Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions Hardcover – 28 Sept. 2019

What can i say about this book..... It was a fantastic read. The Lore of Vampires is broken down into different chapters and AP Syliva has made a great job of discussing fiction and folklore. I would highly recommend this book.

What a timely read this proved to be taking place just a few days prior to Halloween.When we think of the world Vampire an immediate image comes to mind of a figure much influenced by Bram Stokers Dracula and the 1930's Universal Studios films but what basis is there in folklore and history. This is not a long book and I was easily able to finish it in one sitting so engrossed was I by the writing style and content.If you want to learn about how the Vampire developed into the modern cultural phenomenon that it became then this is certainly the book to read and you will also learn the origins and authenticity of the various accompaniments and traits associated with the vampire. It was interesting to read that bats really do have little basis in the folklore and purportedly real stories (most emanating from Eastern Europe) but garlic to warn them off does. Topics like how you become and kill a vampire are covered along with their appearance in literature. A most interesting read and perfect for this time of year.A review copy was provided by the publisher.

After the latest adaptation of Dracula by the BBC some may be interested in finding out where the history of the vampire all began.If you want to know whether the myths around garlic, mirrors, staking, and blood drinking come from history, folklore, or fiction - then look no further!The format of the book works well. Each chapter deals effectively with an aspect of vampire lore, using the historical record and folklore to make links between history and modern day perceptions, with heavy references to Bram Stoker's Dracula. It gives a good detail of information but without feeling bogged down in too much detail. Each sections has end notes to point readers in the direction of the source material, should they wish to peruse it further. I greatly appreciated the references throughout!Overall this book was an quick, enjoyable read with a wealth of facts that gives excellent detail on the history of vampire lore.

For those who enjoy horror, this is a well-researched book that uses pre 20th-century folklore from around the world to detail how the rules and traits of Vampires have been established.A.P Sylvia avoids using Bram Stoker's Dracula and cinema as the main source of information for the book to establish how folklore has helped to establish popular culture's perception of the Vampire, from the various ways in which one is created to its aversion to sunlight and garlic as well as how to kill one. For example, a cat jumping over a corpse helps create a Vampire to a Russian soldier's story of sunlight 'killing' two vampires.This is a quick read packed with a lot of information. Highly recommended.This book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Being a huge fan of Fiction vampires... Thanks to books like The Twilight Series which got me into reading and t.v. Shows such as, True Blood, The Vampire Diaries and The Originals I can’t get enough of vampires!The information in this book is based on both fiction and folklore.From start to finish it was completely engrossing and captivating. I was very surprised by some things I found out in this book.This is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning about the history/myths of vampires.

This book very effectively separates the vampire of folklore from that of the modern literary and cinematic vampire with clarity and admirable thoroughness. Recommended for vampire enthusiasts.

Don't let the slimness of this volume fool you--it's chock-full of info regarding vampires of (largely) Eastern European folklore and how they compare to the vamps of modern fiction. The author confirmed some thoughts I'd formed from previous research and illuminated areas for which I needed more intel. He writes in a conversational style that engages the reader but is careful to cite his sources, both in-chapter and later in a complete bibliography. And the physical hardcover is very attractive and suitably Gothic--tastefully so. I enjoyed learning things I hadn't come across before or even stopped to consider (for example, that there are no fangs in folklore)--I'd have been interested in reading if Sylvia came across any commonalities in the folklore that aren't common in current fiction (well, apart from vampy arithmomania, but then we do have Count von Count, so...). This book proved helpful and informative, and I highly recommend it.

If you asked a group of people to create a list of vampire attributes, you'd likely see some repetition; the Count Dracula stereotype has sunk its fangs deep into our pop culture. But if you ever wondered where the looks or fantastic powers originated, then look no further than A.P. Sylvia's debut book on the folklore of vampires.This handy resource is well organized and each chapter takes an aspect of vampire mythos and cites evidence from historical accounts that makes the subject feel a little more real. All the common vampire traits are covered, and also some less well known. I never realized that the clap of thunder and flash of lightning that always accompanies Count Von Count could be considered a weather manipulation power described in some vampire legends. In "Let the Right One In," I didn't know how many old vampire tales similarly required vampires gaining permission to enter homes. The more I read, the more I appreciated how today's vampire is cobbled together from so many accounts spanning different parts of the world.

Great book! Is a perfect addition to my vampire hunting collection! If you're a ghost hunter, this book is a must have. The modern ghost hunter is the original vampire hunter without a doubt.

A brilliant, outstanding compilation and analysis. A thoroughly entertaining treatment. The book cover itself is a work of art and sure to stimulate conversation.