In the myths, legends, and folklore of many peoples, the returning, physical dead play a significant role, whether they are the zombies of Haiti or the draugr of Scandinavia. But what are the origins of an actual bodily return from the grave? Does it come from something deep within our psyche, or is there some truth to it?

In Zombies, Bob Curran explores how some of these beliefs may have arisen and the truths that lay behind them, examining myths from all around the world and from ancient times including Sumerian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and Celtic. Curran traces the evolution of belief in the walking cadaver from its early inception in religious ideology to the "Resurrections" and cataleptics of 18th century Europe, from prehistoric tale to Arthurian romance. Zombies even examines the notion of the "living dead" in the world today--entities such as the "living mummies" of Japan.

Zombies is a unique book, the only one to systematically trace the development of a cultural idea of physical resurrection and explore the myths that have grown around it, including the miracles of Old Testament prophets. It will interest those enticed by the return of the corporeal dead and also those curious as to how such an idea sits within the historical context. 

· Did the Passion of Isis serve as a source for the Frankenstein story?

· Everyone knows that Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead--but what became of Lazarus afterwards?

· The Holy Grail is a pagan symbol of resurrection that predated Christianity. Did it hold the Elixir of Life? How did it become Christianized?

· In the late 1800's a wealthy woman named Constance Whitney rose from the dead. What did her contemporaries write on her tombstone?

· Does Halloween open a door between the Living and the Dead?

· The origins & names of Voodoo Cults.

· Le Gran Zombie & other Voodoo deities.

· Zombies called forth to battle imperialism!

· Doctor John & the many faces of Marie Laveau.

· The Serpent & the Rainbow--fact or fiction?

· This and, oh, so much MORE!

About the Author
Bob Curran is a broadcaster, writer, teacher, and researcher who has written a number of books including Vampires, Encyclopedia of the Undead, Walking with the Green Man, Celtic Lore & Legend, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms, all published by New Page Books. Curran was born in a remote area of Northern Ireland and has held a number of jobs--grave-digger, journalist, musician, and hospital porter among them. He travelled in many parts of the world, exploring the cultures and traditions of other peoples before returning to Northern Ireland to take several University degrees. He currently lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and young family