Vampire Forensics

Vampire Forensics: Uncovering the Origins of an Enduring Legend is a new book by Mark Collins Jenkins, a chief historian of the National Geographic Society’s archives. This incredible book comes out February 16, 2010 and I can’t wait! As a huge fan of the history behind vampire legends and a fan of archaeology of all kinds I am beyond ecstatic But before I get ahead of myself, here is the official book description…

“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 for the 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 and around 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 probes vampire 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 Borrini of 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.”

Jenkins navigates 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’s countless readers to serious students of archaeology and mythology.

A book that covers the history, psychology, archaeology and science all relating to vampires is a must have for any huge vampire fan, or anyone interested in serious archaeology and history. Another plus is that it’s written by a prestigious historian, so you know the information will be very well researched. I fully intend on buying this book the day it comes out. History and vampires, yay! Yea… I’m a geek, it’s cool.

You can pre-order the book here.

- Moonlight