Dracula and Beyond: Famous Vampires & Werewolves in Literature and Film
Novels and movies about supernatural creatures may be a fad again today, but now these books give students an opportunity to use this pop culture interest to learn and understand more about the world around them
Philadelphia, Penn. (Vocus) July 15, 2010
There’s no denying it: vampires and werewolves are hot! These ancient legends have become the latest craze, and young people are particularly smitten. This is clearly evident in the outpouring of interest in the Twilight Saga movies recently hitting the big screen. So it is no surprise that Mason Crest Publishers is tapping into this phenomenon to bring high interest school and library books to students across the country. The Making of a Monster: Vampires & Werewolves is comprised of 9 titles in book series which is coming out this fall for students ages 12 and up.
This series builds on the current obsession with vampires and werewolves, offering young adults information on the history, the science, and the literary connections behind these fascinating creatures. Myths and stories about creatures of the night have been popular throughout history, as people are drawn to the allure of the “other.”
“Novels and movies about supernatural creatures may be a fad again today, but now these books give students an opportunity to use this pop culture interest to learn and understand more about the world around them,” said Mason Crest Principal Louis Cohen.
For thousands of years, werewolves and vampires have inhabited the myths and legends of people around the world. Modern science and psychology offers clues to the reality behind the myths, with case studies of real-life vampires and descriptions of medical conditions that could be the origin of the legend of the werewolf.
“This is an exciting project to be a part of because these books tap into a craze that has taken hold of today’s youth,” said Ellyn Sanna, author of one of the books in this series. “Oral traditions have historically been passed down from generation to generation around the fireside, some of the first written tales of vampires and werewolves come from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, the Near East, Classical Greece, and Rome. From translations of these ancient texts come some of the most frightening first-hand accounts and eerie mythological tales the world has ever known.”
The titles in the The Making of a Monster: Vampires & Werewolves series are:
1. Ancient Werewolves and Vampires: The Roots of the Teeth
2. Dracula and Beyond: Famous Vampires & Werewolves in Literature and Film
3. Fighting the Fangs: A Guide to Vampires and Werewolves
4. Howling at the Moon: Vampires & Werewolves in the New World
5. Pop Monsters: The Modern-Day Craze for Vampires and Werewolves
6. The Psychology of Our Dark Side: Humans' Love Affair with Vampires & Werewolves
7. The Science of the Beast: The Facts Behind the Fangs
8. Transylvania and Beyond: Vampires & Werewolves in Old Europe
9. Global Legends and Lore: Vampires and Werewolves Around the World
For more information on the series and Mason Crest Publishers, call 866-MCP-BOOK or visit http://www.Masoncrest.com.
About Mason Crest Publishers: Mason Crest evolved in 2002 from some of the key people responsible for making Chelsea House Publishers one of the leading young adult and reference school and library publishers. Mason Crest is dedicated to providing the most unique upper elementary and young adult quality books available within the school and library marketplace. With each series Mason Crest obtains the most proficient & knowledgeable editors, advisors, senior consultants, major institutions, authors, agencies, and specialized “think tanks” to ensure the books meet the highest standards of excellence. Mason Crest is currently offering over 1,500 titles that reflect the company’s dedication to quality. A complete list can be found online at http://www.masoncrest.com.
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