This work investigates the historical origins and cultural persistence of the vampire myth across various European societies. Montague Summers, a noted scholar of the occult and religious history, utilizes a comparative approach to examine how folklore, superstition, and historical accounts of the undead shaped regional identities. The text argues that the vampire is not merely a literary invention but a manifestation of deep-seated societal anxieties regarding death, contagion, and the supernatural.

Scholars and enthusiasts of folklore frequently cite this text as a foundational, albeit dense, exploration of the vampire mythos. While contemporary readers may find the prose style archaic, it remains a significant reference point for those studying the history of European occultism.