"Make no mistake, this is a serious, scholarly, altogether professional book--but it also has all the elements of a Stephen King novel. Filled with real-life tales of mystery, misery, and psychological mayhem, it challenges us to realize the unfathomable and to reexamine traditional definitions of fact and fantasy. And Richard Noll proves a sure-footed guide as he crosses the boundary of standard psychiatric nomenclature into the world of identity transformation and blood obsession." "Meticulously researched and edited, the book brings together an international selection of contributions--historical and current--to reveal the depth and breadth of psychopathology as it manifests in vampirism, lycanthropy, and demonical possession. Mr. Noll's own explorations of the subjects weave together clinical, anthropological, and literary perspectives to create a rich and multitextured portrait of these psychiatric disturbances. As the labyrinthian nature of the human psyche unfolds within these pages, we are reminded again and again of the power of the beast that lurks beneath the surface of day-to-day existence." "This is not a book for the faint of heart. But for those whose thirst for knowledge compells them to question the unquestionable, it is a unique and provocative exploration of disorders that lie beyond the reach of current genetic, biochemical, and neurophysiological understanding."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Monsters and shape-shifters have always held a special fascination in mythologies, legends, and folklore the world over. From ancient customs to famous cases of beasts and vampires and their reflections in popular culture, 600 entries provide definitions, explanations, and lists of suggested further reading.

Vampires and werewolves; phantoms and phantasms: looming out of the fog leaps the menacing spectre of the lycanthrope, ghoul or blood-crazed zombie. Intrigued by some of the most sinister, yet at the same time most compelling, legends of western civilization, Gregory L Reece dusts down his stake and crucifix, loads his silver bullets and takes off into the wilds in search of answers and fresh adventures. Rummaging around in crumbling tombs and cobwebbed sarcophagi, his latest quest leads him into the haunted realm of the dead and the undead: of those carnivorous, nocturnal hunters that might perhaps better be left undisturbed. Why, he asks, is our culture obsessed by the eerie and the macabre? Why, despite its horrors, does the 'dark side' of the supernatural - its seances and ghost-hunting, demonic possession and the occult - call to us with such dangerous allure? Whether tracking night-stalking werewolves, chanting black magic mantras with Satanists, or interviewing a funereal modern-day Count Dracula, Reece is determined to uncover the truth. A wry exploration of a secret and secretive subculture, "Creatures of the Night" is at the same time a bold and startling journey into a wraithlike world that has so often seemed to lie beyond the limits of rational comprehension - until now.

Originally published: New York: Arcade Pub.: Distributed by Little, Brown and Company, c1998.

A supernatural mystery with humor and romantic spice. If you’re looking for a paranormal twist that will have you laughing out loud then prepare yourself for Werewolves, Vampires and Demons, Oh My. This collection includes all three books in the series: Indecent Werewolf Exposure ~ It all started with a werewolf peeing in her bushes. Then a demon tried to kill her, but the final straw? Having to decide between two men. Or not…She might just keep them both. Mr. Peabody’s House ~ A haunted house becomes the focus of a demonic investigation so Brenda teams up with a trio of werewolves to solve the mystery. But when the house eats her, can she be saved? A Demon Stole My Kitty ~ Witches are being murdered, demons are misbehaving, and her cat has gone missing. What’s a witch to do? Save the world, of course, once a hot wizard gets out of her way. genre: paranormal romantic comedy, supernatural mystery romance, reverse harem, horror comedy romance