
Monsters
Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Maxwell Zener
-
By:
-
David D. Gilmore
About this listen
The human mind needs monsters. In every culture and in every epoch in human history, from ancient Egypt to modern Hollywood, imaginary beings have haunted dreams and fantasies, provoking in young and old shivers of delight, thrills of terror, and endless fascination. In Monsters: Evil Beings, Mythical Beasts, and All Manner of Imaginary Terrors, anthropologist David D. Gilmore explores what human traits monsters represent and why they are so ubiquitous in people's imaginations and share so many features across different cultures.
Using colorful and absorbing evidence from virtually all times and places, Monsters is the first attempt by an anthropologist to delve into the mysterious, frightful abyss of mythical beasts and to interpret their role in the psyche and in society. After many hair-raising descriptions of monstrous beings in art, folktales, fantasy, literature, and community ritual, including such avatars as Dracula and Frankenstein, Hollywood ghouls, and extraterrestrials, Gilmore identifies many common denominators and proposes some novel interpretations.
Monsters, according to Gilmore, are always enormous, man-eating, gratuitously violent, aggressive, sexually sadistic, and superhuman in power, combining our worst nightmares and our most urgent fantasies. We both abhor and worship our monsters: They are our gods as well as our demons. Gilmore argues that the immortal monster of the mind is a complex creation embodying virtually all of the inner conflicts that make us human. Far from being something alien, nonhuman, and outside us, our monsters are our deepest selves.
The book is published by University of Pennsylvania Press.
"Gilmore's...engaging book suggests a universal need to extend perceptions of evil far beyond the obvious." (Choice)
©2003 University of Pennsylvania Press (P)2018 Redwood AudiobooksListeners also enjoyed...
-
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- A Harry Potter Hogwarts Library Book
- By: J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander
- Narrated by: Eddie Redmayne
- Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An approved textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since its first publication, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an indispensable guide to the magical beasts of the wizarding world. It showcases a menagerie of magical creatures, explained enchantingly by noted magizoologist, Newt Scamander, who you may remember from the film series of the same name.
-
-
whoops
- By A. Bunnell on 04-19-17
By: J.K. Rowling, and others
-
Visionary
- The Mysterious Origins of Human Consciousness (The Definitive Edition of Supernatural)
- By: Graham Hancock
- Narrated by: Graham Hancock
- Length: 21 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Less than 50,000 years ago mankind had no art, no religion, no sophisticated symbolism, no innovative thinking. Then, in a dramatic and electrifying change, described by scientists as "the greatest riddle in human history," all the skills and qualities that we value most highly in ourselves appeared already fully formed, as though bestowed on us by hidden powers. In Visionary, Graham Hancock sets out to investigate this mysterious "before-and-after moment" and to discover the truth about the influences that gave birth to modern human mind.
-
-
Pseudoscience, Pure and Simple
- By Scott on 05-10-23
By: Graham Hancock
-
Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books in 1)
- The Perfect Beginner's Guide On Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology, Celtic Mythology, Egyptian Mythology and Japanese Mythology
- By: Lucas Russo
- Narrated by: Jared Zak, Robin LaRose
- Length: 20 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Step into the realm of the gods, heroes, and monsters with Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books In 1)—an unparalleled journey through time, culture, and imagination that will leave you spellbound! Embark on a thrilling odyssey across the globe, as you delve into the hidden depths of five captivating mythologies that have shaped human history and inspired countless legends.
-
-
Accessible and Engaging
- By Samuel Rhodes on 11-20-23
By: Lucas Russo
-
Primitive Mythology
- The Masks of God Series, Volume I
- By: Joseph Campbell, David Kudler - editor
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 19 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The author of such acclaimed books as The Hero With a Thousand Faces and The Power of Myth discusses the primitive roots of mythology, examining them in light of the most recent discoveries in archaeology, anthropology, and psychology.
-
-
Epic speculation into the origins of our mythic consciousness
- By BGZ on 01-10-19
By: Joseph Campbell, and others
-
The Everlasting Man
- By: G. K. Chesterton
- Narrated by: John Franklyn-Robbins
- Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Few people had a more profound effect on Christianity in the 20th century than G. K. Chesterton. The Everlasting Man, written in response to an anti-Christian history of humans penned by H.G. Wells, is considered Chesterton’s masterpiece. In it, he explains Christ’s place in history, asserting that the Christian myth carries more weight than other mythologies for one simple reason—it is the truth.
-
-
well narrated audio of a masterpiece.
- By John Glemby on 10-15-11
By: G. K. Chesterton
-
Warriors, Witches, Women
- Mythology's Fiercest Females
- By: Kate Hodges
- Narrated by: Kate Hodges
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From feminist fairies to blood-sucking temptresses, half-human harpies, and protective Vodou goddesses, these are women who go beyond long-haired, smiling stereotypes. Their stories are so powerful, so entrancing, that they have survived for millennia. Lovingly retold and updated, Kate Hodges places each heroine, rebel, and provocateur firmly at the center of their own narrative.
-
-
Yes.
- By Tifa Universe on 11-20-20
By: Kate Hodges
-
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- A Harry Potter Hogwarts Library Book
- By: J.K. Rowling, Newt Scamander
- Narrated by: Eddie Redmayne
- Length: 1 hr and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An approved textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since its first publication, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an indispensable guide to the magical beasts of the wizarding world. It showcases a menagerie of magical creatures, explained enchantingly by noted magizoologist, Newt Scamander, who you may remember from the film series of the same name.
-
-
whoops
- By A. Bunnell on 04-19-17
By: J.K. Rowling, and others
-
Visionary
- The Mysterious Origins of Human Consciousness (The Definitive Edition of Supernatural)
- By: Graham Hancock
- Narrated by: Graham Hancock
- Length: 21 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Less than 50,000 years ago mankind had no art, no religion, no sophisticated symbolism, no innovative thinking. Then, in a dramatic and electrifying change, described by scientists as "the greatest riddle in human history," all the skills and qualities that we value most highly in ourselves appeared already fully formed, as though bestowed on us by hidden powers. In Visionary, Graham Hancock sets out to investigate this mysterious "before-and-after moment" and to discover the truth about the influences that gave birth to modern human mind.
-
-
Pseudoscience, Pure and Simple
- By Scott on 05-10-23
By: Graham Hancock
-
Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books in 1)
- The Perfect Beginner's Guide On Greek Mythology, Norse Mythology, Celtic Mythology, Egyptian Mythology and Japanese Mythology
- By: Lucas Russo
- Narrated by: Jared Zak, Robin LaRose
- Length: 20 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Step into the realm of the gods, heroes, and monsters with Uncovering World Mythology: The Ultimate Collection (5 Books In 1)—an unparalleled journey through time, culture, and imagination that will leave you spellbound! Embark on a thrilling odyssey across the globe, as you delve into the hidden depths of five captivating mythologies that have shaped human history and inspired countless legends.
-
-
Accessible and Engaging
- By Samuel Rhodes on 11-20-23
By: Lucas Russo
-
Primitive Mythology
- The Masks of God Series, Volume I
- By: Joseph Campbell, David Kudler - editor
- Narrated by: Arthur Morey
- Length: 19 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The author of such acclaimed books as The Hero With a Thousand Faces and The Power of Myth discusses the primitive roots of mythology, examining them in light of the most recent discoveries in archaeology, anthropology, and psychology.
-
-
Epic speculation into the origins of our mythic consciousness
- By BGZ on 01-10-19
By: Joseph Campbell, and others
-
The Everlasting Man
- By: G. K. Chesterton
- Narrated by: John Franklyn-Robbins
- Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Few people had a more profound effect on Christianity in the 20th century than G. K. Chesterton. The Everlasting Man, written in response to an anti-Christian history of humans penned by H.G. Wells, is considered Chesterton’s masterpiece. In it, he explains Christ’s place in history, asserting that the Christian myth carries more weight than other mythologies for one simple reason—it is the truth.
-
-
well narrated audio of a masterpiece.
- By John Glemby on 10-15-11
By: G. K. Chesterton
-
Warriors, Witches, Women
- Mythology's Fiercest Females
- By: Kate Hodges
- Narrated by: Kate Hodges
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
From feminist fairies to blood-sucking temptresses, half-human harpies, and protective Vodou goddesses, these are women who go beyond long-haired, smiling stereotypes. Their stories are so powerful, so entrancing, that they have survived for millennia. Lovingly retold and updated, Kate Hodges places each heroine, rebel, and provocateur firmly at the center of their own narrative.
-
-
Yes.
- By Tifa Universe on 11-20-20
By: Kate Hodges
-
Beyond the North Wind
- The Fall and Rise of the Mystic North
- By: Christopher McIntosh, Hilmar Orn Hilmarsson - foreword
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
"The North" is simultaneously a location, a direction, and a mystical concept. Although this concept has ancient roots in mythology, folklore, and fairy tales, it continues to resonate today within modern culture. McIntosh leads listeners through the magical and spiritual history of the North, as well as its modern manifestations, as documented through physical records, such as runestones and megaliths, but also through mythology and lore. This mythic conception of a powerful, mysterious Northern civilization was known to the Greeks as "Hyberborea" - the "Land Beyond the North Wind".
-
-
Mostly fringe
- By Meg on 11-28-20
By: Christopher McIntosh, and others
-
Mankind in Amnesia
- By: Immanuel Velikovsky
- Narrated by: Lee Goettl
- Length: 7 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Immanuel Velikovsky called this book the "fulfillment of his oath of Hippocrates - to serve humanity." In this book, he returns to his roots as a psychologist and psychoanalytical therapist, yet not with a single person as his patient but with humanity as a whole.
-
-
Classic work
- By Erik The Red on 01-24-23
-
Norse Mythology
- Fascinating Myths and Legends of Norse Gods, Heroes and Viking Beliefs
- By: Neil Matt Hamilton
- Narrated by: Robin Nixon
- Length: 3 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In Norse Mythology: Fascinating Myths and Legends of Norse Gods, Heroes, and Viking Beliefs, you will learn about all the Gods by listening about the tales that formed the basis of the myths about them. Norse Mythology: Fascinating Myths and Legends of Norse Gods, Heroes, and Viking Beliefs explores the Norse Gods and the Viking belief system through the tales told by people living at the time. You will learn everything there is to learn about Norse mythology.
-
-
I am very glad that i found this audible
- By Norma B. Gibson on 10-24-19
-
Bloodline of the Gods
- Unravel the Mystery in the Human Blood Type to Reveal the Aliens Among Us
- By: Nick Redfern
- Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Are significant numbers of humanity the product of an ancient and advanced alien civilization? Have we, across the millennia, been periodically modified and refined as a species? In short, has our genetic make-up been manipulated by otherworldly beings that view human civilization as one big lab experiment? These are controversial and thought-provoking questions. They are also questions that demand answers, answers that may very well be found by examining those people whose blood type is Rh negative.
-
-
Much better book than I expected!
- By Vanessa on 01-01-17
By: Nick Redfern
-
The Viking Spirit
- An Introduction to Norse Mythology and Religion
- By: Daniel McCoy
- Narrated by: Andrew Tell
- Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Viking Spirit is an introduction to Norse mythology like no other. As you’d expect from Daniel McCoy, the creator of the endearingly popular website "Norse Mythology for Smart People", it’s written to scholarly standards, but in a simple, clear, and entertaining style that’s easy to understand and a pleasure to listen to. It includes gripping retellings of no less than 34 epic Norse myths - more than any other book in the field - while also providing an equally comprehensive overview of the fascinating viking religion of which Norse mythology was a part.
-
-
Christo-centric revisionist
- By Megan List on 12-03-19
By: Daniel McCoy
-
The Alphabet Versus the Goddess
- The Conflict Between Word and Image
- By: Leonard Shlain
- Narrated by: Norman Dietz
- Length: 24 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Who changed the sex of God? This groundbreaking book proposes that the rise of alphabetic literacy reconfigured the human brain and brought about profound changes in history, religion, and gender relations. Making remarkable connections across brain function, myth, and anthropology, Dr. Shlain shows why pre-literate cultures were principally informed by holistic, right-brain modes that venerated the Goddess, images, and feminine values.
-
-
Can't Even Get Started
- By Marie on 02-08-19
By: Leonard Shlain
-
Monster of God
- By: David Quammen
- Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
- Length: 16 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
For millennia, lions, tigers, and their man-eating kin have kept our dark, scary forests dark and scary, and their predatory majesty has been the stuff of folklore. But by the year 2150 big predators may only exist on the other side of glass barriers and chain-link fences. Their gradual disappearance is changing the very nature of our existence. We no longer occupy an intermediate position on the food chain; instead we survey it invulnerably from above - so far above that we are in danger of forgetting that we even belong to an ecosystem.
-
-
Great book, shame about the performance
- By Shirzy on 05-23-18
By: David Quammen
-
Egyptian Mythology
- Captivating Stories of the Gods, Goddesses, Monsters and Mortals
- By: Matt Clayton
- Narrated by: JD Kelly
- Length: 1 hr and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This book on Egyptian mythology is part of the best-selling series, Norse Mythology - Egyptian Mythology - Greek Mythology. In this ultimate guide on Egyptian mythology, you will discover captivating stories of the gods, goddesses, monsters, and mortals.
-
-
No lo vale
- By fer on 02-09-23
By: Matt Clayton
-
Gods: Sekret Machines
- Gods, Man & War Series, Book 1
- By: Tom DeLonge, Peter Levenda
- Narrated by: Paul Costanzo
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The first volume in Gods, Man, & War, Gods introduces the listener to some of the critical issues that are foundational to an intelligent and enlightened grasp of the revelations that will follow in the next two volumes. There is another Force in the universe of our Reality, another context for comprehending what has been going on for millennia and especially in the last 70 years.
-
-
ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY 👽👽👽👽👾👾👾👾
- By Amazon Customer on 05-31-17
By: Tom DeLonge, and others
-
The Popol Vuh
- The History and Legacy of the Maya's Creation Myth and Epic Legends
- By: Charles River Editors
- Narrated by: Bill Hare
- Length: 1 hr and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Many ancient civilizations have influenced and inspired people in the 21st century. The Greeks and Romans continue to fascinate the West today. But of all the world's civilizations, none have intrigued people more than the Mayans, whose culture, astronomy, language, and mysterious disappearance all continue to captivate people. In 2012 especially, there was a renewed focus on the Mayans, whose advanced calendar led many to speculate the world would end on the same date the Mayan calendar ends.
-
-
This isn't the actual Popol Vuh!
- By Dana on 02-27-19
-
Gobekli Tepe
- Genesis of the Gods: The Temple of the Watchers and the Discovery of Eden
- By: Andrew Collins
- Narrated by: Shaun Grindell
- Length: 12 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Built at the end of the last ice age, the mysterious stone temple complex of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey is one of the greatest challenges to 21st century archaeology. As much as 7,000 years older than the Great Pyramid and Stonehenge, its strange buildings and rings of T-shaped monoliths - built with stones weighing from 10 to 15 tons - show a level of sophistication and artistic achievement unmatched until the rise of the great civilizations of the ancient world, Sumer, Egypt, and Babylon.
-
-
Scam!
- By Sam Sapirstein on 09-28-18
By: Andrew Collins
-
Mythology
- A Captivating Guide to Greek Mythology, Egyptian Mythology, and Norse Mythology
- By: Matt Clayton
- Narrated by: JD Kelly
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Discover captivating beliefs of the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Vikings in this book on mythology that contains three manuscripts. The first manuscript in this bundle is the best-seller called Greek Mythology: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters.
-
-
Where did the time Go?
- By Insatiable Intuitive on 04-17-18
By: Matt Clayton