The Serpent and the Rainbow

A Harvard Scientist's Astonishing Journey into the Secret Societies of Haitian Voodoo, Zombis, and Magic

By: Wade Davis

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

A scientific investigation and personal adventure story about zombies and the vodoun culture of Haiti by a Harvard scientist.

In April 1982, ethnobotanist Wade Davis arrived in Haiti to investigate two documented cases of zombies - people who had reappeared in Haitian society years after they had been officially declared dead and had been buried. Drawn into a netherworld of rituals and celebrations, Davis penetrated the vodoun mystique deeply enough to place zombification in its proper context within vodoun culture. In the course of his investigation, Davis came to realize that the story of vodoun is the history of Haiti - from the African origins of its people to the successful Haitian independence movement, down to the present day, where vodoun culture is, in effect, the government of Haiti's countryside.

The Serpent and the Rainbow combines anthropological investigation with a remarkable personal adventure to illuminate and finally explain a phenomenon that has long fascinated Americans.

©1985 Wade Davis (P)2020 Tantor

A true visionary.

Read Wade Davis, then read Wade Davis again. And then… was it worthwhile? Why not find out?

Very interesting and informative

I've had this book for awhile and never read it or listened to it so I decided to do it

A classic Anthropological work

This book is a must read for any Anthropologist. I enjoyed its contents, and gave me a new perspective of the voodoo society and culture. The narrator was outstanding, his voice, pacing and pronunciation were very good. Full of scientific facts, field work and cultural elements, this book is a gem.

the anthropology investigation

better than some other works leaning towards fiction. Relevant today that Haiti is in trouble

Captivating Story

I watched the movie based off this book years ago and it was always on my "to read" list.

I'm very happy I read this--is so very very different from the movie and a great way to learn more about the culture of Haiti and Voudou. very much enjoyed!