Book excerpt: Volker Elis Pilgrim (1942-2022) was a bestselling author in Germany, publishing a range of controversial books such as his study of the evils of mother love, a guide to sexual emancipation, and four massive volumes which psychoanalyzed Hitler as a sexually deranged serial killer. The Vampire Man, completed just before his death, is his first book in English. It has an important message: there are vampires among us, killing us softly in our sleep. His book presents a brilliant investigation into a phenomenon that affects millions of people. Pilgrim has detected a sleep disorder which he describes as “an energy transfer” between two people who sleep in different rooms, even in different buildings. It’s a kind of clandestine relationship. His theory is that there is a taker, who feeds off the spirits of someone else in their sleep – and robs them even of the will to live. Such takers, Pilgrim believes, have a vampire personality. Their victims are donors. They suffer from restlessness and deep disturbance in the night and are mystified about what causes their disorder. Pilgrim’s book is a warning – and offers help to donors so they can avoid “nightly energy robbery.” The author was once described as “the most interesting person on Earth.” The Vampire Man introduces the English-reading world to a profound and towering genius – and his book may even save lives.