• A Field Guide to Demons, Vampires, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits

  • By: Carol K. Mack, Dinah Mack
  • Narrated by: Reay Kaplan
  • Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (424 ratings)

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A Field Guide to Demons, Vampires, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits

By: Carol K. Mack,Dinah Mack
Narrated by: Reay Kaplan
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Editorial reviews

World travelers planning trips to the Tommyknocker-inhabited mines of North America or to the domain of the Mbulu, who guards the rivers of South America, might consider first listening to Carol and Dinah Mack's Field Guide to Demons, Vampires, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits. Or better yet, they might take in this audio bestiary from the relative safety of their own home, where narrator Reay Kaplan adopts an engaging, teacherly tone to catalogue an entire world of enchanted spirits. Experienced demonologists may find the Mack's guide rudimentary, but casual investigators of the supernatural will learn much in this thoroughgoing primer. Arranged geographically by habitat - ocean, desert, forest - the Macks' audiobook is a kind of supernatural and folkloric Who's Who.

Publisher's summary

Watch your back! How to spot and identify demons and other subversive spirits...and what to do next.

Demons, fairies, and fallen angels are everywhere. They lurk at crossroads, crouch behind doors, hide in trees, slip into beds, wait in caves, hover at weddings and childbirths, disguise themselves as friends, relatives - even disguise themselves as you. They are powerful; they are protean; they are enchanting. And, to the uninformed, they are often invisible. This guide - the first of its kind - reveals the remarkable permutations of the demon and fairy species worldwide.

Packed with lore about each demon, detailing its origins, the culture surrounding it, and its reputed antics and exploits, A Field Guide to Demons, Fairies, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits is a fascinating exploration of global mythologies. Perfect for the armchair traveler and the intrepid, seasoned demon-spotter alike, this complete guide to subversive spirits offers a behind-the-scenes look at the devilish mishaps, impish irritations, and demonic devastations that punctuate our lives.

© 1998, 2008, 2010 Carol K. Mack and Dinah Mack (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about A Field Guide to Demons, Vampires, Fallen Angels, and Other Subversive Spirits

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The Things that Go Bump in the Night

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect going into this. I had a feeling like this was either a book that took itself way too seriously for the wanna-be goth crowd, in which case it might be free comedy, or it would simply be a who's who in the world of negative folklore. This book is decidedly of the latter type, for which I'm thankful. Hey, sometimes you just have to take a chance and see for yourself. Essentially it breaks down the different kinds of entities by associated element: earth, air, fire, water. For example, mermaids, selkies, and nereids are water while djinn and demons are fire, and so on. Under each entry, it gives stories from lore and tells you how to beat them according to tradition. It rarely tells you why these methods work, only that they do, and as you might expect, some of the ways of dispatching these fiends will leave you scratching your head or laughing. But then, that's half the fun of folklore. Well, it is for me, at any rate.

This sort of book and a handful like it probably populate the shelves of every fantasy writer you can name. It's the sort of thing that inspires storytelling without forcing you to travel down every dead-ended rabbit hole on the internet to track down a given monster. Granted, it's not that easy to track them down in an audio format either, so a print version is probably better for writers who need a reference book. But for a few hours of entertainment for the average enthusiast, this one's a good primer for all the basics worldwide.

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31 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Overall I enjoyed it

This was sort of like a random Intro to demonology. Filled with descriptions, stories and attributes of various demons/angels/entities around the world.

The range is interesting however, it does not go into huge detail about anything. On some of the more interesting examples that made me chuckle, this guide provided me some fun things to look up I may have other wise never discovered.

I only recommend if you do not have advanced knowledge in this area or take it too seriously.

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14 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Very interesting

If demonology is a subject you are interested in, the insight within this book is helpful intriguing and objective.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Good overview of demonic myth worldwide...

...And ancient and modern. From Lilith to quantum theory, we hear the stories of our scary....well, imaginings? companions? Whatever your view, it is good to know the nature of your adversary. The one single complaint I have is the description of Dracula as a gorgeous guy in Stoker--woah there, Mina! The vampire is never described as good looking or tempting-it is a nasty monster, a rapist, a murderer, a psychic slave master. The romantic twisting of this idea is more recent, and I personally find it disturbing. Stoker wrote this story during a terrible time in his life after his wife was raped and brutally assaulted and Mina is one of the strongest most graceful heroes around. "The devil in me is the devil in you", and may we both conquer it, dear reader.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautifully read

One of the best narrators I’ve ever heard on here.
Very happy with the book as well.
Very straightforward and well written.

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4 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Returned this book, not what I was expecting.

Not what I was expecting. Did not take me long to know it was not for me.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorite book about supernatural beings

Pack with too many supernatural beings from all around the world. The chapters on disarming and dispelling techniques can be useful

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

fascinating and informative

A valuable read for skeptics and believers alike. The Macks provide real insight into the creatures that inhabit our thoughts and imaginations.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

More of an Encyclopedia but still entertaining

This is more of an encyclopedia which made for an interesting and informative listen/read.

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3 people found this helpful

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Very good

intereting,informative and mind opening reading.Will be liked by those with the same interests. I suggest getting it.

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3 people found this helpful