Human Animals

"Human Animals" by Frank Hamel is a detailed investigation into the old beliefs about people changing into animals. The book looks at stories and magical arts to find myths from different cultures that show this change happening which was written at the start of the 1900s. It talks about what it means to be a werewolf, the special links between people and animals, and why these changes were important in different cultures. The book starts by explaining that many cultures throughout time have thought people could turn into animals, usually because of magic. It explains how these changes happen, like special ceremonies or magical forces, and shows how common these beliefs are in societies. By sharing various examples from folklore, Hamel points out the similarities between human experiences and the animal world, setting the stage for the rest of the book.