Vampires explores the diverse myths and legends and their impact upon popular culture and the possible explanations behind such phenomena. Part of the Oxford People series, the book also investigates the lives of real-life individuals who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of blood, drawing on the vampiric tradition for their inspiration.

Vampire legends go back centuries, taking root in the Gothic forests of Transylvania. Over time, the vampire has transformed from a vile re-animated corpse, bloated with blood, into a charming immortal that is cursed to live outside of society.

From Count Dracula to Edward Cullen, for centuries we have been enthralled by the mysterious legends in horror fiction that surround these dangerous creatures. Vampires rarely have been more popular than they are today, although the Victorians could certainly give us a run for our money. Pale-skinned, dark-cloaked, garlic-hating--the folklore is crawling with memorable images that share one thing in common: their lust for blood.

This book examines the vampire myth from all angles: from its genesis in folklore, to offshoots of blood-thirsty creatures, and eventually to its status today as one of the most iconic figures in popular culture. We will try to find out how this strange creature, who came into being centuries ago, transformed through gothic imagination from a hideous monster into a suave villain. This book creates a beautiful addition to anyone interested in the paranormal, and a great gift for gothic readers.

The Oxford People series offers deep dives into the most influential people, subjects, and cultures from history. From horror-fiction legends like H. P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allen Poe, to historical heavyweights like Houdini and JFK, to the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, and ghosts--Oxford People encompasses it all.

Other titles in this series include: Angels, Che, Creating Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allen Poe, Extreme Science, Gettysburg, Ghosts, Gunfighters, Houdini, HP Lovecraft, John F. Kennedy, Myths and Legends, Privates and Privateers, Roosevelt and Churchill, Royal Weddings, Skies of WWII, Tesla, Tesla vs. Edison, Vikings, Werewolves, Women of Invention, Zombies.
About the Author:

Charlotte Montague is a writer who specializes in history. Her father was a naval officer, and as a child, she traveled the world with her family. After gaining an MA degree in History from Sussex University, she began writing on a variety of subjects including ethnic cultures, travel, and music. Since then, she has continued to write on costumes, flags, knots, body adornment, sea shanties, and many other topics. More recently, she developed an interest in the history of crime at sea, not only in Europe but further afield. Her current research has taken her to many parts of the globe, including Africa and the Far East, particularly the islands of the South Pacific. She travels for most of the year, but returns frequently to her home, a remote eighteenth-century cottage close to a famous smuggler's cove on the Cornish coast.