Books

Stated at copyright: "First Published in 1912". Correct point of first issue: publisher's catalog at back dated "Autumn 1912." Rare sharp first edition protected in fine facsimile of rare original wrapper. Deep red full cloth boards, gilt cover and spine titles, light shelf, corner wear, rub. Features impressed gilded perimeter border to cover and four bands to spine. Cover protected in thick, clear, and unadhered, sleeve. Pages near fine, clean; few small pencil marks. Rough-cut bottom edge. Bind fine, moderate cant; hinges intact. Teal facsimile wrapper features text and other titles with summaries to flaps and the original 5/- net price to spine. Jacket slightly short as original. Very good true first edition preserved in beautiful facsimile dust jacket. Antiquarian bookplate inside cover: "Mundus vult decipi"; the regular ending of this Latin aphorism is "ergo decipiatur." Or, "The world wants to be deceived, so let it be deceived." Pictorial image depicts ostrich with a body the shape of a globe earth and of course pulling its head from the sand hole while wily stallion with checkerboard briefs looks on laughing. Above this plate is interesting signature of individual in their second or third decade: "Jack W. Strode." From wrapper: "Among sinister superstitions none was more strange or terrifying than the legend of the Werwolf, around which a large body of creepy literature in various European languages has gathered. In the present volume the whole Werwolf myth (or reality) is examined!" Interestingly, the title is spelled without second "e" as currently common in contemporary "werewolf." In late Old English, werewulf is "a person with the power to turn into a wolf," from wer "man, male person" (from PIE root *wi-ro- "man") + wulf (see wolf (n.). Belief in them was widespread in the Middle Ages. Similar formation in Middle Dutch weerwolf, Old High German werwolf, and Swedish varulf. In the ancient Persian calendar, the eighth month (October-November) was Varkazana, literally "(Month of the) Wolf-Men." Contents include: "Chap. I. What is a Werwolf?; II. Werwolf Metamorphosis Compared with Other Branches of Lycanthropy; III. The Spirits of Werwolves; IV. How to Become a Werwolf; V. Werwolves and Exorcism; VI. The Werwolve in the British Isles; VII. The Werwolf in France; VIII. Werwolves and Vampires and Ghouls; IX. Werwolves in Germany; X. A Lycanthropus Brook in the Harz Mountains; or, The Case of the Countess Hilda Von Breber; X! Werwolves in Austria-Hungary and the Balkan Peninsula; XII. The Werwolf in Spain; XIII. The Werwolf in Belgium and the Netherlands; XIV. The Werwolves and Maras of Denmark; XV. Werwolves in Norway and Sweden; XVI. Werwolves in Iceland, Lapland, and Finland; XVII. The Werwolf in Russia and Siberia." Following is thirty pages of titles, some with summaries, available from Methuen. An early and intiguing examination of lycanthropy in folklore and culture by prolific British paranormal researcher Elliott O'Donnell. A classic anthology on the mythology, accounts, and stories. There has been a rapid increase in interest about lycanthropes, otherwise known as werewolves. Elliott O'Donnell's encyclopedic study is one of the best. A werewolf is a folkloric human with the ability to shape-shift into a wolf, or, especially in modern film, a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature. This is the result, either purposely or after being placed under a curse or affliction, and often begins after a bite or scratch. There is scarcely a country in the world in which belief in the werwolf, or some other form of lycanthropy, has not at one time existed. In some lands, the werewolf is considered wholly physical, while others consider it super-physical. Early writers on the belief in this ability or affliction were Petronius (27 66), and Gervase of Tilbury (1150 1228). It is a widespread concept in European folklore, existing in many variants, related by a Christian interpretation of European folklore developed during.

"Werwolves" is a book written by Elliott O'Donnell, first published in 1912. Elliott O'Donnell was an Irish author known for his works on the paranormal, especially ghosts and spirits. In "Werwolves," O'Donnell delves into the folklore, legends, and supposed real-life encounters with werewolves. The book explores the concept of werewolves, beings capable of transforming into wolves or wolf-like creatures. It examines various myths and stories from different cultures around the world where werewolves are prominent figures. O'Donnell discusses the origins of werewolf beliefs, their appearances in folklore and literature, and the psychological aspects associated with the phenomenon. O'Donnell also includes accounts of alleged encounters with werewolves, providing a mix of folklore, historical anecdotes, and personal interpretations. He explores the idea of lycanthropy, the supposed ability of humans to transform into wolves, and examines how this belief has evolved over time. While "Werwolves" is primarily a work of folklore and legend, it reflects O'Donnell's fascination with the supernatural and his interest in exploring the mysterious and unexplained aspects of human experience. The book has contributed to the enduring interest in werewolves and the broader genre of horror literature.