There is something about a shapeshifter – a person who can transform into an animal – that captures our imagination; that causes us to want to howl at the moon, or flit through the night like a bat. Werewolves, vampires, demons and other weird creatures appeal to our animal nature, our ‘dark side’, our desire to break free of the bonds of society and proper behaviour. Today, there are millions of people who believe that shapeshifters walk among us and may even be world leaders. Real or imaginary, shapeshifters lurk deep in our psyches and remain formidable cultural icons.
The myths and magic surrounding shapeshifters is brought vividly to life in John Kachuba’s compelling and original cultural history. Featuring a fantastic and goulish array of examples from history, literature, film, TV and computer games, Shapeshifters explores our secret desire to become something other than human.
Praise for the book
‘Were you to want a primer on were-anything, this is a fine start.’ — The Spectator
About the author
JOHN KACHUBA is an award-winning author and Creative Writing instructor at Ohio University. He has investigated over 100 haunted locations around the world and his books include Ghosthunters (2007) and Dark Entry (2012).
How to order
To order the book online with a 20% discount, please visit the Reaktion website at www.reaktionbooks.co.uk and enter the code SHAPE20.
Book details
Hardback
Reaktion Books, £16 200 pp / 20 illustrations
