The Vampire, His Kith and Kin

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

The Vampire, His Kith and Kin

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Montague Summers presents a scholarly yet macabre exploration of vampire folklore, tracing its origins from ancient Assyria and the East to its epidemic spread in 17th-century Europe. This classic study delves into demonology, historical cases, and the theological debates surrounding the undead, offering a comprehensive look at a tradition feared worldwide.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Vampire, His Kith and Kin,' Montague Summers presents a comprehensive and scholarly investigation into the vampire legend, treating it not merely as folklore but as a global phenomenon of dateless antiquity. Summers establishes the vampire as a pariah even among demons, feared from the forests of Mexico and the isles of Greece to the sepulchres of Arabia. The text critically examines the vast literature surrounding the subject, dismissing popular but insipid collections in favor of serious academic theses from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as those by Dom Augustin Calmet and Dr. Herbert Mayo. Summers analyzes the historical context of vampire epidemics in Hungary, Moravia, and Galicia, where the phenomenon engaged the attention of the Curia and universities. He addresses the theological dilemma of whether vampires are animated by the Devil, the souls of the dead, or divine permission, arguing that the Devil's ability to materialize spirits is orthodox. He debunks the theory that premature burial explains all cases, insisting that the tradition involves genuine supernatural elements or profound psychological terror. The book covers the traits of vampirism, methods of destruction, and the creature's presence in ancient cultures like Assyria and Egypt. It also surveys the vampire in literature, from early Greek tragedies to modern fiction, while distinguishing between fact, superstition, and literary invention. Through a detailed bibliography and critical commentary, Summers constructs a philosophy of vampirism that respects the darker mysteries of human belief without succumbing to mere sensationalism. He argues that the legend is world-wide, rooted in ancient beliefs, and sustained by a complex interplay of demonology, theology, and human credulity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Horror