Vampyroteuthis Infernalis: A Treatise, with a Report by the Institut Scientifique de Recherche Paranaturaliste

How far apart are humans from animals-even the vampire squid from hell ? Playing the scientist/philosopher/provocateur, Vilem Flusser uses this question as a springboard to dive into a literal and a philosophical ocean. Part scientific treatise, part spoof, part philosophical discourse, part fable, Vampyroteuthis Infernalis gives its author ample room to ruminate on human-and nonhuman-life. Considering the human condition along with the vampire squid/octopus condition seems appropriate because we are both products of an absurd coincidence … we are poorly programmed beings full of defects, Flusser writes.