SUMMERS, Montague. The Vampire in Europe.

(London): Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner Co., 1929.  First edition.  Hardcover.  24.2cm by 16.5cm.  xii, 330 pages.  A scholarly work that delves into the vampire folklore and legends of Europe, focusing on the historical, cultural, and literary aspects of the vampire figure across various European countries. The book presents a thorough examination of the vampire as a supernatural being, exploring its origins, characteristics, and the ways in which different cultures have interpreted and feared it throughout history.  Drawing on a wide range of historical records, folklore, and first-hand accounts of vampire sightings, particularly in Eastern Europe, where vampire myths were most prevalent Summers additionally details the role of the vampire in European superstition, religious beliefs, and the practices associated with dealing with vampires, such as exhumations, stake-driving, and other rituals meant to prevent the dead from rising.  Illustrated with 8 plates.  A very good copy in dust jacket.  Small booksellers label to front pastedown.  Jacket with some loss at folds.  A nice copy of this important work.