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Sons of Cain

A History of Serial Killers from the Stone Age to the Present
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( 2,206 ratings, 314 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Sons of Cain by Peter Vronsky delves into the dark history of serial killers, tracing their origins from primitive times to the present. It explores the psychological, historical, and cultural factors that have shaped these individuals. The book offers deep insights into the evolution and methods of serial murderers throughout history while examining the societal impact of their crimes.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the origins and psychology of serial killers, blending investigative rigour with historical context, offering a gripping exploration from prehistoric times to the present.

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Sons of Cain

An in-depth examination of serial killers throughout human history, how they evolved, and why we are fascinated by their horrifying crimes.

From the author of Serial Killers- The Method and Madness of Monsters comes an in-depth examination of sexual serial killers throughout human history, how they evolved, and why we are drawn to their horrifying crimes.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the acclaimed author of Serial Killers: The Method and Madness of Monsters comes Sons of Cain, an in-depth exploration of sexual serial killers throughout human history. Peter Vronsky takes readers on a harrowing journey, tracing the evolution of these ominous figures from prehistoric times to our modern era, and examining why humanity remains both horrified and fascinated by their gruesome crimes.

Before the term "serial killer" was established in 1981, society grappled with these murderers as "monsters," likening them to werewolves, vampires, ghouls, and witches, or portraying them as Hitchcockian psychos. In Sons of Cain, Vronsky bridges the gap between dry academic treatises and sensational true crime stories, presenting a compelling narrative that delves deeper into the historical and psychological dimensions of serial killing.

Vronsky's investigation begins in the prehistoric era, around 15,000 BC, offering an anthropological perspective on the emergence and development of serial killing behaviour well before the advent of civilisation. He sifts through millennia to uncover how our ancestors' primal instincts paved the way for what we now identify as serial murder.

Unlike his previous work, Serial Killers from 2004, which has been hailed as the definitive history of serial murder, Sons of Cain focuses exclusively on sexual serial killers. These thrill killers engage in crimes involving murder, rape, torture, cannibalism, and necrophilia. Vronsky carefully distinguishes these individuals from for-profit serial killers like hit men or political serial killers such as terrorists and genocidal murderers, underscoring their unique motivations and psychological foundations.

In Sons of Cain, Vronsky argues that sexual serial killers are a uniquely human phenomenon and, as pop culture often demonstrates, uniquely fascinating. With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, he reveals the dark corners of human nature that give rise to such horrifying behaviour and probes the complex interplay between our collective fear and perverse curiosity about these monstrous figures.

Sons of Cain is more than a history; it is an unflinching examination of the darkest aspects of humanity, making it an essential read for anyone captivated by true crime, psychology, or history. Through Vronsky's piercing lens, readers are invited to confront the terrifying realities of our past and understand the chilling legacy of sexual serial killers that continues to haunt us.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Sons of Cain by Peter Vronsky has been praised for its comprehensive exploration of the history of serial killers. Reviewers appreciate its thorough research, engaging narrative, and Vronsky’s ability to provide both historical context and psychological insight. The book is noted for being both informative and gripping, making it a compelling read for those interested in true crime and criminology.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780425276976

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 August 2018

Country: United States

Imprint: Berkley Publishing Corporation,U.S.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 432

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About the Author

Peter Vronsky isthe author of twobestselling true-crime histories-Serial Killers- The Method and Madness of MonstersandFemale Serial Killers- How and Why Women Become Monsters. He is an investigative historian, author, filmmaker and new media designer. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto in criminal justice history and espionage in international relations.

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