How far apart are humans from animals-even the "vampire squid from hell"? Playing the scientist/philosopher/provocateur, Vilm 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-andnonhuman-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.