Published in 1933, The Werewolf is one of the first comprehensive books on the subject of werewolves. Author Montague Summers offers detailed historical references and local tales about werewolf encounters, attacks, and transformations. As a member of the clergy, he views the legends of werewolves through a spiritual lens, exploring a variety of opinions and schools of thought on the finer points of werewolf transformation and infection. Part of the Loren Coleman Presents series for Cosimo Classics, this book will entertain and inform those curious about werewolves, gothic folklore, and the occult.AUGUSTUS MONTAGUE SUMMERS (1880-1948) was an English author and clergyman known for his interest in the occult, especially vampires, werewolves, and witches. He wrote dozens of books on the occult, poetry, history, and fiction; he was also the translator of the English version of Malleus Maleficarum, the 15th-century witch hunter's guide. Though highly spiritual, Summers did not obtain a higher rank than deacon in the Church of England due to his peculiar interests. He converted to Catholicism in 1909 and began calling himself Reverend, though he never joined a particular order or diocese; whether he was ever actually ordained as a minister is disputed.