The Rise of the Undead: A look at the transition of the vampire from villain to hero in popular culture

In the lineup of supernatural monsters, vampires stand apart for their prestige. They're charming, disarming, and chillingly similar to humans. The vampire legend we know today was birthed out of a mix of primitive beliefs, European folklore, and Roman Catholic influences. The vampire myth has survived for millennia, but only recently has the vampire turned from monster to be feared into a hero to be praised. This short book looks at the transition in pop culture from "Dracula" to "True Blood" and how the vampire character has changed over the years from disfigured monster to the heroine's boyfriend.