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Vampires: Our Enduring Love Affair with the Undead

Austin Ford

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Published in Loving Vampires: Our Undead Obsession

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Loving Vampires: Our Undead Obsession

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6044 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	225 pages

Vampires have captivated our imaginations for centuries. From Bram Stoker's Dracula to Anne Rice's Lestat, these creatures of the night have haunted our dreams and desires. But what is it about vampires that we find so alluring?

In her new book, Loving Vampires, cultural historian Jessica Garber explores the enduring fascination with vampires. Garber argues that vampires represent our deepest fears and desires, and that they allow us to explore the dark side of our own nature. She traces the history of vampires in literature, film, and television, and she examines the ways in which vampires have been used to reflect our changing social and cultural values.

Garber begins by exploring the origins of the vampire myth. She argues that vampires first emerged in folklore as a way to explain the unexplained. In a world where death was a constant threat, vampires represented the fear of the unknown. They were also seen as a symbol of evil, and they were often used to punish those who had sinned.

Over time, the vampire myth evolved. In the 19th century, vampires became more romantic and seductive. This was due in part to the influence of Gothic literature, which often featured vampires as Byronic heroes. Vampires also became more popular in the 20th century, thanks to the rise of horror films. These films often depicted vampires as creatures of violence and terror.

Today, vampires are more popular than ever. They are featured in a wide range of books, movies, and television shows. They are also the subject of academic study. Garber argues that the enduring fascination with vampires is due to the fact that they represent our deepest fears and desires. They allow us to explore the dark side of our own nature, and they help us to understand our own mortality.

Loving Vampires is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most iconic and enduring figures in popular culture. Garber provides a comprehensive overview of the history of vampires, and she offers a unique perspective on their enduring appeal. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in vampires, or in the history of horror.

Chapter 1: The Origins of the Vampire Myth
Chapter 2: The Romantic Vampire
Chapter 3: The Vampire in Film and Television
Chapter 4: The Vampire in Literature
Chapter 5: The Vampire in Popular Culture
Chapter 6: The Psychology of Vampires

About the Author

Jessica Garber is a cultural historian and professor of English at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of several books on popular culture, including The Rise of the Vampire: From Dracula to Twilight and The Zombie Apocalypse: A Cultural History.

Loving Vampires: Our Undead Obsession

5 out of 5