Vampire fiction is much more than Bram Stoker's Dracula and Anne Rice's Chronicles. Stoker focused on the supernatural evil of the vampire as personified by Count Dracula. Rice's undead were linked to a king and queen of ancient Egypt. Many modern writers also give the vampire supernatural status, but there are other authors who depict the vampire as another species, an alien, and this is the focus of Margaret Carter's fascinating study. A great many authors and works are discussed. The following is a brief look at what can be found in Carter's work.

In Jacqueline Lichtenberg's novel Those of My Blood the luren have lived on Earth for many generations but are extraterrestrial in origen. These vampires divide into two camps: Residents who respect humanity as a sentient race; and Tourists who consider humans as prey.

There is a fascinating discourse on the equally fascintating novel The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas. Tapestry is a classic, much read and discussed by aficionados of vampire literature. Dr Weyland, the primary character, passes for human, but he is not and never was. He is a pure predetor. and he is one of a kind.

Well known fantasy writer Tanith Lee wrote Sabella. The title character must come to terms with her alien vampiric self after years of believing herself to be human.

Elaine Bergstrom has written a series about the Austras, a family of vampires who have resided on our planet for such a long time they consider Earth their home.

I've listed only a few examples of a wide ranging, well researched discussion of the vampire as alien. The book, though academic in approach, will appeal to anyone interested in a readable analysis of literature. ( )