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Vampires Books
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Dudley Wright
Vampires and Vampirism
"Vampires and Vampirism" by Dudley Wright is a comprehensive exploration of the lore, beliefs, and instances of vampirism from various cultures around the world, written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the historical, cultural, and possibly scientific explanations of vampires, presenting a collection of stories and theories that illustrate the pervasive fascination with these supernatural beings. The opening of the text introduces the topic by discussing the definitions of vampires as provided by various dictionaries and sources, analyzing their characteristics and the beliefs surrounding their existence. It explores the origins of vampire myths, referencing ancient civilizations such as those in Babylon, Assyria, and Greece, while addressing the sociocultural contexts that shaped these beliefs. The author highlights how notions of vampirism have evolved over time, reflecting on both literary representations and real-life accounts of encounters that blurring the line between myth and reality. Throughout this section, Wright seeks to provide readers with a foundational understanding of the phenomena that have captivated human imagination across the ages.
Vojislav Mate Jovanović
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée
"La Guzla" de Prosper Mérimée by Vojislav Mate Jovanović is a critical study published in 1911 examining Prosper Mérimée's 1827 literary hoax. Mérimée presented fabricated Balkan folk ballads as authentic translations, complete with invented commentaries and a fictional narrator. The romantic poems featured werewolves, phantoms, and vampires, satirizing the era's exaggerated exotic storytelling. Though commercially unsuccessful, the work fooled major literary figures including Pushkin and Goethe, establishing Mérimée's reputation while exposing how easily "local color" could be manufactured.
Gerard Swieten
Vampyrismus
"Vampyrismus" by Freiherr van Gerard Swieten is a scientific publication written in the mid-18th century. This work examines the folklore surrounding vampires, particularly the belief that certain deceased individuals can rise from their graves to torment the living. The book seeks to address various misconceptions and superstitious beliefs about vampirism, analyzing it from a rational perspective. In "Vampyrismus," van Gerard Swieten discusses the nature of vampires and the origins of the widespread fears surrounding them. He meticulously examines cases of alleged vampirism, often attributed to ignorance and superstition prevalent in certain regions like Hungary, Moravia, and Poland. The author scrutinizes the physical state of deceased bodies, addressing claims about their condition and the supposed powers of these "vampires" to harm the living. Throughout the text, Swieten advocates for a scientific understanding of such phenomena, arguing against the validity of these superstitions and demonstrating that fear and hysteria often lead to irrational actions against the deceased.
Johann Christoph Pohl
Dissertationem de hominibvs post mortem sangvisvgis, vvlgo sic dictis Vampyren
"Dissertationem de hominibvs post mortem sangvisvgis, vvlgo sic dictis Vampyren" by M. Io. Christophorus Pohlivus and Io. Gottlob Hertelivus is a scientific publication likely written in the early 18th century. This dissertation examines the phenomenon of vampirism through an analytical lens, challenging the myths and superstitions surrounding so-called vampires—typically characterized as the undead who supposedly feast on the blood of the living. It meticulously dissects various reports and traditions tied to vampiric activity, aiming to uncover scientific truths behind these legends. The core argument of the dissertation contends that the concept of vampires is rooted in misunderstandings and superstitions rather than any tangible reality. The authors assert that many of the phenomena ascribed to vampires—such as the failure of decomposition in certain bodies, sightings of the dead, and claims of blood draining—can be explained through natural causes, like specific medical conditions or post-mortem physiological processes. Through a series of scrutinized case studies, including a notorious incident involving a soldier named Arnold Paole, the authors conclude that these so-called vampires were manifestations of disease, fear, and cultural hysteria rather than actual supernatural entities. Ultimately, this work serves as a critical examination of societal beliefs regarding death and the aftermath, using a rational approach to dispel the lingering fears of the unexplained.
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