Monsters of the Gevaudan

Step into the chilling world of Monsters of the Gévaudan by Jay M. Smith, published by Harvard University Press in 2011. This captivating hardback spans 392 pages and delves into one of the most infamous mysteries of the 18th century. In 1764, a peasant girl was tragically killed and partially devoured while tending to her sheep, marking the beginning of a series of gruesome attacks that claimed over a hundred victims.

Smith meticulously unravels the events surrounding these horrific encounters, exploring the beast that haunted the French countryside and captivated the imaginations of people across Europe. With a blend of historical narrative and folklore analysis, Monsters of the Gévaudan provides a compelling examination of the social life, customs, and popular culture of the time. This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by history, folklore, and the enduring legacy of legendary monsters.