Shapeshifters : A History

Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publish date: 3 December 2026
Pages: 200
Binding: Paperback
Language: English

Subjects: History, Europe, Politics & Social Sciences, Social Sciences, Folklore & Mythology

A compelling and original cultural history of shapeshifters. 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 behavior. Real or imaginary, shapeshifters lurk deep in our psyches and remain formidable cultural icons. The myths, magic, and meaning surrounding shapeshifters are brought vividly to life in John B. Kachuba’s compelling and original cultural history. Rituals in early cultures worldwide seemingly allowed shamans, sorcerers, witches, and wizards to transform at will into animals and back again. Today, millions of people believe that shapeshifters walk among us and may even be world leaders. Featuring a fantastic and ghoulish array of examples from history, literature, film, TV, and computer games, Shapeshifters explores our secret desire to become something other than human.