Moonlight Books (Australia)

Zombies -A Field Guide to the Walking Dead - Bob Curran

A field guide to the walking dead

In the myths, legends, and folklore of many peoples, the returning physical dead play a significant role, whether they are the zombies of Haiti or the draugr of Scandinavia. But what are the origins of an actual bodily return from the grave? Does it come from within our psyche, or is there some truth to it?

Zombies reveals the truths behind these beliefs by exploring myths from around the world, including those from ancient times including Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Celtic cultures. Author Bob Curran traces the evolution of belief in the walking cadaver from its early inception in religious ideology to the "resurrections" and cataleptics of 18th-century Europe, from prehistoric tale to Arthurian romance. Zombies even examines the notion of the living dead in the world today - entities such as the living mummies of Japan.

Dr. Bob Curran is a broadcaster, writer, teacher, and researcher who has written a number of books, including Vampires, Encyclopedia of the Undead, Walking With the Green Man, Celtic Lore & Legend, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms.