A review by wreathedinviolets
Shapeshifters: A History by John B. Kachuba

3.0

An all around rather standard book that does what the title says: provide a history of shapeshifting. However the short length and vague definition of shapeshifting doesn't provide much depth for the vast variety of time periods and cultures it covers. I found the most interesting chapters about modern shapeshifting (namely cosplay, "vampire" communities, and the shift in what we consider the shapeshifting monster trope). Despite the effort to include the trans experience, I felt the author lacked the perspective to discuss anything relevant (Aka describing someone's sexuality or transition as their "issues".....really?). Also, the pop culture chapter felt like a list instead of the analysis I wanted. Overall just not enough time to get anything other than surface level description of events.