The Book of Were-Wolves (eBook)

Sabine Baring-Gould (1834–1924) was an English hagiographer, antiquarian, novelist, and eclectic scholar. His literary career spans a wide range of subjects, but he is perhaps best known for his book 'The Book of Were-Wolves' (1865), which is one of the most comprehensive studies of werewolf legends in English literature. Baring-Gould's approach to the topic was a blend of folklore, history, and anthropological insight, and his work remains a significant resource on lycanthropy and supernatural beliefs. Educated at Clare College, Cambridge, he took holy orders and became the rector of Lewtrenchard in Devon. His output was vast, with over 1,200 publications to his name, ranging from theology to folk songs. Notably, he also authored the hymn 'Onward, Christian Soldiers.' Baring-Gould's literary style is recognized for its erudition, as well as its approachable and narrative-driven exposition. His contributions to the folklore and myths of the British Isles helped to document and preserve these cultural narratives for future generations. The intersection of his religious background with his fascination for the occult and the supernatural gave his work a unique and penetrating perspective into the darker sides of Victorian beliefs and the timeless human fascination with the otherworldly.