The Vampire Encyclopedia

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View books by Matthew Bunson.

Very helpful :) - Rated
I got this book a few days ago, because, I enjoy story-writing, and thought this would help me, as I'm constantly researching on the internet about vampire folklore. I was right in thinking it would help, because the book has numerous entries, which are in alphabetical order, making them easy to find.
Excellent resource for story-writers, or even anyone interested in the subject.
It also includes tables, which include information on the myths of becoming, destroying, discovering and protection from and of vampires.
I rate this book 5 stars because I was more impressed than I expected to be with it.

Useful resource for research - Rated
This book covers a wide range of vampiric topics in an easy-to-use standard A-to-Z format, claiming to have over 2,000 entries.

There are no illustrations to speak of, but the text is broken up by full page tables that explore a bit more detail on some of the subjects. At the back of the book are the Appendices - the first provides the enthusiast a list of titles for fifty short stories and tales. Appendix Two then lists another hundred-plus novels with many recognisable authors amongst them. Appendix Three is another list of a hundred-plus suggested reading resources, some that will be a challenge to the dedicated fan or student to seek out. The last Appendix provides some information on vampiric societies and organisations, although this last list may not necessarily be up-to-date (with my copy being published in 2000).

As a single volume reference then, it's very easy to read and make reference from and altogether quite handy. It would certainly suit an enthusiast wanting to explore past the boundaries of the House of Hammer Horror, or provide teasing hooks to the historical student wanting to find out the folklore basics. Definitely recommended.

Excellent vampiric resource - Rated
This is an excellent text for those researching the source of the vampire legend. Bunson has clearly done extensive research to provide so much information.

The only reason I have not given this book five stars is because the folkloric aspects of vampires seem to have suffered at the hands of the vampire in literature and film; Bunson seems to be far more interested with the latter than the former. Despite that, though, there is a large of amount of folklore in this book.

I recommend it to anyone interested in the legend of the vampire.

JK

Just read it! - Rated
A great book. A must have. It contains a lot of information for vampires. Every vampire fan must get it.

An Absolute Must - Rated
Mr. Bunson has compiled an absolute must read for any reader or author of vampire literature. Complete, concise, and educational beyond belief.

If it relates to the vampire, you will find it in the pages of this book, everything from the familiar to the obscure. Never knew butterflies were associated with death and vampires until Mr. Bunson's book came along!

An altogether excellent job of research!