A FIELD GUIDE TO DEMONS, VAMPIRES, FALLEN ANGELS AND OTHER SUBVERSIVE SPIRITS by CAROL K MACK & DINAH MACK.BACK COVER BLURB: If you met a werewolf on the eve of a full moon, would you be able to tell what he really was?
Could you resist the dark charms of a vampire or the lure of a fallen angel?
Would you know how to escape the clutches of these inhuman creatures.
This illustrated guide - the first of its kind - reveals the origins, habitats and reputed antics of the most diabolical demons from all around the world. It provides tips on how to spot them in a crowd, and offers invaluable advice on dispelling any malevolent spirits you might have the misfortune of meeting at a party - or in your kitchen.
FIRST SENTENCE {Introduction}: Although far more commonly sighted than angels, demons are still the most misunderstood of the ancient spirits.
MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 169}: The Palis is a potentially deadly foot-licker species that attacks its victims at night when they're sleeping in the desert. He licks the soles of their feet until their blood is gone.
SOURCE: Library book.
MY THOUGHTS: Along with a chapter of 'Who's who in the domicile' this field guide covers creatures, some familiar, others not (at least to me), divided into the various realms of 'Water', 'Mountain', 'Forest' and 'Desert' in what I felt was a fairly comprehensive guide albeit one restricted by its relatively short length.
Covering demons, vampires and so on from all manner of cultures this is a wonderfully descriptive read in which the authors take us through not only a description of the various creatures but also the lore surrounding them and, perhaps most interestingly of all, 'disarming and dispelling techniques' that tradition has wards them off.
Fascinating stuff, I'd suggest this as a great reference book for all those interested in the 'supernatural and/or folk lore.
12 comments:
Although not necessarily up my street, this sounds a great book to get hold of for anyone interested in this area.
This sounds like a book I would like to read. I am always curious about the background behind different creatures. Sometimes I am not sure if a creature is new to me (made up by the author) of if I just haven't heard of them before. Thanks for sharing.
~Jess
Terrific post, Tracy! This does sound fascinating.
Well now...I was put off a little by the full disclosure title but the contents sound rather interesting. Thanks for the share!
While I've read my share of fun books regarding many of these entities, I must admit I get a bit of a cold shiver at the thought of demons. I believe there truly is an evil "realm" out there of which we need to be careful! (I'll spare you my "theology")
I do have to wonder how the book handles the differences so many stories seem to have regarding the attributes of some of these creatures. Thinking in particular of how vampires are portrayed in several of the book series my daughters and I have read - sometimes contradicting one another.
The creature from your memorable moments sounds both creepy and fascinating.
Oh this sounds interesting. I haven't heard of this one and it looks like fun and I do like the different cultural perspectives.
I need this! It sounds like something I would enjoy having in my personal library.
Thank you Tracy for such a wonderful review, I enjoyed reading.The book sounds so interesting,I would like to read it.
It sounds interesting mainly with so many species.
I love guides like this. they can be so much fun to browse through.
This reminds me of one of my favorites, A Field Guide to the Little People by Nancy Arrowsmith.
Haven't heard of this one, but it sounds fascinating! Like Kelly, I'm curious how the author handled the different mythologies for the same creature. Will have to check this one out!
That's one I would like to add to my shelves. Thanks for the spotlight.
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