“On Dogman: Tracking the Werewolf Through History” offers a captivating and scholarly exploration into the legend of the werewolf, one of the most iconic and terrifying creatures in folklore and myth. This comprehensive study traces the evolution of the werewolf narrative from its origins in ancient mythologies to its status in contemporary culture, examining how the figure of the dogman or werewolf has morphed and endured across different epochs and societies.
Authored by a renowned expert in folklore and paranormal phenomena, the book delves into the historical and cultural contexts that gave rise to werewolf legends. It explores the psychological, social, and environmental factors that have influenced these tales, such as the widespread fear of the wilderness, the mysteries of the animal kingdom, and the deep-seated themes of transformation and hybridity.
The narrative journeys through the ages, from the werewolf trials of early modern Europe, where panic and superstition led to the persecution of supposed werewolves, to the depiction of werewolves in Victorian literature as both monstrous and tragically misunderstood figures. The study brings into focus how these creatures have been portrayed in modern media—films, books, and television—highlighting the shifts in public perception from fear to fascination.
“On Dogman” also examines firsthand accounts and historical records of alleged werewolf encounters, alongside modern-day sightings of the so-called dogman, a creature reported in North American folklore that shares many characteristics with its European counterpart. The author applies a critical lens to these encounters, using tools from cryptozoology, anthropology, and psychology to evaluate their credibility and what they might tell us about human nature and our primal fears.
This book not only serves as a historical account but also engages in a deeper analysis of the symbolic meanings of the werewolf. It discusses the werewolf’s role in exploring themes of the other, the animalistic traits in man, and the boundaries of human society.
“On Dogman: Tracking the Werewolf Through History” is an essential read for anyone fascinated by the lore of the supernatural, the history of mythical creatures, or the darker corners of the human psyche. It provides a rich, well-researched, and thought-provoking look at one of the most enduring figures in the pantheon of mythical beasts.
