The Zombie King

"The Zombie King" by Emily Matchar explores the fascinating life of William Seabrook, an adventurous and eccentric writer whose 1928 encounter with Haitian voodoo zombis helped popularize the concept of the undead in American culture. The book delves into Seabrook’s multifaceted experiences, from his time as a war ambulance driver to his associations with famous literary and artistic figures, revealing a complex personality driven by creativity and inner demons. Through this portrait, Seabrook emerges as a pivotal but forgotten figure whose influence extends beyond the realm of horror into the wider cultural imagination.