With the smash success of contemporary vampire stories such as "Twilight" and the explosion of Young Adult vampire books, this graphic nonfiction compendium brings readers back to the folkloric origins of these macabre tales and the semi-historical sources for vampire mythology. Collecting three lesser known but deeply chilling vampire stories from seventeenth century England, eighteenth century Serbia, and nineteenth century Rhode Island, this book draws the reader into a world of shadows, suspense, menace, and pure terror. Vividly illustrated in rich, saturated colors and almost unnervingly atmospheric, these stories remind readers of just how dangerous the vampires of ancient legend were. They were indeed a far cry from the sensitive and serenely beautiful, angst-ridden adolescent versions popular today. Chilling and hair-raising tales told in artfully wrought full-color graphic panels, coupled with scrupulous historical, cultural, and sociological context, this book is a treasure trove of fascinating and frightening folklore.