The Complete Book of Vampires

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Ashley can really blow you away with all the information that he gives in this book. Very informative and I love reading this book!

Rating:
Summary: WOW
Review: Ashley can really blow you away with all the information that he gives in this book. Very informative and I love reading this book!

Rating:
Summary: Interesting book.
Review: I can honestly say that, anyone who has studied vampirism on their own, through books, internet, and other sources, probably knows most of what the author of this book has written. I am not saying it's not a good book to have around as reference, because most certainly, it is. And for someone who has not read much about vampirism, this is THE starting point to begin with.

The book covers ancient vampire myths of all countries, and adds interesting little tidbits along the way, such as reports about "real vampires," and famous historical "vampires." It also covers all of the essentual vampire fare, such as movies, music, etc., although I do not like the way the author puts down Werner Herzog's film "Nosferatu" (which I think is an EXCELLENT film, by all means).

In a nutshell, I would recommend this book to both vampire novice and serious student alike, since it has so much information that can be used as reference.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting book.
Review: I can honestly say that, anyone who has studied vampirism on their own, through books, internet, and other sources, probably knows most of what the author of this book has written. I am not saying it's not a good book to have around as reference, because most certainly, it is. And for someone who has not read much about vampirism, this is THE starting point to begin with.

The book covers ancient vampire myths of all countries, and adds interesting little tidbits along the way, such as reports about "real vampires," and famous historical "vampires." It also covers all of the essentual vampire fare, such as movies, music, etc., although I do not like the way the author puts down Werner Herzog's film "Nosferatu" (which I think is an EXCELLENT film, by all means).

In a nutshell, I would recommend this book to both vampire novice and serious student alike, since it has so much information that can be used as reference.

Rating:
Summary: Not all it's cracked up to be...
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed the author's book "The Complete Book of Superstition, Prophecy and Luck" and since he has penned other books of this type, i was fully looking forward to this one (as vampirism is my major interest), hoping that it would someday be written.
It finally came and i was rather disappointed.
I'm quite knowledgeable on the subject, so when i see bits of info like the following (under the heading CHINESE VAMPIRE FILMS in "The Vampire on the Screen" chapter): "I have never seen the following (English titles). They were made by a single director in the seventies: The Night of the Vampire (1970), Lake of Dracula (1971), and The Evil of Dracula (1975)."

The above films are actually JAPANESE.

It goes on to say:
"Lists of film are given by many vampire encyclopedists, as you know, but we need a Chinese film historian to supply the titles and as much detailas possible about the very many relevant movies, whatever their quality, of which Westeners are ignorant."

Is this is a rallying cry for someone who has written a book entitled "The COMPLETE Book of Vampires"?
You'd think it'd be a little more comprehensive. You'll find other such calls for SOMEONE to supply more info on the topic within the text as well.

The book has a rushed kind of feel to it to, as it reads more like a grab bag of vampire information and lists to other works.

If you want to read more comprehensive books on the topic, buy J. Gordon Melton's "The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead" or Matthew Bunson's "Vampire: The Encyclopaedia".

Sorry for sounding so harsh in this review folks, but that's my dissatisfaction showing through!

Such a shame too, as Ashley really does have an enjoyable writing style. Check out his other books if you can, but i don't really recommend this one.