Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend

Mark Jenkins's engrossing history draws on the latest science, anthropological and archaeological research to explore the origins of vampire stories, providing gripping historic and folkloric context forthe concept of immortal beings who defy death by feeding on the lifeblood of others. From the earliest whispers of eternal evil in ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, and Rome, vampire tales flourished through the centuries andaround the globe, fueled by superstition, sexual mystery, fear of disease and death, and the nagging anxiety that demons lurk everywhere.

In Vampire Forensics, Mark Jenkins probesvampire legend to tease out the historical truths enshrined in the tales of terror: sherds of Persian pottery depicting blood-sucking demons; the amazing recent discovery by National Geographic archaeologist Matteo Borriniof a 16th-century Venetian grave of a plague victim and suspected vampire; and the Transylvanian castle of Vlad the Impaler, whose bloodthirsty cruelty remains unsurpassed.

Jenkinsnavigates centuries of lore and legend, adding new chapters to the chronicle and weaving an irresistibly seductive blend of superstition, psychology, and science sure to engross everyone from Anne Rice'scountless readers to serious students of archaeology and mythology.

Your brain tells you it doesn't really exist. You know it's just a myth. Yet as it bends over you...the shiver down your spine still lingers after you wake with a start.

Mark Jenkins is chief historian of the National Geographic Society’s archives and co-author of High Adventure, an illustrated history of the Society.

The very best story of diablerie — The master is at hand — Drear mansions — The vampire epidemics — Corpi morti — Terra damnata — Fang of lightning — Tales of worldwide devilry.