This is an interesting guide to the vampire's origin, how the myth developed and changed culturally, and what this has meant for modern society. It details vampire stories from as far back as they can be traced to vampires in pop culture, such as Interview with a Vampire, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Vampire Diaries and Twilight. It's insightful and accompanied by some interesting illustrations.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a fascinating read, the only pity is how short it was, I would have loved a deeper dive into the vampire lore. The illustrations were stunning and the vibe of the book was impeccable. A must for all the vampire enthusiasts.

This felt like a light refresher about a lot of forgotten vampire myths and lore, and it was interesting to see the actual science behind some of the ancient original legends.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was an entertaining and informative look at vampires through the ages, both in terms of folklore and fiction. I found the section dealing with the different depictions of vampires in various cultures particularly interesting and this was the section that gave me the most new information. Much of the rest of the book didn't tell me anything new, but it was well collated and overall, I found the book enjoyable.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is a great beginner reference book for y/an and teens looking to learn about vampire history, mythology,lore and as well as our present interest and their role in western pop culture at present. It is a beautifully illustrated and coloured (red,beige and black) coffee table style book. And is a great umbrella cover for nonfiction references book for vampire information in terms of both historical and cross cultural terms.

I have been fascinated by vampires for years, likely since my years of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
I instantly requested this book when I saw it and it did not disappoint.
Very informative book on vampires and vampire lore. The details were excellent and I liked the artwork and presentation of the book. So much good information. A quick and informative read, engaging and interesting. A must for anyone fascinated by vampires or anyone wanting to learn more about the history and lore of vampires.

Just like Agnes Hollyhock, I have been fascinated by vampires and their lore for years and so when I found Hollyhock's book, I had to read. Although it's short, Hollyhock's book, Vampires: A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead, collects histories and legends from all over the world showing the differences vampires have globally. This gives the book a diverse feel where anyone can look at a section and see the vampires they grew up with (yes, even Twilight) and connect with others on a somewhat spiritual level.

I was pleasantly surprised to discover more about vampires from all over the world and also information on vampires from Britain that I never knew about.

If you enjoy vampires, reading about them, or discovering the hidden undead secrets of their lore, Agnes Hollyhock's Vampires: A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead is your next read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Wellfleet Press for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would like to thank netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Intrestimg, but a little dry.

As someone who has always been overly obsessed with vampires I enjoyed how this book goes through the entire history of them. What first caught my attention was the gothic inspired cover. The illustrations on each page are very detailed and they tie in very well with the different topics that are discussed about vampires. There is information on them from folklore beliefs and how they are depicted in different cultures all over the world. I found the different points of view we are given from books and films interesting since a lot of them contain many differences. Learning all these different ways they are perceived makes this read interesting and that is what kept me wanting to learn more. Being that this book is very informative, the way it is formatted was smart and made it easy to follow.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Wellfleet Press for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wellfleet Press for giving me the chance to read "Vampires -A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead " by Agnes Hollyhock in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful handbook full of all things vampire , it was the perfect mix of educational and fun. Combining cultural and historical facts and modern day vampire pop culture ideation, this book was the perfect mix for all vampire enthusiasts. Referencing some of the most well-known vampires in mankinds history (both historically and fictionally) it just shows how even the concept of vampires has grown and evolved alongside mankind.
The amazing illustrations just make he cherry on top of everything this eerie and gothic book is all about.

When reading non-fiction about vampires there are two ways it can go, either extremely factual leaving no room for the fiction that sprung from the folklore and myth or leaning into the occult to such a degree that you feel you cannot take the non-fiction part realistically. I am glad to say the book walks the middle line of embracing the mythology and folklore while being factual and presenting information about vampires many vampire lovers may not have read before.

No matter if you are looking for a good goth coffee table book, or a book that will teach you more about vampires then this book is a great choice. It has beautiful artwork throughout that resembles medieval woodcut artwork and is very stylized in the headers and first chapter pages to pull you into the material being discussed. Later in each chapter the book read a bit more text bookish with it delving into the folklore behind vampires from the world over and the historical reasons for the folklore existing in our modern day.

I would recommend this books to those:
- Who love Vampires and want to learn more about them
- Looking for a gothic coffee table book
- Love learning about folklore and myth behind modern monsters

I received an advance review copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are wholly my own and unbiased.

As a lover of horror films, I was deeply intrigued when I received an ARC of VAMPIRES: A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead by Agnes Hollyhock.

This book delves deep into 'all things vampires.' We are taken on a journey about the history of vampires from cultures throughout the world, making it an interesting read for lovers of paranormal and supernatural lore.The fear that was depicted in the historical context of vampires was tangible. People were truly frightened. I cannot help but compare the information in this book to the modern-day vampires portrayed in films and books as dashing, unwilling heros that pull at the heartstrings (think: Twilight, Interview with the Vampire; etc.). Peppering the mind with universal facts about this topic offers an alternative view on what you may have previously perceived about these frightening creatures. It's the historical tidbits from various cultures that make this an intense, yet enjoyable, read.

The overall book aesthetic is stunning. Even the backdrop depicted on each page is detailed, keeping in tune with the haunting aura emanating throughout the book. As I turned the pages, I was deeply impressed with the presentation throughout. The gothic-inspired, gorgeous cover is fabulous, and sets the tone for the impressive contents within the book. It also boasts illustrations within that pulled me deep into the haunting world of vampires, catapulting this book into a must-read for all supernatural lovers.

I eagerly dove into the pages of Vampires, and needless to say, enjoyed it! I'm sure the hardcover will be fabulous!

(Kindly note this review was posted on Twitter & Goodreads.)

5/5

This was a really easy and compelling read! I was pleasantly surprised at how much research was clearly done; the author made reference to a wide variety of undead and/or monstrous creatures spanning many different regions around the world and broke down in detail how the various mythos could be tied together. The sections were laid out in ways that made good sense and built on the preceding sections.

It felt like there was lots of basic information given on a wide variety of topics surrounding vampires and their lore, but not as much deeper level info on things like the scientific aspects of human decomposition. Which is not a criticism; there are certainly books out there that already delve into the clinical information regarding death and decomp - the types of things we understand now to be a natural part of the body's decomposition processes but that ages ago would have seemed strange and sometimes even terrifying to people with no scientific understanding of what was happening. So this is a really handy book if you're interested in reading a comprehensive overview of the different parts of vampire lore, both historical and more modern, but don't need it to go into super scientific detail.

I've read many books over the years that purport to be encyclopedic in their coverage of various monsters, myths, and mysteries. All in all, this book is definitely a good one to put on your TBR list if you want a simple, straightforward guide to all things Vampire.

Thanks to NetGalley, author Agnes Hollyhock, and Wellfleet Press for providing a digital ARC for me to read. All opinions are my own.

This is yet another vampire dictionary/encyclopedia. It is beautiful and easy to understand, but there is nothing new here. So I would say if someone wants a vampire dictionary/encyclopedia or is looking for their first book of lore, this could be a really pretty one to pick-up.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this book!

As someone who grew up surrounded by vampire lore and stories, predominantly those of Vlad The Impaler and Elizabeth Báthory this fell a bit flat for me. I appreciated that the author didn't shy away from the queer undertones of vampires throughout media and that they wrote about multiple creatures from multiple cultures.
All this being said I feel like the book could have been longer, so as not to seem surface level.
Overall a solid read for people who want to learn more about vampires and why they have had so much influence on pop culture!

‘Vampires: A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead’ by Agnes Hollyhock is a fascinating exploration of the myths, legends, and historical accounts of vampires. This handbook delves deep into the origins and cultural significance of these creatures, making it a captivating read for fans of the supernatural.

Accuracy: ★★★★☆
Hollyhock provides a well-researched overview of vampire lore, drawing on sources from various cultures and time periods. While some details might be speculative, as is common in books on folklore, the information is generally accurate and presented with respect for the subject matter. Readers looking for a credible account of vampire history will find this book reliable.

Perspective: ★★★★☆
The author takes a balanced approach, examining vampires from both a historical and cultural perspective. Hollyhock explores how the concept of vampires has evolved over time, from ancient folklore to modern-day representations. The perspective is thoughtful, offering readers a comprehensive view of how these myths have influenced literature, film, and popular culture.

Relevance: ★★★☆☆
While vampires have enjoyed significant popularity in recent decades, particularly in the realms of fiction and film, their cultural relevance has waned somewhat in recent years. Nevertheless, for those with a keen interest in the supernatural or gothic literature, this book remains a valuable resource.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
Hollyhock’s writing is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the eerie world of the undead. The book is filled with intriguing stories and lesser-known facts that keep the reader's interest piqued throughout. Whether you’re a seasoned vampire enthusiast or new to the subject, the book’s narrative style is likely to hold your attention.

Readability: ★★★★☆
The language is accessible and easy to follow, making the book suitable for a wide audience. Hollyhock balances academic insights with a conversational tone, ensuring that the content is both informative and enjoyable to read. The structure of the book is logical, guiding readers through different aspects of vampire lore in a coherent manner.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Overall, Vampires is an enjoyable read for those with an interest in the undead. The book’s combination of history, culture, and mythology provides a well-rounded exploration of the subject, making it both entertaining and educational. While it may not offer new insights for those well-versed in vampire lore, it is a solid and enjoyable addition to the genre.


‘Vampires: A Handbook of History & Lore of the Undead’ by Agnes Hollyhock is a well-researched and engaging exploration of vampire mythology. Though the cultural relevance of vampires may have diminished in recent years, the book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in the supernatural. Hollyhock’s balanced perspective, coupled with her accessible writing style, makes this a worthwhile read for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

A quick and fun read that is written in very accessible language. It was interesting to learn the varied lore of vampires, beyond what's become immortalized in pop culture. I think anyone who's had even a fleeting interest in the supernatural/paranormal will enjoy this book.

I will definitely be picking up a physical copy to have on my shelf.

This was an interesting and fun quick read and is a great edition to my ever growing collection of Vampire books. A good introduction to vampire legends.

I really enjoyed this! As a lover of vampires and everything spooky, this was great insight into vampire lore. I loved reading about the different vampire lore across various countries because the European vampires are usually depicted in popular media

James' rating: 5 out of 5 thought-provoking stars! ✨

Well, I love vampires as evident from my love of Twilight. When I saw this book, I decided to delve into the historical aspects of this fascinating creature that is now one of the most loved mythical creatures.

This book draws a pretty ambiguous study on vampires. How this creature originated and how real and scary these creatures were to people of the past was quite interesting to read. While now many of us skeptical about their existence and the book community in particular, romanticize them a lot in our stories, they were a source of fear for the ones that came before us.

The types of vampires itself is quite fascinating. I had a phase where I devoured books about various types of vampires and I think I can confidently state I have read all types there was (at least 99.9%) which includes ones that have different powers, looks, food source, genealogy, creations etc. All these are discussed in the book as well the types pertaining to different regions across the world with their names, powers and weaknesses.

Definitely a book I would recommend for vampire lovers.

Thanks to Agnes Hollyhock and Wellfleet Press for an engaging ARC!