Free Downloads Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid: The Book Of Scary Urban Legends
An anthology of the most chilling urban legends of all time collected by the maestro himself. Urban legends are those strange, but seemingly credible tales that always happen to a friend of a friend. For the first time, Professor Jan Harold Brunvand, "who has achieved almost legendary status" (Choice), has collected the creepiest, most terrifying urban legends, many that have spooked you since your childhood and others that you believe really did occur―even if it was one town over to some poor hapless coed who left a party early only to be followed by a man who just got loose from a mental hospital. From the classic hook-man story told around many a campfire to "Saved by a Cell Phone," these spine-tingling urban legends will give you goose bumps, even when you know they can't be true. Still, you'll continue to check the backseat of your car at gas stations and look under your bed at night before praying for sleep.
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (October 15, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0393326136
ISBN-13: 978-0393326130
Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.7 x 8.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #628,841 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #14 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Urban Legends #1645 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Social Sciences > Folklore & Mythology #4068 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Mythology & Folk Tales
I remember hearing the "Aren't you glad you didn't turn on the lights" story while attending a Midwestern university and it was sufficiently believeable to spook me for a long time until I read that it was an urban legend. Professor Brunvand's book details various legends from those that will send chills up your spine to others that will just tickle your funny bone. A highly recommended read for all!
I read The Vanishing Hitchhiker a few months ago and decided to pick up this book for updated UL and found this book to be just a good as the first.I am a sociology major and The Vanishing Hitchhiker has been mentioned in a few of my classes therefore I had a desire to read the book. It is very textbook oriented in that, it gives many explanations to the UL. This book followed the same outline in format. Brunvand provides an explanation of why and how the UL for arisen followed by examples of the UL. Even though it is textbook oriented, if you have an interest in UL you should find this book entertaining even though it provides scholarly explanations to where the UL originated and how all UL originate.Many people receive on a weekly basis a "true" event to watch out for, say for example, flashing your lights at the car that is driving without their headlights on, this is circulating as a gang orientation ritual, what Brunvand sheds light on is these stories are untraceable to the source which is one indicator that it is a UL. He also provides the reference of [...] to verify to the recipient of the email to check out the story they received as true.Some people rated this book at too academic, considering the other is a professor of folklore, how else would he write but academically. I am looking forward to picking up another Brunvand book to read in the next few weeks that is how much I have enjoyed his writing style. If you are looking for a book only full of stories and not the academic perspective, my suggestion is Brunvand's Encyclopedia of Urban Legends, it leaves out the academic aspect.
You've undoubtedly heard some of these "true" stories that very definitely happened to a friend of a friend of a friend, but if you've not read any of Jan Harold Brunvand's books about where they come from and what they really tell us, this volume of the scarier tales is a good place to start. Part spooky tale told around a campfire, part lesson in modern folklore, urban legends are both fun and instructive when told by the master, as Brunvand is.If you've read a number of Brunvand's many other popular books on urban legends, you won't find a lot new here, though that doesn't make it any less an entertaining read. For a first timer, this is a five star book. Devotees of urban legend lore (like me) will want it to complete their collections.Just don't dim the lights too much as you read it.
I just got mine a few days ago and I must say, this book surprised me. It is a relatively easy read and can give one the jitters if read alone at night ;) My only knock on this book is that I was hoping it would have more ghost tales but I'd still recommend this book especially during Halloween.
This is a very interesting read, I love it. It is filled with stories that are so creepy and interesting. Very good to read especially around halloween and especially best shared with friends.
I was able to finish this book in a week. The stories were fascinating and whenever possible the author does his best to credit his sources. I own his encyclopedia of Urban Legends as well(about 1000 pages) and after reading this book I can't wait to start reading it.
If you enjoy myth and folklore, this will be an interesting read. I liked the fact that it gave several variations of the legends, everythig from where it originated from to who its told by and how it changes from being passed around. As you read through you will know some of these legends and think back to who told them to you. If they say it happend to them or a friend of a friend you can hand them the book and sadly tell them it's been around for years!.
The stories in this book were very enjoyable. There were no tears or marks on the pages and there were no pages missing. The stories were easy to understand too. A great buy!!!
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