This was one of the very first books I read when I got my Kindle, and I was fascinated by it. It is a very good compilation of stories about real "were-wolves," as well as theories about what might be the true cause behind their behavior. (Many of these stories are based on recorded historical events, and in several cases Baring-Gould even references court documents from real cases of cannibalism/murder/witchcraft allegations.)
Not all of the stories are strictly about what we today would call werewolves; many concern other types of shape-shifting, cannibalistic behavior, etc. but all with the same purpose - to point out that stories of werewolves and the like have existed throughout human history and in nearly every culture - often with surprising and repeated consistencies - which raises the question: is there something to the stories? And if so, what is the truth behind the myths and legends?
I definitely recommend this very interesting book, with one warning - it contains graphic descriptions of cannibalism, torture, and violent murder.
Not all of the stories are strictly about what we today would call werewolves; many concern other types of shape-shifting, cannibalistic behavior, etc. but all with the same purpose - to point out that stories of werewolves and the like have existed throughout human history and in nearly every culture - often with surprising and repeated consistencies - which raises the question: is there something to the stories? And if so, what is the truth behind the myths and legends?
I definitely recommend this very interesting book, with one warning - it contains graphic descriptions of cannibalism, torture, and violent murder.
