"Ahhhh," sez Sanguinarius in a lofty voice, to you,
"so you wanted to drop by and see what media I recommend. I have
selected some noteworthy tomes for your perusal." Sanguinarius
drops an armload of books down onto a table with a loud whump!
A cloud of dust arises, which makes Sangi sneeze and lose all pretense
of solemnitude and pompousness. "I have many others,"
sez Sanguinarius, trying in vein -- er, vain... to recover some dignity.
"But, of course, I must make the suggestion that--ACHOO!
... ACHOO! ... ACHOO!" Sanguinarius staggers around aimlessly,
sneezing. "Debber bind, just take a look ad dem, but be sure do brig
dem back whed you are true wid dem -- ACHOO!"
This is the "Sanguinarius Official Index of Approved Media".
Anyone caught viewing materials that are not included herein (including
newspapers, recipe cards, and "How-To" films on interior remodelling)
will immediately ... uh, hmmm ... um, I don't know... Oh! -- I'll SNEEZE
on you!
Anyway, seriously, I do highly recommend these media to all who know
English. If you don't speak English, then learn it so you can read and
watch these, ok?
I have divided the Library into five sections: Newer Fare, Nonfiction
Books, Notable Fiction Books, Documentaries/Films, and Notable
Movies. A note: Some books/docus may be out of print, but I have included
them, because they may be available through the Amazon.com Marketplace
(and because I still recommend them, even if they are not available).
Most of these are available from Amazon.com .
There are a *few* which are available through Lulu.com,
an independent publisher and bookseller; I'll be sure to note those for
you.
"You know you're a vampire when...you rush to the store to get
the latest non-fiction vampire book or film just to see how many of your
friends are mentioned in there!" (Yippity-skip...)
If you would like to contribute a review(s) of any of these, please send
it to me, and I will be happy to consider it for publication. Also,
please include what credit/contact information you would like to have
included for credit: name, email address, website, etc. (or even just
"anonymous" if you wish).
Newer Fare
Shifting,
Shamanism and Therianthropy: Magical Techniques For Your Therioside,
by Lupa
Tired of "how to become a werewolf" rituals that promise a lot
but deliver disappointment? There's a reason for that. Lupa, a magician
and lupine therianthrope, gets into the nitty-gritty of how therianthropy
and magic can intersect--and why there are no easy answers and quick fixes.
While the material may not work for every therian, it's based on Lupa's
magical experience of over a decade. She explains the importance of the
mechanics of magic, as well as how they can be applied to shifting for
the purpose of gaining better internal balance. This resource is offered
as a free ebook to the public, or an at-cost hardcopy booklet. [Free
electronic version] Available through Lulu.com.
We
are the Undead, or are We? Companion - A Collection of Vampire Articles,
by Briana Blair
Do you love vampires? Then you'll love this book. Here you will find topics
like: Are you a vampire? What's the difference between real living vampires
and the vampires of legend? Psychic feeding for vampires, vampire quotes,
vampire cults, online vampire groups and much more. There is a heavy focus
on RLVs or Real Living Vampires, but the content here should be both entertaining
and educational to any vampire fan. [Electronic
version] Available through Lulu.com.
What
if You are a Horse in Human Form?, by Jason 'The Horse'
For therianthropes. This book discusses openly what many have known but
very few have ever revealed, even to family members and close friends.
Today there are many horses in human form in the world, and they are here
to help their raceand humanity. What if You are a Horse in Human
Form? was written to comfort, inform, and encourage these equines,
most of whom have never met another in their situation and fear that they
are all alone. Here they will find information that will facilitate their
own journeys of self-discovery to learn why they are here and what the
equine race wants them to accomplish. This work will also be of help to
the human relatives and friends of these horses-in-human-guise. [Electronic
version] Available through Lulu.com.
...stay tuned... I'm always on the lookout for more. If you've written
(or are writing) one yourself, please let me know so I can check it out.
Non-Fiction Books
A
Field Guide to Otherkin, by Lupa.
The Otherkin community is a small but growing subculture of people who
identify in some way - spiritually, metaphorically -- as something Other
than human. Some resonate with dragons while others believe they were
elves in another life and still others resonate with wolves, great cats
and other earthly animals. Whether Otherkin yourself, or simply curious,
this book is the first to offer you an in depth look into this unique
community.
Allure
of the Vampire: Our Sexual Attraction to the Undead ,
by Corvis Nocturnum.
The mere mention of vampires used to be enough to make people think of
a nocturnal predator. But over the centuries the vampire has changed from
monstrous villain to sexual object, for both men and women alike. Allure
of the Vampire examines our intimate attraction to these beings in a detailed
manner. Now, join occult author Corvis Nocturnum as he reveals the fascinating
evolution of this icon as it has lured and enticed us in folklore, film
and books from the days of ancient civilization to the living breathing
inhabitants of our modern subculture, the vampire community.
American
Vampires: Fans, Victims, Practitioners, by Norine Dresser.
Discusses vampires and vampirism in American pop-culture, the media, cultural
icons, etc.
Blood
Lust: Conversations with Real Vampires, by Carol Page.
This is from 1989. I don't necessarily agree with Page's views, but it's
an interesting book.
Blood
Magick, by Seth.
Blood Magick is a synthesis of ancient tradition and contemporary innovations
designed for both the discerning adept seeking to incorporate blood into
existing disciplines and beginning practitioners taking their first steps
into the occult world.
Blood
Read: The Vampire As Metaphor in Contemporary Culture.
Editors: Joan Gordon & Veronica Hollinger. "Blood Read is a fresh
look at an old form, offering lively, lucid insights into the contemporary
explosion of vampire fiction. Nothing else like it exists. This book should
set the terms for discussion about vampires for some time to come."
-- Brian Attebery, Idaho State University.
The
Care and Feeding of Vampires: An Energy Workers' Guide to Real Vampirism,
by Winged Wolf.
An in-depth exploration of real vampirism for persons who have a background
in metaphysics, energy-working, magick, psionics, and other esoteric paths.
Includes information on psychically identifying vampires, cures, donating
to vampires, and defense against vampiric attacks. [Electronic
version] Available from Lulu.com.
Cinematic
Vampires: The Living Dead on Film and Television, by John L. Flynn.
Comprehensive information on many, many vampire films from 1896 to 1992.
Complete
Vampire Companion, The, by Rosemary Ellen Guiley and J.B. MacAbre.
An entertaining and informative vampire reference book on many aspects
of vampires from folklore to contemporary culture, bibliography, filmography,
etc.
Deluxe
Transitive Vampire, The: The Ultimate Handbook of Grammar for the Innocent,
the Eager, and the Doomed, by Karen Elizabeth Gordon.
This is a delightful little book of grammar with many whimsical, fantastical
examples, making it fun to read (and learn). I enjoyed reading it thoroughly.
Dictionary of Vampspeak, by Sanguinarius.
An indispensable guide containing all the common jargon, slang, doublespeak,
plays on words, etc., used by real vampires to converse with one another,
either privately or in public. This lexicon should be an excellent guide
and introduction to much of the terminology used in the real vampire community.
This edition includes over 60 new terms not contained in the previous,
or on the website.
Dracula
Cookbook of Blood, The, by Ardin C. Price.
Has authentic recipes from around the world which use blood, along with
vampire lore.
Embracing
the Darkness: Understanding Dark Subcultures ,
by Corvis Nocturnum.
An in-depth look into the aspects of various dark subcultures of the Goths,
Witchcraft, Satanists, BDSM/Fetishists, and Vampyres, incorporating interviews
and conversations with well-known and everyday individuals, as well as
taking a psychological and historical look at the similarities between
these groups. This book attempts to enlighten readers about some of the
more positive aspects within the dark culture, and to dispel the notion
that the dark is "evil". An unprecedented collection of Satanists,
vampires, modern primitives, dark pagans, and gothic artists, all speaking
to you in their own words. These are people who have taken something most
others find frightening or destructive, and woven it into amazing acts
of creativity and spiritual vision.
Ethical
Psychic Vampire, The, by Raven Kaldera.
"This book is a lifesaver. It will help you answer questions like,
'How do I get what I need ethically? What purpose do vampires serve in
the human ecosystem? How can I use this talent to benefit others?' Strongly
recommended for energy vampires, those who are close to them, and energy
workers of all sorts." -- from review by "Honey"
Fallen
Angels and Spirits of the Dark, by Robert Masello.
Book about demons, the devil, hell, incubi/succubi, Lilith, ghouls, goblins,
vampires, witches, werewolves, zombies, ghosts, and many other dark, mysterious
and fabulous creatures of folklore and mythology.
Hybrid
Vampire Handbook, The, by Sappho Wolf.
Vampires are real! Impossible? Not al all. In fact, more and more seekers
are finding within and looking into the wisdom and the way of the real
vampire community. This is available from Lulu.com.
In
Search of Dracula: The History of Dracula and Vampires, by Raymond
T. McNally and Radu Florescu.
A classic, and a must-have if you're interested in the historical Dracula.
Liquid
Dreams of Vampires, by Martin V. Riccardo.
A collection of personal accounts of dreams, and fanstasies involving
vampires.
Lust
for Blood: The Consuming Story of Vampires, by Olga Hoyt.
Oldie, but goodie that focusses on people throughout history who have
had a "lust for blood"; also includes vampire folklore.
Piercing
The Darkness: Undercover with Vampires in America Today, by Katherine
Ramsland.
Ostensibly chronicling her search for a missing reporter, the book is
about the author's excursion into the vampyre subculture/scene, and contains
her experiences and interviews with self-styled "vampires" (some
who might even be real, hehe). Whatever the case, it's very entertaining
reading.
Practical
Vampyrism for Modern Vampyres, by Lady CG.
The first handbook for modern vampyres, this handy, easy to read book
is geared toward the sanguinarian vampire and deals with such issues as
awakening, blood, the community, and life in general. A family history
of vampyrism and over a dozen years in the online vampire communities
have given Lady CG a unique perspective on the challenges facing modern
vampires.
Psychic
Vampire Codex, The, by Michelle Belanger.
The Psychic Vampire Codex is the first book to examine the phenomenon
and experience of modern vampirism completely from the vampires
perspective.
The
Psychic Vampires Guide: To Subtle Body Language and Psionics,
by Lono F. Vespertilio.
The powerful interconnection of the head, heart and hands will be revealed
as well as in depth disscusion of other mundras (energetic hand positions),
and some never before revealed information; still considered taboo. This
book is written specifically for Psychic Vampires seeking greater understanding
of body language and its correlations to psionics and other energy interactions.
Mastery of psychic vampirism extends beyound mere feeding, sheilding,
psionics and includes our physical surroundings as well as the very essence
of reality itself.
Quotable
Vampire, The, by David Proctor.
Book of classic and immortal quotes from famous vampire literature, books
and movies.
Real
Vampires, Night Stalkers and Creatures from the Darkside ,
by Brad Steiger.
A chilling chronicle of the often ignored history of vampirism as it has
surfaced repeatedly in news articles, historical accounts, and first person
interviews, this shocking account of occultist rituals and the inhuman
forces that influence them shines a light on the horrifying truth. Revealing
that real vampires are not immortal, do not have fangs or sleep in coffins,
and have no fear of sunlight or crucifixes, the examination dispels many
myths but also confirms the truth behind several traits of real vampires,
such as the insatiable thirst for blood and the dream of an eternal soul.
Sacred
Hunger, by Michelle Belanger.
Enjoy all of Michelle Belanger's major essays on the fascinating topic
of vampires, collected for the first time in one volume. Find out why
author Bram Stoker wrote about vampires. Learn about the history and development
of the modern vampire community. Explore the allure of the vampire in
modern culture, and meet members of the vampire underground who have made
this potent archetype a fundamental part of their lives.
Something
In The Blood: The Underground World of Today's Vampires, by Jeff
Guinn and Andy Grieser.
Something got into the author's blood. I don't know what. :> Book is
supposed to be research on real vampires, but the "researcher"
didn't bother to verify his information. Good thing he didn't name names.
Unholy
Hungers: Encountering the Psychic Vampire in Ourselves and Others,
by Barbara E. Hort, David O'Neal (Editor).
The author uses "psychic vampires" figuratively as a term for
those who are controlling, manipulative, power-seekers, and discusses
how they operate and how to avoid falling into their games. Doesn't actually
deal with "psi-vampires".
Vampire,
The: A Casebook, by Alan Dundes (Editor).
Explores the vampire in legend, fiction and nonfiction.
Vampire
Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, by J. Gordon Melton.
A-Z style entries of a huge variety of information on many facets of vampires
and vampirism. Just get the thing. I'm sure you'll find it informative,
useful and entertaining.
Vampire
Encyclopedia, The, by Matthew E. Bunson.
An A-Z compendium on vampires & vampire lore.
Vampire
Killers, The: A Horrifying True Story of Bloodshed and Murder,
by Clifford L. Linedecker.
An account of the Kentucky "Vampire Cult" Killings.
Vampire
Nation, by Arlene Russo.
Arlene Russo, the UK's foremost vampire expert, has interviewed dozens
of real life vampires for this blood-curdling tome. She reveals the strange
rituals and rites of vampire lore and the grisly truth behind genuine
vampire killings. Vampire Nation teams with toe-curling true tales of
how vampire culture is taking the country by storm.
The
Vampire Ritual Book, by Michelle Belanger.
The Vampire Ritual Book contains rituals, ceremonies, and rites of passage
written specifically for the modern vampire community. Explore vampire-themed
seasonal rites, marriage ceremonies, and personal rituals within this
tome. The book also includes a number of vampire-specific rituals, such
as the promising of a donor, rites for founding new houses, and initiation
ceremonies to bring a new vampire into the community.
Vampires
Among Us, by Rosemary Ellen Guiley.
Not a bad book. Entertaining to read.
Vampires,
Burial and Death: Folklore and Reality, by Paul Barber.
A scholarly and fascinating study of how science-ignorant peasantry came
to view the normal processes of decay and decomposition as being signs
that a dead body was actually in an "undead", vampiric state.
I highly recommend this.
Vampires
in Their Own Words: An Anthology of Vampire Voices, by Michelle
Belanger.
A collection of writings, thoughts, musings and more from members of the
vampire community. Sanguinarius has a chapter she contributed to this
book.
Vampires:
The Occult Truth, by Konstantinos.
Konstantinos' somewhat controversial book about psychic vampirism.
Vampires
Today: The Truth about Modern Vampirism ,
by Joseph Laycock.
Vampires are not just the stuff of folklore and fiction. This book explores
the modern world of vampirism in all its variety. Based upon extensive
interviews with members of the Atlanta Vampire Alliance and others within
vampire communities throughout the United States, Vampires Today
looks at the many expressions of vampirism: "lifestyle vampires",
those who adopt a culture and a gothic ascetic associated with the vampires
of art and legend; "real vampires", those who believe they must
actually consume blood and/or psychic energy for their well being; or
others who self-identify in some way as vampires. Is vampirism a religion?
Is it a fantasy? Is it a medical condition? Is it a little bit of each?
VideoHound's
Vampires On Video, by J. Gordon Melton (Compiler).
A comprehensive guide to vampire movies and films with ratings and reviews.
The
Weiser Field Guide to Vampires: Legends, Practices, and Encounters Old
and New, by J. M. Dixon.
From the shadowy coffin of Dracula to the high school hero Buffy the Vampire
Slayer to the love story of Edward and Bella of Twilight fame, vampires
have fascinated humans for centuries. The Wesier Field Guide to Vampires
provides a handbook not only to mythical and historical legends, but also
to the modern vampire, their community, and the science behind modern
vampire feeding. Learn how to recognize a true vampire, their strengths
and weaknesses, and how to tell if you are a vampire. Includes a glossary
of who's who in the vampire world, and top vampire terms.
Notable Fiction
Awakening,
The, by John Russo.
Benjamin Latham awakens after 200 years and has to adjust to a 20th century
world.
Blood
Games, by Lee Killough.
The third in the series. Wow, Killough wrote another one, and I didn't
know about it! Garreth Mikaelian is on the trail of an albino psycho who
may be a vampire, who killed his partner and his lover.
Blood
Hunt, by Lee Killough.
While investigatng a murder, homicide cop Garreth Mikaelian corners the
murderess, who happens to be a vampire, in an alley and inadavertently
gets turned into a vampire. Now he will search for her who did it to him
in vengeance.
Bloodlinks,
by Lee Killough.
The sequel to Blood Hunt. New mysteries, new questions, new problems,
and new leads. Garreth continues his investigation, while others investigate
him.
Bloodthirst
(Star Trek #37), by J.M. Dillard.
A class one medical emergency summons the Enterprise to Tanis, a Federation
outpost, to find two of the lab researchers dead, and one survivor with
a thirst for blood.
Empire
of Fear, The, by Brian Stableford.
An alternative-history vampire novel ranging from Elizabethan England
to the darkest, deepest parts of uncharted Africa, and beyond, in search
of the origins of vampires. This is one of the most engrossing vampire
novels I have read (and I have read a multitude of them).
Fevre
Dream, by George R.R. Martin.
Take a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi with vampires during the
height of the riverboat era. This is one of the lesser known classics
of the genre.
Gifts
of Blood, by Susan Petrey.
A collection of stories about a tribe of vampires on the Russian steppes
trying to make their way in the world.
Hunger,
The, by Whitley Streiber.
The classic book that spawned the classic movie with David Bowie. An excellent
read.
Immortals,
The, by James Gunn.
While not strictly speaking a vampire book, this all-but-forgotten book
from 1955 has strong vampiric elements and themes. Also, if you saw Blade,
"Pearl" was NOT original to that movie, but was obviously inspired
by a character in this book.
Precious
Blood, by Pat Graversen.
Bound through the centruries, they are vampires souls locked in a struggle
for power, passion, and precious blood.
Shadows,
by Jonathan Nasaw.
The sequel to The World On Blood. This one focuses on the Wiccans.
Sweet
Blood, by Pat Graversen.
They were linked souls, spiralling through time; vampires who would give
each other anything, even their own blood.
Vampire
of Mons, The, by Desmond Stewart.
This is hard to explain, but it's a good book. Set in a pre-WWII boarding
school, Clive Swinburne comes to believe his music teacher from Eastern
Europe is a vampire.
World
On Blood, The: A Novel, by Jonathan Nasaw.
Excluding all the outlandish sex (which is very fun and ... interesting
... to read about), and blood-as-drug themes, this is the most realistic
vampire novel I've ever read (and one of the best). Nick Santos runs a
support group for vampires.... (Whaaaaaaaaat?? Don't look at me like
that...)
Documentaries/Films
Ancient
Mysteries: Vampires
From A&E Entertainment. Traces the history and legends of vampires.
Pretty interesting documentary overall. (VHS).
Exploring
the Supernatural #2: Vampires
Another documentary worth watching. Part of the "Exploring the Supernatural"
series. (DVD). Also available in VHS
(2 cassettes).
Fangs!
A history of vampires in the movies. (VHS).
Vampires
- Thirst for the Truth
William Marshall, narrator. Explores vampires in myths and legends, cinematic
vampires, and continuing interest today. (VHS).
Witches,
Vampires & Zombies
John Russo, narrator. An engaging, spookily presented documentary which
discusses (what else?) witches, vampires and zombies, narrated by the
author of Night of the Living Dead and Return of the Living
Dead. (VHS).
Notable Movies/TV
Addiction,
The
Lili Taylor, Christopher Walken. Very stylistic film which presents vampirism
as an addiction. (VHS).
Being Human (UK - BBC TV series)
Season: 01,
02,
03.
Watch episodes from Season: 01,
02,
03,
04.
Being Human is a witty and extraordinary look into the lives of three
twenty-somethings and their secret double-lives as a werewolf,
a vampire and a ghost as they struggle to live normally despite
their strange and dark secrets. George (Russell Tovey) and Mitchell (Aidan
Turner) work in anonymous drudgery as hospital porters in Bristol, England.
They lead lives of quiet desperation under the burden of a terrible secret
Mitchell's a vampire and George a werewolf. Deciding to start life
afresh and leave behind the dark side, they move into a house, only to
find that Annie (Lenora Crichlow), the ghost of a woman killed in mysterious
circumstances, haunts it. As the threesome deal with the challenges of
their new lives together, they're united in their desire to blend in with
their human neighbors. But with unwelcome intruders into their world,
a threatened revolution from the vampire underworld, constant threats
of exposure, and the day-to-day issues faced by young people the
only thing they may be able to rely on is each other.
Being Human (US - SyFy TV series)
Watch episodes from Season: 01,
02.
The US version is based off of the UK series, and it starts off somewhat
similar but then branches out with different characters, plotlines and
developments; it stands up on its own merits. Both the UK and the US series'
are good, though some people I've talked to prefer the UK version. I recommend
both. You've got a lot of catching up to do before next season starts,
lol.
Blade
Stephen Dorff, Wesley Snipes. Deacon Frost is a great vampire with great
intentions, but some stupid, genocidal vampire hunter with a stake up
his butt comes along and kills him. *sigh* Still, it's a good movie. (DVD
widescreen). Also available in VHS
and VHS
widescreen.
Blood
and Donuts
Gordon Currie, Justin Louis, Helene Clarkson. A strange and offbeat but
amusing film about a vampire and the taxi driver who befriends him.
Hunger,
The
Catherine Deneuve, David Bowie. The classic movie based on the classic
book. (VHS). Also available in VHS
widescreen.
Innocent
Blood
Anne Parillaud, Anthony LaPaglia. Dir. by John Landis. A mafia figure
turned vampire starts wreaking havok. Don Rickles plays the corrupt mob
lawyer. Very witty, intelligent and entertaining. (DVD). Also available
in VHS.
Martin
John Amplas, Lincoln Maazel. Dir. by George Romero. Startling film about
a simple-minded boy vampire who goes to live with his superstitious "uncle"
who intends to "save" his soul. (DVD). Also available in VHS.
Modern
Vampires
Casper Van Dien, Natasha Gregson Wagner. Amusing, amusing film. Light
and fun entertainment. (DVD). Also available in VHS.
My
Best Friend is a Vampire
Robert Sean Leonard. A high schooler has to deal with the pain in the
neck of becoming a vampire. Fun 80s film. (DVD).
Near
Dark
Adrian Pasdar, Jenny Wright, Lance Henriksen, Bill Paxton. Excellent dark
film about a midwest farmboy who is forced to join a band of nomadic vampires.
(DVD). Also available in VHS.
Nightlife
Maryam d'Abo, Keith Szarabajka, Ben Cross, Camille Saviola. A comedy about
a hematologist who falls for a beautiful vampire seeking to escape her
past. (VHS).
Nosferatu:
The First Vampire
The classic German silent vampire film set to Type O Negative's music
(DVD) . Also available in VHS.
Quench
Starring: Bo Barret, Mia Moretti. Director: Zack Parker. "Quench
is sure to challenge, unsettle, and enlighten any audience that is curious
to step deep inside of a world that lives right outside their peripheral
view." This is a disturbing movie about a close-knit "family"
of blood drinkers, and a stranger who comes into their midst. It's sad
and strange, but worth watching. (DVD).
Shadow
of the Vampire
John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe. Based on Murnau's 1922 silent classic, Nosferatu,
the premise of this movie is that Murnau, obsessed with authenticity,
actually found a vampire to play Count Orlock. (DVD). Also available in
VHS.
Vampire
in Brooklyn
Eddie Murphy, Angela Basset. Dir. by Wes Craven! If you like Eddie Murphy,
and you like vampires then you've got to see this. Max rocks. (DVD widescreen).
Also available in VHS.
|