Bob Curran delves into the rich tapestry of folklore, particularly focusing on Irish myths and supernatural beings. His work is grounded in a deep fascination with history and the stories that shape these legends. Through his writing, Curran offers readers an engaging exploration of the world of Irish tales and their cultural significance. His approach is both informative and captivating, appealing to those drawn to the mysterious and the historical.
Exploring the rich variety of 'American' vampires, this illustrated guide delves into their cultural significance and evolution across different regions and eras. It highlights unique characteristics, folklore, and representations in literature and media, showcasing how these creatures reflect societal fears and values. With engaging visuals and insightful commentary, the book offers a comprehensive look at the multifaceted nature of vampires in American culture.
Arguably no American writer has had more of an impact on the modern horror scene than Howard Phillips Lovecraft, the man who created the Cthulhu Mythos, with its strange gods, eerie places, and forbidden books. But what sort of a man was Lovecraft, how did he create such a terrible universe, and where did his inspiration come from? Was it, as some have argued, based on esoteric knowledge forgotten or even denied to all sane people? In A Haunted Mind, Dr. Bob Curran explores what motivated Lovecraft--his personal life is just as strange as some of his creations--and drove him to create his terrible cosmos. Using both folklore and history, Dr Curran investigates a wide variety of Lovecraftian mysteries. A word of warning: you may never look at Lovecraft--or the world--in exactly the same way again!
We all know about fairies--they're usually helpful, ethereal creatures in children's stories and Walt Disney films, flitting about doing good, right?Wrong!In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. They were the often-dangerous embodiment of the land, dark and unpredictable spirits that watched Humanity with a jaundiced and hostile eye. And, according to conventional folk wisdom, they were to be feared rather than trusted. Indeed, in their original form, many of our "fairy tales" read more like late-night horror stories.Dr. Bob Curran investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, tracing their origins from the sprites and maenads of Classical times to the sanitized versions of the English Victorians. Among other aspects, he examines the connections in the Christian mind between the fairy kind and demons; the links between fairies and ancient, pagan gods; and the often-strained relations between fairies and humans across the ages.This is not a book for those who believe that fairies are friendly, kindly creatures. With the growing and anticipated interest in fairies--particularly given the forthcoming Disney film Wings, starring Miley Cyrus-- Dark Fairies is a timely and valuable new title.
This book includes tales of the heroes and gods from the Great Myth Cycles as well as tales of witches, ghosts, and fairies. It is an examination and celebration of the tradition of storytelling. This is the first anthology to seek out and record the traditions from many parts of the Western Celtic world--Ireland, Cornwall, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany--from as early as the 17th century.
