Vampires, Burial, and Death Folklore and Reality Paul Barber Yale University Press, 1988, 197 pp, notes, bibliography, index, €13.60, ISBN 0-300-04859-9. page views. Nice clear prose, without padding. . . Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. I think the best parts I picked from the book was how closely dreams and reality were tied prior to the enlightenment, and the concept of a body hat had not completed decomposition was often still considered agent. . Vampires, Burial, and Death (July 25, 1990 edition) | Open Library. I own quite a few books regarding historical vampires, way more than I care to admit, and all of them I have read at least once. . There are lots of books that try to explain the phenomenon and after expending some time searching and reading reviews, I ended up buying this one. Then it moves onto death, what happens to the bodies after death, why and when it happens. What does this mean in light of the development of the “vampire” in folklore? The examples are hilarious and what I liked the most was how the author explains and justifies all that is reported with nowadays and the actual knowledge, mainly in the medical/forensics area. Buy a cheap copy of Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore... book by Paul Barber. Author. . . $22.00. Well, I bought this book without really knowing what I was doing. For t. I first picked this book up the summer of my Freshman year of college. . It was particularly pertinent as both authors use a lot of the same source material and come to wildly different conclusions--one rather reasonable who's methodology teaches how to read pre-literate folklore better, the other batshit crazy and pulling us back toward the credulity that's always let shysters control us, dominate us, and steal a lot of our wealth by selling us one god or another. All files scanned and secured, so don't worry about it I found it at a used bookstore while out camping with my then girlfriend. With historical cases and folklore from across Europe it is interesting to see how the vampire evolved but how much they share common traits. Barber reminds us that the undead of folklore have precious little in common with Bram Stoker's Dracula or Anne Rice's Lestat -- those are completely modern concoctions. The lowest-priced item that has been used or worn previously. Anyway, this book is worth reading and contains many valuable insights and interesting facts about a (somewhat) taboo subject. My only criticism is that the author tends to repeat himself and makes the same, or similar, points throughout the book. "In Pomerania it was recommended that one dip part of the shroud in the blood of the revenant, leach the blood out into brandy, and drink the mixture to protect oneself against revenants. If you're a fantasy/fiction reader like me and if you like vampire stories, you'll certainly enjoy reading this book. . This book provides overwhelming evidence that practices and beliefs associated with death, funerals, burial, the soul, the afterlife, and the undead were strongly influenced by facts and misunderstandings about decomposition processes. . Hardco. Free shipping for many products! "A fascinating and pain-staking (sorry!) Now I understand why this book has been sited over and over. I can't even begin to go over the information that is in this book. ", Ah, this perfectly reasonable and quite interesting scholarly look at vampiric folklore and possible explanations for the persistance of vampire lore from an actual scholar was the perfect antidote to the Montague Summer's (decadent Catholic-wannabe dandy who tries to convince us with his two books about vampires to be ever vigilant against Satan) book on vampires that I read just before this. Starts out trying to understand why lots of cultures believe in vampires. Pre-owned: lowest price. There is so much more that just makes this book worthwhile. This particular myth of the vampire was perpetuated by the plague in the 16 th and 17 th centuries. The brick was likely a burial tactic to prevent strega—Italian vampires or witches—from leaving the grave to eat people. The basic approach on the subject is amazingly done, the text fluidity is ideal and the way the book is organized is great. In Paul Barber’s Vampires, Burial, and Death, he discusses the very early sightings or cases of vampirism, like Andre Paole and Peter Pologojowitz, and, we,as readers get a sense of the core features that make a vampire so interesting. Anyone with an interest in vampires needs to investigate this marvelous book by Paul Barber, a rare scholarly study that is written with verve, wit, and charm. Vampires, Burial, and Death by Paul Barber (2010, Trade Paperback) Be the first to write a review. So three stars because I am so annoyingly squeamish. I found it at a used bookstore while out camping with my then girlfriend. Though leaving Boris Karloff and Peter Cushing firmly in the realm of fiction, it throws much light on a macabre tradition which arose from an elaborate folk attempt to explain the phenomena associated with death and decay. It was particularly pertinent as both authors use a lot of the same source material and come to wildly. Eventually the author realized that belief in vampires is closely correlated with ignorance of what happens to dead bodies. This is definitely on my top five favorite list. As the second part of his title suggests, Barber documents with fascinating detail the physical and social realities that account for the vast preponderance of "traditional" vampire behavior and appearance. . Vampires, Burial, and Death. . The upshot? Please ensure you're using that browser before attempting to purchase. There is so much more that just makes this book worthwhile. The writing is very scholarly - this reads like a research dissertation - but it is very informative. Readers will enjoy Barber’s insights into subjects usually ’shrouded’ in myth. This book shows the reader that bodies rot and decay in a variety of different ways, and unless you understand the science of decomposition it is tempting to resort to supernatural explanations for bodies that fail to decompose in the usual or expected way. . And not a corpse in any too good shape, either! I recently started re-reading this great book as I'm working on an article on Serbian vampires currently myself. "—Gerry Melnick. Barber's is a classic revelation of the ways in which the most powerful superstitions can accrete, like the layers of a pearl, around a hard central truth. "—David George, "In this comprehensive volume on vampirism, Barber provides a wealth of support for his thesis that the vampire lore of preliterate peoples developed largely to account for unexplainable events related to death and decomposition of the body."—. In this engrossing book, Paul Barber surveys centuries of folklore about vampires and offers the first scientific explanation for the origins of the vampire legends. "This book is fascinating reading for physicians and anthropologists as well as anyone interested in folklore."—R. View Inside ... "An excellent study of the way that the folklore about vampires may have developed in Europe through the oral tradition. This is definitely on my top five favorite list. Speaking with Adam Grant feels like having your brain sandblasted, in a pleasant sort of way. Pretty danged fascinating; makes me want to read more about decomposition, honestly. Plague victims were buried in mass graves; when another person died, the grave was reopened to add their body and once opened, the gravediggers met with a very unfortunate surprise. In this engrossing book, Paul Barber surveys centuries of folklore about vampires and offers the first scientific explanation for the origins of the vampire legends. This book shows the reader that bodies rot and decay in a variety of different ways, and unless you understand the science of decomposition it is tempting to resort to supernatural explanations for bodies that fail to decompose in the usual or expected way. At the time, what drew me (and still does) is the masterful way in which Barber merges the fields of folklore as well as human biology to craft a very interesting thesis - namely that much of the folklore of vampires stems from the normal process of human decomposition. The folklore of the dead returning to life is a worldwide phenomenon. Many of the books on vampires that you find today will, in their bibliography, list Paul Barber's Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality, as one of the many sources the author has used. Find Vampires, Burial, and Death by Barber, Paul at Biblio. I laughed out loud at lines like these: "However tragic your death may be, it would be far more tragic if you were to take me with you." Vampires, Burial, and Death. Where did the idea of blood-sucking ghouls come from? It's the kind of book to read slowly, ideal for those moments when you don't want to do anything else and want to relax a bit. Barber includes more information about the body after death than you could ever have imagined, and yet somehow manages to maintain a jolly tone while he discusses the details of decomposition and other potentially gut-churning subjects. It is an interesting must read for people who enjoy reading about vampires. Years later, I still have it my original copy and have read it multiple times. Liked the idea of Satan inflating corpses to make vampires, a way of explaining decomposition bloat, and other information of the sort with a grisly bent. Now I understand why this book has been sited over and over. In Romanian lore, people who are destined to become vampires after death send their souls out of their bodies at night to wander at crossroads with reanimated corpses (Murgoci). Get this from a library! The book is based mainly on folkloric resources, the newest being the 1980s. Fantastic book for those interested in vampires, folklore and the general macabre. Find books like Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality from the world’s largest community of readers. --from publisher's description. In fact, I would say his work is a major source and is one everybody interested in vampires and folklore should read. Fascinating and unexpected; wholly original research; entirely free of fantasy but sympathetic to the human capacity for creating it. Crossroads also have a role in various funeral and burial customs, which keep the dead from returning to attack the living. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. (This edition has a new preface.) We’d love your help. Barber explores the differences between common fiction tropes about vampires and the folklore surrounding them from cultures/ times where people believe in their existence. Too much repetition to validate its 200+ pages. First there are multiple examples (always some sourced from various country's folklores, and sometimes a few modern-day anecdotes). The book takes a welcome departure from the sensation-mongering, Dracula-oriented popular literature on the shelves of occult bookstores. Publication Date. Welcome back. by L. Dégh et al. The best part is that it's not JUST about vampires, it's als. Read online Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore book author by Barber, Paul (Paperback) with clear copy PDF ePUB KINDLE format. Barber’s book is a convincing exercise in mental archaeology. . Liked the old vision of a v. Nothing radical here, but some snippets of historical vampire tales and cursory look at decomposition. Vampires, Burial, and Death The bulk of Paul Barber's nonfiction book VAMPIRES, BURIAL, AND DEATH: FOLKLORE AND REALITY (1988) doesn't explain the origins of vampire superstitions, although one short chapter, "The Soul After Death," suggests some possibilities. This book presents a very convincing theory in a little under 200 pages. An interesting and fascinating examination of the possible causes of various vampire legends and mythologies, focusing on what happens to a corpse during decomposition. I can't even begin to go over the information that is in this book. And it's NOT because I haven't read many books. Why is the idea of vampires so pervasive in world cultures? "—Roy Porter. Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality; With a New Preface. plus shipping $22.59. free shipping worldwide. . Paul Barber ... Paul Barber surveys centuries of folklore about vampires and offers the first scientific explanation for the origins of the vampire legends. From the tale of a sixteenth-century shoemaker from Breslau whose ghost terrorized everyone in the city, to the testimony of a doctor As a writer, I can literally flip to any pages of this book and get two story ideas. . Are no sparkly or sexy vampires here; not even any who wear evening dress and travel with coffins of dirt. Book Description: In this engrossing book, Paul Barber surveys centuries of folklore about vampires and offers the first scientific explanation for the origins of the vampire legends. Praise For Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality; With a New Preface … "A stimulating, authoritative discourse on the relationship between the historical concepts of vampires in folklore and fiction across the ages and throughout the world. "—Roy Porter. Throughout, the author's dry wit shines forth and makes for an engaging read. "— Th. "—, "A pioneering work on the role of medicine in unraveling the mysteries of the supernatural. He pulls back the veil on a curious corner of the European psyche in the Middle Agges, and for those even remotely interested in folklore or medieval history, this book is a guaranteed delight. 6 Reviews. This book has … The way Barber presents his arguments is so clear. Barber includes more information about the body after death than you could. An utterly engrossing book; I don’t need to add much here, given the rave reviews. Vampires, Burial and Death is an in depth study in the natural pathology of a decomposing body and how it influenced the vampires of folklore. . The book follows a very logical and reasonable course, starting with the vampires and vampire scares of the 18th Century, and earlier. To see what your friends thought of this book. However, what such individuals may fail to consider, out of laziness or bias, is that FALSE beliefs about the supernatural do not disprove or provide evidence against the reality of ACTUAL supernatural entities and processes. Ted Steinbock, MD. I give it five stars because, apart from any other consideration, there is no book I know of that is even remotely like this. Covid SafetyMembershipEducatorsGift CardsStores & EventsHelp. Concentrating on the vampire and revenant legends of eastern Europe, Paul Barber carefully analyzes the few documented cases spanning centuries.The exhumations of suspected vampires include … While. . The occasional droll observations were entertaining. Vampires Burial and Death Surveys centuries of folklore about vampires. Ah, this perfectly reasonable and quite interesting scholarly look at vampiric folklore and possible explanations for the persistance of vampire lore from an actual scholar was the perfect antidote to the Montague Summer's (decadent Catholic-wannabe dandy who tries to convince us with his two books about vampires to be ever vigilant against Satan) book on vampires that I read just before this. The book is worth a read not only for the theory but als because of the amount of translation and sources that Barber looks at. For those, like me, who are much more into the folkloric aspects of vampire lore, there is a great deal as well - Barber includes solid translations of a number of important primary sources throughout the work, and the accounts are still very gripping. Then moving onto the subject of burial, how people are buried, why, where, so on. Vampires, Burial, and Death. I think the best parts I picked from the book was how closely dreams and reality were tied prior to the enlightenment, and the concept of a body hat had not completed decomposition was often still considered agent. My only complaint about this book is chapter 12, which describes decomposition in WAY too much detail. He also explores reasons why certain beliefs existed including the characteristics of dead bodies that were thought to signify vampirism (and which were fairly common in bodies). The author starts by differentiating vampires in fiction (supposed to be intriguing) from the vampires of folklore. Since fictional vampires are pretty much by definition made up, the author concentrates on vampire folklore - what people used to believe about vampires. . . The best part is that it's not JUST about vampires, it's also about burial customs and there are even some bits of cultural information. Paul Barber. If you don't have a strong stomach for that sort o f thing, this might not be the book for you. Where did the idea of blood-sucking ghouls come from? And it's NOT because I haven't read many books. The traditional vampire is, in fact, a corpse. The information was well put together though, and the writing wasn't stagnant. Nothing radical here, but some snippets of historical vampire tales and cursory look at decomposition. This book is a must-read for anyone seriously interested in vampires and their lore. A word of note, as others have stated, the book isn't for the squeemish and it goes very much into the nitty-gritty of decomposition. Then moving onto the subject of burial, how people are buried, why, where, so on. This study of the ways in which observations of actual physiological processes can become worked into legends and folktales by the forces of oral tradition and belief is fascinating."—. . "Barber’s inquiry into vampires, fact and fiction, is a gem in the literature of debunking. Barber’s cool commentary and immaculate use of primary sources distance the gore, leaving the fascination. This nonfiction book explores the very roots of the vampire legend and ties it to the unexpected things that dead bodies can do and how the people of yesterday interpreted those things. Publisher. Next, there's a rundown of the facts, totally without ornament or embellishment. Folklore and Reality. Vampires are the result of an e. Why is the idea of vampires so pervasive in world cultures? By purchasing books through this website, you support our non-profit organization. In his search for a scientific explanation of the origin of vampire legends. "—, "Learned, energetic, creepily absorbing study—definitely not for children. Vampires are the result of an enormous misunderstanding - a misunderstanding about why people die (pathology) and decomposition (biology). July 25th 1990 And I gotta tell you, it was worth it. Vampires, Burial, and Death is an older book from the 1980s. A must for any anthropologist / folklorist or anyone who's ever read an Ann Rice novel (and especially so for Twilight fans - this might explain why every other vampire fan is down on their s---. Start by marking “Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality” as Want to Read: Error rating book. thesis, which welds together folklore, epidemic panic, communal stupidity and forensic and funereal science. Specifically the "liquifaction of the eyeballs." "—Huw Knight, "A stimulating, authoritative discourse on the relationship between the historical concepts of vampires in folklore and fiction across the ages and throughout the world. The book follows a very logical and reasonable course, starting with the vampires and vampire scares of the 18th Century, and earlier. The author also differentiates between vampire folklore/legends and literature, which are rather different. Vampires, burial, and death : folklore and reality. "—Felix J. Oinas, Indiana University. Our shopping cart only supports Mozilla Firefox. by Paul Barber‧RELEASE DATE: Sept. 14, 1988. Refresh and try again. (Read “‘Vampire of Venice’ Unmasked: Plague Victim & Witch?” Is highly repetitive, though; worth skimming. The descriptions of vampires in folklore are fascinating; the old beliefs are so different from the fiction and what we understand today. From the tale of a sixteenth-century shoemaker from Breslau whose ghost terrorized everyone in the city, to the testimony of a doctor who presided over the exhumation and dissection of a graveyard full of Serbian vampires, his book is fascinating reading. This is a very well-researched look into the folklore of vampires (almost exclusively European). . It is path-breaking and stands by itself. This is then followed by extrapolation, which is the main part of each chapter, and of course what's most convincing about each section. Download Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore book pdf free read online here in PDF. by Yale University Press, Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality. But the book was extremely well sourced and interesting, so I'd definitely recommend it. At the time, what drew me (and still does) is the masterful way in which Barber merges the fields of folklore as well as human biology to craft a very interesting thesis - namely that much of the folklore of vampires stems from the normal process of human decomposition. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. I just finished the book and already I want to start reading it over! Paul Barber’s approach to vampirism is unique and readable, and his treatment of the data is scholarly and analytical. There is SOOOOO much information in this book that I have yet to read anywhere else. Incredibly well researched, Well, I bought this book without really knowing what I was doing. Uncommonly good collectible and rare books from uncommonly good booksellers Barber has written a stimulating, authoritative discourse on the relationship between the historical concepts of vampires in folklore and fiction across the ages and throughout the world. This book presents a very convincing theory in a little under 200 pages. A bit repetitive. He interweaves folklore, philosophy, and modern medical practice. Paul Barber surprises us, and will fascinate anyone who has given even a moment’s thought to the question of what Count Dracula and his blood-sucking brothers and sisters were really like. . "—Kenneth McLeish. Offers expert description of pathological realities of decay during the post-mortem transformation of dead bodies. Barber's written the most fun science/folklore book around. . There are accounts of vampirism and stories told by people, European mostly, about situations in which the dead affected the living. Yale University Press, Jan 1, 1988 - Social Science - 236 pages. The upshot? Somewhat dry but very thorough and informative. Plus, he knows his topic is unusual and isn't afraid of a little humor and anecdotes to highlight and explain what he's writing about. : Paul Barber. Woven into this, he also traces the evolution of the vampire of folklore into it's current mediea representations. About this product. It's the kind of book to read slowly, ideal for those moments when you don't want to do anything else and want to relax a bit. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. "—Linda Degh, "An excellent study of the way that the folklore about vampires may have developed in Europe through the oral tradition. This book provides overwhelming evidence that practices and beliefs associated with death, funerals, burial, the soul, the afterlife, and the undead were strongly influenced by facts and misunderstandings about decomposition processes. Barber explores the differences between common fiction tropes about vampires and the folklore surrounding them from cultures/ times where people believe in their existence. . Where else can you read about a chicken volcano and how that relates to burial? There are lots of books that try to explain the phenomenon and after expending some time searching and reading reviews, I ended up buying this one. Liked the idea of Satan inflating corpses to make vampires, a way of explaining decomposition bloat, and other information of the sort with a grisly bent. Then it moves onto death, what happens to the bodies after death, why and when it happens. . If you're a fantasy/fiction reader like me and if you like vampire stories, you'll certainly enjoy reading this book. Vampires, Burial, and Death. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vampires, Burial and Death : Folklore and Reality by Paul Barber (1990, Trade Paperback, Reprint) at the best online prices at eBay! . For those interested in the science of human decomposition, there's a good deal here. . The traditional vampire is, in fact, a corpse. . VAMPIRES, BURIAL, AND DEATH: Folklore and Reality. Semantic Scholar extracted view of "Vampires, Burial, and Death: Folklore and Reality." And I gotta tell you, it was worth it. The archaeological resources, which are scarce, are also quite outdated and there are new theories available that provide a different interpretation, at least. "Barber’s subjects are the revenants, vrykolakes, and other Undead of European folklore, and he writes about them with a combination of scholarly deftness, wit, and clinical relish which defies criticism.