific. Like, name it "The Encyclopedia of Vampires and Werewolves, But Only Really Pop-Culture Stuff" or SOMETHING.

When it comes down to it, going through this whole book for little snippets of information is not worth it, if you're looking for actual characteristics, behaviors, or descriptions of monsters.

[Phrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flashback to 3rd grade when I checked out a book about monsters around the world that I & I alone checked out every week, for like 2 years. They just gave it to me eventually. 😅 Now I’m full up on useless knowledge again, but I guarantee if you bump into me @ a dinner party I will be discussing Elizabeth Bathory, brujas, & possession via sneezing. 🤗

[Tushygalore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mine is autographed, what do you think of that?! Very cool lady, got to spend a weekend in her company.

[Mary Sullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love monsters this is a very good book on the subject.

[Michelle Funk]

Guiley, R.E. (2011). The encyclopedia of vampires and werewolves (2nd ed.). New York: Facts On File Inc.

Citation By: Michelle Funk

Type of Reference: Encyclopedia

Call Number: 133.423 GUILE

Content Scope: This 430 page book provides detailed information on vampire and werewolf folklore, including references to popular culture, authors who have written on the topic, and tales from mythology.

Accuracy, Authority, and Bias: Facts On File is a reputable publishing company that has printed books and reference materials for several decades. This particular reference book presents unbiased information to readers. Its author has penned over 45 books on paranormal topics.

Arrangement and Presentation: Entries are arranged in alphabetical order and include color/black and white photographs.

Relation to Similar Works: Several other encyclopedias that are dedicated to vampire mythology exist, but this work uniquely addresses the popular werewolf genre as well.

Timeliness and Permanence: Vampire and werewolf folklore is a popular genre in both literature and pop culture, making this encyclopedia a timely resource.

Accessibility/Diversity: The author included coverage of vampire and werewolf history that is culturally and geographically diverse. Entries are written in an easy-to-read style, making it accessible to readers of various age groups.

Cost: $85

Professional Review: Landry, A. (2011, November 15). The Encyclopedia of Vampires and Werewolves. Booklist Online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....

[Laura Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very strange book. Very informative if you are like me and a fan of folklore and pop culture legends. A lot of fun when I was 11 a bit more dry at 19 surprisingly. I guess when you're a weird kid and grow up and find out werewolves aren't real it's a bit like regular kids realizing that Santa isn't real. The "magic" is less tangible. I still love the immense amount folklore regardless.

[Steve Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guilley has brought together spellbinding tales from around the world. I first heard her on Coast to Coast AM. I was hooked. She keeps the mood up and the chills coming at you rapid-fire. The writer makes you feel like you are in the stories and is very descriptive.If you can treat yourself to this compelling read.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Set up in alphabetical order. Easy to navigate. Perfect for anyone wanting to know more about the history of vampire legend. Helped me a lot while writing for more creative writing course last semester.

[Andreas Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ricco d'informazioni
L'autrice si è prodigata di raccogliere una sorta di dizionario in questo libro, raccogliendo fonti bibliografiche più o meno note, e il risultato è un vasto dizionario che comprende leggende/miti, film, racconti, autori e protagonisti che riguardano il tema del "vampiro".

[Ashley Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not get through this book. This is due to the way I was reading it I think. From the articles that I read I can tell that this book is well researched. It would be a good reference manual. I can't recommend this book for lounge reading.

[Mary Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yep. More research.

[Abraham Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

not for the squimish,but it was ok for me to read.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best thing I have read by her so far!

[D. J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give it an even 3 stars. The title states other monsters, and this book, while a nice read, doesn't do the "monster encyclopedia" genre justice.

[Morgan Chalfant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat small entries on some terms and vastly long on others, but very interesting and covers a wide variety of things.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting source book. Nice detailed entries on a variety of supernatural subjects. Recommended

[Alexandria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed this encyclopedia and found several interesting entries. I plan on getting a copy to for research and writing prompt purposes.

[Daan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember the days you did open those big books with text, pictures and so on. Learning about history and more.
Well, this is a lot like that, except it is about the different Monster Myths out of different times. From long ago, ancient to modern movies. Fun times! Pictures, text, not a bad time spend.

Can't really say that much more, See, it is what it is. And that is fine. I didn't expect anything else. Read it, enjoy it, flip through it. Decide yourself if that is worth your money.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for use as a reference

[Dannye Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating resource

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book this book is about vampires, werewolves, all kinds of shape shifting monsters in mythology, folklore and legends all around the world. in this very descriptive textbook about these creatures of the night is a detailed list of movies, television series, books that focus on these creatures over the years such as american werewolf in paris, angel, anne rice, bram stokers dracula,buffy the vampire slayer, christine feehan books, fright night, the lost boys, the lycaon mythology, along with well documented mythology and historical elements thrown into the mix definitely a must read for those who enjoy the supernatural.

[Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an awesome book and if I knew where I could buy it I would!! Not only did it tell me about my favorite actor/vampire Bela Lugosi it also told me about myths and legends about vampires & werewolves. It talks about one of the oldest vampires Nosferatu & Vlad the Empaler, plus it even talked about old and new vampire/werewolf movies.

It even talks about Stephenie Meyers, Rechelle Meads, Bram Stokes, and other authors for those who love reading about vampire books or even werewolf books.

[Vanlilith · Rating 5 out of 5]

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