A Field Guide to Demons, Vampires, Fallen Angels and Other Subversive Spirits - Softcover

Mack, Carol K.; Mack, Dinah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1611451000 ISBN 13: 9781611451009

Publisher: Arcade, 2011

Synopsis

Did you know the Mbulu of South Africa has a razor sharp tail with a mind of its own? Or that the Kuru-Pira of Brazil has eyes that glow like embers, and fangs ripping from its mouth? In this updated edition of A Field Guide to Demons, Carol and Dinah Mack bring to life some of the most horrific and fascinating creatures ever described in mythology and legend. With a deft pen and global perspective, the Macks profile over ninety bogies including: mermaids, ghouls, vampires, kelpies, werewolves, and more.

Readers will delight in exploring the origin, characteristics, and cultural significance of each creature. Organized by habitat,” this book will entertain readers of all ages, while shedding light on religious and cultural ideals from around the world. With vivid details and highly researched entries, A Field Guide to Demons is a must have for academics, writers, students, and anyone interested in mythology or the occult.

About this title

Review:

The Macks divert our gaze from our contemporary red-faced, cloven-hoofed misrepresentation of demons to remind us of the ancient roles demons were originally assigned to play. From the Tommyknockers of North American mountain mines to the South African Mbulu that waits in the river for lone travelers, A Field Guide to Demons classifies these creatures by their domains--water, mountain, forest--rather than in alphabetical or cultural order, dishing out antique and contemporary lore on these most misunderstood of spirits. A Field Guide to Demons melds folklore and mythology; maintains a surprisingly evenhanded view of demons; and reveals their role as the necessary challenger to established order, the antagonist--without which there could be no hero--and the darkness through which goodness shines brightest. --Brian Patterson

About the Author:

Carol K. Mack is a teacher, writer, and mother. She has won numerous awards for playwriting and received her masters degree in religious studies. She currently lives in New York City.

Dinah Mack received her master’s degree in cultural anthropology before collaborating with her mother on A Field Guide to Demons. She currently lives and works in Weston, Massachusetts.

About this edition

• Publisher: Arcade
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1611451000
• ISBN 13: 9781611451009
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320