Human Animals

by Frank Hamel, Frank Hamel, Matthew Schmitz (Narrator)

Frank Hamel's Human Animals (published in 1915) is an infamous and classic treatise on the mythology and the evidence of hybrid humans. This was one of the first popular works on cryptozoology, and a primer for those interested in the many stories and accounts of lycanthropy and other strange evolutionary paradoxes. Covering the Were-wolf Trials of 1521, to bird-women, human serpents and witch familiars, Hamel's research into the mythological, hysterical, historical and the subjective with a scholar's pen. Many religious ceremonies and occult practices are studied, and he helps us to understand how these fantastical creatures have become a part of our culture, from books of fiction, to very serious study. Human Animals is a book that contains records and accounts of traditions dealing with the belief that certain men and women can transform themselves into animals. The causes of transformation are contact with a wer-animal, touching what he has touched, wearing an animal skin, rubbing the body with ointment, slipping on a girdle, buckling on a strap, and many other expedients, magical and otherwise, may bring about the metamorphosis.

1 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 12, 2023

Reviews

[MacWithBooksonMountains Marcus]

This is an older book about shapeshifting humans. Well researched, it gives many examples from the beginning of documented history

[Alexa]

OK, so DNF, but! At the same time, I would highly recommend it.

Definitely dated (out dated language all over the place 1912...) and a little dry, but if you're just an info nerd like myself or an author who likes writing fantasy, this book could potentially be your best friend.
7th child cursed to turn into a werewolf? 7th child of the 7th child able to change at will? Breaking curses. This book has it all in spades.