Vampire Forensics is over 300 pages of fact, lore, myth, science and literary references that will enlighten even the most knowledgeable vampire enthusiast.
Vampire Forensics | Uncovering the Origins of An Enduring Legend by Michael Clutton ~~ February 2010
Tempting the human imagination with sex, blood, violence, shape-shifting, superhuman power and eternal life, the vampire epidemic is sweeping pop culture in fashion, film and publishing. Into the latter comes a new book from Mark Collins Jenkins entitled, Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of An Enduring Legend.
While the book is indeed about vampires and vampire history, readers may be surprised to learn that it is published and promoted by The National Geographic Society. Yes, the same group that publishes the famous yellow magazines you see on coffee tables - everywhere.
The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge and to inspire people to care about our planet. Through its efforts in print, TV, DVD's, maps, exhibitions and more, the National Geographic Society reaches over 300 million people per month. Having funded over 9000 research, conservation and exploration projects and education programs, the Society is one of the best known and most respected institutions in the world.
Vampire Forensics is over 300 pages of fact, lore, myth, science and literary references that will enlighten even the most knowledgeable vampire enthusiast. Do not allow the title to deter you from enjoying this book. Forensics might insinuate a highly scientific dissection of the genre. Fortunately, that aspect never gets too deep. Delving into the legends of Wargs, Eretiks, Vrykolakas and connecting the dots between certain plagues and diseases that broadened vampire epidemics, Jenkins has penned a piece that is both educational and engaging.
Not merely assumptive opinion, this book has depth. Jenkins did his homework. And, with the National Geographic Society behind it, you know these pages are the fruit of much research. Jenkins draws on science, anthropological and archaeological research to explore the origins of vampires, providing riveting historic and folkloric context for the concept of immortals who feed on the lifeblood of others. From the rarest documentation to the most common paradigms, Vampire Forensics analyzes the reality behind the legends, the legends behind the lore and the lore behind the modern manifestation that has become a pervasive part of our fantasy-based culture.
The writing is well paced and edifying without bogging down in tedious minutiae. That makes Vampire Forensics a fascinating read and a must for the bookshelf of any who would claim to be a true vampire aficionado. Find it anywhere books are sold or get more details at www.nationalgeographic.com/books.
