Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions by A. P. Sylvia

Schiffer Publishing, 2019

ISBN: 978-0-7643-5792-3

Available: Hardcover

Vampires of Lore: Traits and Modern Misconceptions by A. P. Sylvia is a readable, concise deconstruction of vampire legends. Sylvia compares vampires in modern-day fiction to superstitious beliefs about vampires in folklore. The author describes vampires in literature and movies of the 1800s and later, such as Bram Stoker’s 1897 Dracula, the German 1922 movie Nosferatu and the 1990’s television series, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, as well as creatures in folk tales from around the world.

Sylvia defines vampires in fiction and folklore as “undead corpses of once living people, who are harming the living is some way, and are killed via taking action against the corpse itself”. The author examines 18 traits of modern-day fictional vampires, ranging from blood-drinking to transformation into bats and other animals. Surprisingly, fangs are inventions of fiction, whereas compulsive counting, exemplified by Sesame Street’s Count Von Count, is described in folklore.

The book has 120+ pages , footnotes and handsome illustrations on its cover and pages. However, it is not a dense, scholarly book. The author’s style is conversational and wry. Sylvia’s book would be a good addition to any vampire fan’s library. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Robert D. Yee