THE BEAST WITHIN: Man, Myths and Werewolves

by Adam Douglas

To most of us, werewolves conjure images of lurid Hollywood horror fantasies. But where did the idea of the terrible transformation originate? Why is it meant to happen at the full moon, and why should silver bullets counteract it?

From Paleolithic animal cults to modern psychiatric wards, Adam Douglas traces the history of lycanthropy through myth, legend and literature from all over the world - Ancient Egypt and American Indian societies, the witch-hunts of seventeenth century Europe and Celtic, Norse, and Hindu cultures, classical literature and modern cinema.

Ranging from 'scientific' to shamanistic explanations for lycanthropy, from Lon Chaney and The Company of Wolves to Romulus and Remus, Mowgli, or psychiatric case histories, The Beast Within is a compelling reassessment of one of mankind's most potent and enduring symbols.

Photography: Andre Chapman

Genres: Nonfiction, Werewolves, History, Horror, Folklore, Reference, Shapeshifters

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[RedDagger · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, a readable presentation of werewolf history, if somewhat dated. As many writings do, spends a lot of time on non-werewolf topics then weakly connects them to lycanthropy, something that seems to happen due to how limited the werewolf corpus actually is.

I cannot recommend this, however, due to its suspect informational quality - there's very few citations, and the author doesn't have a relevant background (he's a book seller, not even a writer; let alone an academic or anything dealing with folklore/history), and this shows in the many factual errors scattered throughout, seeping out further into questionable uncritical analyses. The simplest examples I can give are believing urban myths around periods synching with the moon or with other women in closer proximity, or the belief that ergot "to all intents and purposes" doses you with LSD. The general presentation of werewolf history isn't that levels of incorrect, but the constant small errors leave the whole project weak; read with care.

There are a few worthwhile inclusions that aren't given focus in other works I've read. One is the connection between the myths of Lycaon and Tantalus (page 47), another is the inclusion of a few post-witch trials accusations of people being werewolves (page 185-6).

In general, it'd be preferable to read a better work, and then supplement it with this by flicking through for any new pieces of information rather than relying on this as your soul source.

[Jo s-N · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Nothing CRAZY. Some cool facts and hypothesis from the author which are fun to explore but not too sure how plausible they actually are.

Love the analysis of old language/names and linking that to the origins.

Anyways

A fairly fun read

Good for people into myths and legends

[Cody K · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7

Douglas provides a sufficiently developed, accessible narrative of werewolves in (mostly) western history. To date, his remains the most comprehensive history of werewolves in the popular canon--which is both a testament to his work but also forces me to acknowledge there's very little else offering something similar yet credible.

The book's style is breezy, avoiding the dry academese plaguing many books on monsters. With the breezy style, the book fails to cite the majority of its information. True, it does have a fairly deep bibliography, but it's of little help if you want to track down sources for yourself.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never been a huge fan of stuff like this, but being a Danzig fan you can only hear someone sing so many lyrics about Werewolves before you get a little curious.

I picked this paperback up when I was in high school at a now closed up book shop in the South End (A BOOK STORE IN THE SOUTH END?!?!?!).

I read through it quickly because it's a series of fairly short stories. I never gave the book a second thought until I moved in with Jamie Miller and he borrowed it. I believe the tattoo on his chest came from a piece of art at the beginning of one of the chapters.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not really what I was expecting. I was hoping more for a book like Guiley's Vampires Among Us. The author seemed to be really stretching on some areas and didn't really explore all avenues. I also didn't like the chapter headings because you could not look at them and tell what a chapter was really about. I am try to read a few later chapters, but as of 102 pages I am done.

[Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up in a bookshop because I didn't understand the order of first names and last names - and yet this book from Serendip is the definitely my favourite book on werewolves and one of the funnest and best written objective non-fiction books on my shelves.

[Justinian · Rating 5 out of 5]

keep wondering why i wake up with muddy feet.....