John Blair

John Blair, a medieval history expert and author, dives into the chilling concept of vampire epidemics across cultures. He reveals why myths of undead mothers-in-law proliferated and explores the stark differences between literary vampires like Count Dracula and historically feared corpses. Blair discusses the symptoms attributed to vampires, the bizarre remedies used to combat them, and how societal trauma shaped these beliefs. Plus, he highlights the romantic tales of undead returning to lovers, showcasing the complex interplay of culture and fear throughout history.

Join historian John Blair, Emeritus Fellow of Queen's College, Oxford and author of *Killing the Dead*, as he explores the chilling world of medieval revenants. Discover how these restless corpses differ from modern vampires and the societal fears that sparked their mythos. Blair discusses the rituals used to restrain the dead, the role of community in exhumations, and how disasters like plagues influenced corpse epidemics. You'll also learn why mummification prevents undead beliefs and how the cultural perceptions of revenants evolved over time.

John Blair, a medieval historian and author, delves into the eerie world of vampire epidemics in his new book. He discusses how beliefs about dangerous corpses span cultures from Mesopotamia to modern Haiti. Blair explores the social crises that trigger fears of animated corpses and links these phenomena to witch hunts. He investigates the psychological and cultural contexts that give rise to such beliefs and even traces the evolution of vampire lore in Europe. His insights reveal the timeless fear of the dead that still influences society today.