Written with the co-operation of Anne Rice, this is a guide to the historical and mythical background of her four volumes of "The Vampire Chronicles". All the characters, from Louis and Lestat to Akasha and Raglan James - plus pieces, key events, symbols and themes - are analyzed in this view of Rice's supernatural realm. Her own thoughts and feelings about aspects of her work are included. Katherine Ramsland is the author of a biography of Anne Rice, "Prism of the Night".