Candlewick Press, 2010
ISBN:9780763649142
Available: Pre-Order
Vampireology is a guide to vampires ostensibly written by Archibald Brooks, a Protector, or slayer of vampires. It covers a great deal of ground, from their biblical origins, to the passing of their curse, to powers, vulnerabilities, and even their historical animosity toward werewolves and the Protector. When Brooks is murdered, presumably by vampires, the guide goes to his successor, Joshua Kraik, a private detective, who adds his own personal notes. Every page of the book has foldouts of Kraik’s notes, his correspondence with the mysterious Contessa, or other relevant items to the topic of the page. In a growing field of guides and compendiums, Vampireology gives you both a guide to vampires as presented by Brooks and a side story within presented by Kraik’s notes. Vampireology is one of the better choices out there. It provides its own interesting and intriguing story, and is a take on vampires that will be of interest to fans.
Vampireology is a beautiful book to look at, and it is attractively put together, with compelling illustrations and imagery. For librarians, the immediate concern will be the number of flaps and folds that will be subject to extensive wear and tear. The book is 30 pages long but is oversized, and each page has foldouts and other materials that, while they can keep readers’ attention, can also be easily damaged. The book captures the feel of a personal journal as well as a guide to vampires, with items such as a train ticket that literally pop out at you as if they are three-dimensional . It should be noted, though, that its take on vampire mythology doesn’t sync up with that of Twilight or other popular teen vampire mythology- those looking for a romantic tale will want to look elsewhere. Vampireology is recommended more for fans of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Recommended for public library collections, and as a gift book for vampire fans.
Contains: Imagery of decapitation of vampires.