A person is not readily-definable by one descriptor or limited to a false label based upon his preferences. Neither is this collection. Magical realism, supernatural, horror, psychological terror, dark fantasy, high fantasy, religious, social commentary, literary realism, and humour can all be used to describe the works in this compilation, but one such label will always fall short of the essence of existence these stories represent.In dreamscape versions of familiar settings, good and evil vampires, deadly wizards, brooding faeries, ghosts, , other horrors, and the boundless recesses of the human mind all demonstrate that, more often than not, things are not what they seem. These illusions often crumble with devastating consequences for those involved. These tales, set in recognizable settings, seem even stranger than they would in an unknown setting.

The Romanian region of Transylvania is overshadowed by the terrifying specter of Dracula. This book delves into the origin of the Dracula legend, including the historic figure of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler. It also introduces actual places in Transylvania that may be connected to this frightening character. Fact boxes and photographs help provide the perfect, though sometimes spooky, snapshot of this interesting part of Eastern Europe.

"I'd grown up in the land of TRANSYLVANIA, homeland to Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, and, worse, the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu--who turned Romania into a land of gray-clad zombies who never dared to show their individuality, and where neighbors became informants, and the Securitate made people disappear," writes the author. "Daylight empowered the regime to encircle us like starved wolves, and so night had always been the time to steal a bit of freedom. As if bred into our Transylvanian blood, we were like vampires who came to life after sundown. I buried the family jewels and left my outpost to join the action . . . tonight Ceausescu would die!"Known for using stand-ins to pose for him, Aura doubts if it was even Ceausescu himself who was killed that night. Nevertheless, when her countrymen topple one of the most draconian regimes in the Soviet bloc, Aura Imbarus tells herself that life post-revolution will be different. But little in the country changes. With two pieces of luggage and a powerful dream, Aura and her new husband flee to America. Through sacrifice and hard work, the couple acquire the "American Dream"--but discover that straddling two cultures is much more complicated than they expect.

'I do not want to hear another word about your crazy American Dream ' Words such as these from Rosa Alexander's father during his frequent drunken rants often drove young Rosa to seek solace beneath her weeping willow tree. One day, however, her aunt Klara visits from America, giving Rosa hope for a brighter future. Rosa held on to her dream for years, waiting for the chance to leave her beloved homeland and find a home across the ocean. The time never comes, however, and eventually Rosa marries and starts a family, believing that perhaps America is not part of her plan anymore. As life becomes increasingly harder, in 1985, Rosa and Alan finally make plans to escape the cruel eye of the Romanian government and find freedom in America. They are forced, however, to leave their children-Julia, 8; and Peter, 4-behind. When Peter and Julia are not able to join them as hoped, Rosa struggles through enormous sorrow as she begins an almost four-year battle to reunite her family. Where the Willow Grows in Transylvania, based on the emotional true story of Rosa Alexander's American Dream, relates how Rosa's dream eventually becomes a grown-up search for peace and a yearning for her family to be together. As Rosa begins to trust God, she not only hears His voice but also finds her own. Her story reminds readers that with faith, dreams can come true.

The undead are very much alive in contemporary entertainment and lore. Indeed, vampires and zombies have garnered attention in print media, cinema, and on television. The vampire, with roots in medieval European folklore, and the zombie, with origins in Afro-Caribbean mythology, have both undergone significant transformations in global culture, proliferating as deviant representatives of the zeitgeist. As this volume demonstrates, distribution of vampires and zombies across time and space has revealed these undead figures to carry multiple meanings. Of all monsters, vampires and zombies seem to be the trendiest--the most regularly incarnate of the undead and the monsters most frequently represented in the media and pop culture. Moreover, both figures have experienced radical reinterpretations. If in the past vampires were evil, blood-sucking exploiters and zombies were brainless victims, they now have metamorphosed into kinder and gentler blood-sucking vampires and crueler, more relentless, flesh-eating zombies. Although the portrayals of both vampires and zombies can be traced back to specific regions and predate mass media, the introduction of mass distribution through film and game technologies has significantly modified their depiction over time and in new environments. Among other topics, contributors discuss zombies in Thai films, vampire novels of Mexico, and undead avatars in horror videogames. This volume--with scholars from different national and cultural backgrounds--explores the transformations that the vampire and zombie figures undergo when they travel globally and through various media and cultures.

From the extreme West of the Indo-European world; we go this year to the extreme East. From the soft rain and green turf of Gaeldom; we seek the garish sun and arid soil of the Hindoo. In the Land of Ire; the belief in fairies; gnomes; ogres and monsters is all but dead; in the Land of Ind it still flourishes in all the vigour of animism. Soils and national characters differ; but fairy tales are the same in plot and incidents; if not in treatment. The majority of the tales in this volume have been known in the West in some form or other; and the problem arises how to account for their simultaneous existence in farthest West and East. Some—as Benfey in Germany; M. Cosquin in France; and Mr. Clouston in England—have declared that India is the Home of the Fairy Tale; and that all European fairy tales have been [viii]brought from thence by Crusaders; by Mongol missionaries; by Gipsies; by Jews; by traders; by travellers. The question is still before the courts; and one can only deal with it as an advocate. So far as my instructions go; I should be prepared; within certain limits; to hold a brief for India. So far as the children of Europe have their fairy stories in common; these—and they form more than a third of the whole—are derived from India. In particular; the majority of the Drolls or comic tales and jingles can be traced; without much difficulty; back to the Indian peninsula. Popular Collection of Hindi eBooks @ Rs. 51/- Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten: Delight in the enchanting world of Indian folklore with "Indian Fairy Tales." Joseph Jacobs and John Dickson Batten bring to life a captivating collection of traditional Indian stories filled with magical creatures, brave heroes, and moral lessons. These timeless tales showcase the rich cultural heritage of India, appealing to readers of all ages with their charm and enduring wisdom. Key Aspects of the Book "Indian Fairy Tales": Rich Folklore: The book presents a treasury of Indian folklore, offering readers a glimpse into the country's vibrant storytelling tradition. Moral Teachings: "Indian Fairy Tales" imparts valuable moral lessons through its engaging narratives, teaching readers about virtues and life's truths. Cultural Heritage: The collection showcases the diversity and beauty of Indian culture, making it a source of cultural enrichment and enjoyment for readers. Joseph Jacobs was a folklorist and literary critic known for his collections of fairy tales and folklore. In "Indian Fairy Tales," Jacobs, along with illustrator John Dickson Batten, preserves and shares the magical tales that have been passed down through generations in India.

Continental Drift: Colliding Continents, Converging Cultures is as much an account of the impressions Western culture made on Constantin Roman as a young researcher from behind the Iron Curtain as a personal history of the developing new science of plate tectonics. The book elucidates the author's struggles against a web of bureaucracy to secure hi