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Fantasy Encyclopedia
With a foreword by the award-winning fantasy author Jonathan Stroud, and
illustration by some of the world's best illustrators including John Howe, the
Fantasy Encyclopedia is a spectacular one-stop guide to the creatures and people of folklore and fantasy. From goblins and fairies to dragons and Dracula, this encyclopedia covers them all with sparkling, readable text and stunning illustrations. Discover how the magic of stories throughout the centuries has kept these creatures alive in traditions and cultures around the world. Using a highly visual approach, featuring more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this book will introduce readers to each fantasy character within its habitat and genre. Cross-reference boxes direct readers to popular books and movies starring these fantastical creatures. This is a must-have for any fantasy enthusiast!
illustration by some of the world's best illustrators including John Howe, the
Fantasy Encyclopedia is a spectacular one-stop guide to the creatures and people of folklore and fantasy. From goblins and fairies to dragons and Dracula, this encyclopedia covers them all with sparkling, readable text and stunning illustrations. Discover how the magic of stories throughout the centuries has kept these creatures alive in traditions and cultures around the world. Using a highly visual approach, featuring more than 400 photographs and illustrations, this book will introduce readers to each fantasy character within its habitat and genre. Cross-reference boxes direct readers to popular books and movies starring these fantastical creatures. This is a must-have for any fantasy enthusiast!
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
11 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Judy Allen
119 books24 followersJudy Allen is an award-winning author whose novel Awaiting Developments was short-listed for the Whitbread Children's Novel Award.
Judy Allen, along with illustrator Tudor Humphries, created Kingfisher's award-winning Backyard Books series and many other successful books, including the Reading Rainbow selections Tiger and Seal.
Judy Allen, along with illustrator Tudor Humphries, created Kingfisher's award-winning Backyard Books series and many other successful books, including the Reading Rainbow selections Tiger and Seal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 23, 2024
An illustrated enciclopedia of fantastical and mythological creatures, clearly intended for the young readers, from the reading recommendations that came with each set of mythical creatures and the glossary of terms at the end of the book. Very strange phrasing sometimes, hinting at creatures being real, not sure if it was from the translation or the original. Interesting pictures, but I would have liked more references for them.
February 22, 2022
This book contains paintings form many artists, including john howe, and that is a plus for me
now, this book speaks about creatures like fairies, elves, lake monsters, bigfoot, dragoons, unicorns and pegasus and many other legendatry creatures. seperated in chapters, each creature also has a small paragraph saying in which book and/or movie it made an appearance in.
now, this book speaks about creatures like fairies, elves, lake monsters, bigfoot, dragoons, unicorns and pegasus and many other legendatry creatures. seperated in chapters, each creature also has a small paragraph saying in which book and/or movie it made an appearance in.
January 21, 2015
I read most of this book at the library. It's one of those coffee-table-style books, so you don't really have to read all of it to read captions and images and all the rest of it.
Great information on various creatures like dragons, harpies, trolls, sprites, elementals and other things. It's also got really good stuff on Greek influences, so you get things like the Furies and Scylla and Carybdis, which I'm sure I just spelled wrong.
Anyways, good read, well worth looking at if you're at the library and your kids are on the computer and you have to wait around.
Great information on various creatures like dragons, harpies, trolls, sprites, elementals and other things. It's also got really good stuff on Greek influences, so you get things like the Furies and Scylla and Carybdis, which I'm sure I just spelled wrong.
Anyways, good read, well worth looking at if you're at the library and your kids are on the computer and you have to wait around.
December 29, 2021
Sellised raamatud on kirjaniku hea abimees. Kui mõte jookseb kinni, siis on mõnus selline raamat suvalisest kohast lahti lüüa, et saada mõtteid, kuidas oma lugu jätkata. See ei tähenda, et ma elulisse noorteraamatusse seepärast mõne fantastilise olendi sisse kirjutaks, aga mingeid mõtteid see annab.
Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
Pikemalt kirjutan blogis: https://midaheliluges.blogspot.com/20...
July 20, 2022
Cool book if you like fantasy and mythology!
October 2, 2022
Expected much more😩
March 23, 2021
Måske ikke super dybdegående, men favner bredt og rummer MANGE forskellige væsner fra fantasylitteratur og sagn og myter fra forskellige dele af verden.
November 27, 2021
O enciclopedie despre ființe supranaturale. Ideală pentru cei curioși despre personajele din care au fost inspirate unele creaturi din "Harry Potter" sau pentru cei care adoră lumea fantasy.
July 6, 2024
Nazwa mówi sama za siebie
February 12, 2021
Dieses Buch ist ein reich bebildertes Nachschlagewerk für junge Leser.
Thematisch geordnet werden eine große Palette von übernatürlichen Erscheinungen und Figuren aus Mythologie, alten Religionen, Sage und Volksglauben dargestellt, die Eingang in die Fantasy und auch Horror-Literatur gefunden haben. Gruppen sind zum Beispiel „Fabelwesen“, „Magische Gegenstände“, aber auch „Untote“.
Das sieht meistens so aus: Ein kurzer Artikel der Autorin beschreibt den Gegenstand. Einzel- oder Nebenaspekte erhalten erläuternde Darstellung, um das Wissen zu vertiefen. Zum Hauptartikel gehören auch bildliche Darstellungen, die auf der Seite meistens genauso viel Platz einnehmen. Die ganze Seite ist eine Bild – Textkomposition. In einem Kästchen wird dann auf Bücher und Filme verwiesen, in denen die Figuren und Erscheinungen eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Das sind dann meistens englischsprachige Werke und bekannte Märchen. Hier hat man von Seiten des deutschen Verlages Wert darauf gelegt, nur auf hier bekannte und deutschsprachige Literatur zur verweisen.
Das Vorwort von Jonathan Stroud, dem Schöpfer von „Barthimäus“ und einer der derzeit erfolgreichsten Fantasy-Autoren, gibt sozusagen die Einstellung zur Welt der Feen, Schrecknisse und Magie vor. Er sieht die Gestalten als Teil seiner (Vorstellungs-)Welt. Da ist es nicht wichtig, ob es dieser nun „wirklich“ gibt. In einem Werk der Fantasy werden sie von den Leser und Zuschauer real, und das zählt.
Im Anschluss daran versucht Judy Allen gar nicht erst Fantasy exakt zu definieren. Sie meint, dies sei eigentlich gar nicht möglich. Fantasy ist es eben dann, wenn darin Hexen, Zauberei und Fabelgeschöpfe eine Rolle spielen. Immerhin wird durch die Darstellung des Buches klar, dass fast alle Elemente der Fantasy-Literatur eigentlich schon vor ihr existiert haben, die modernen Autoren und Autorinnen sie eigentlich nur aufgegriffen und zum Teil weiter ausgeschmückt haben. Oder um ein bekanntes Beispiel aufzugreifen, wie J.K. Rowling den Hippogreif aus dem Greif und dem geflügelten Pferd Pegassus, neu „geschaffen“ haben.
Die Darstellung sind kurz und präzise. Man kann annehmen, dass das Wissen aus fremden Quellen einigermaßen exakt vermittelt wird, wobei es natürlich in der Hinsicht schwierig ist, folkloristische Figuren mit Worten zu beschreiben und deren Rolle zu erläutern, da helfen die Bilder weiter.
Gelegentlich scheint es, dass die Autorein selbst plausible Erklärungen (er)findet, etwa für den Besen als Fluggerät der Hexen:
„So gut wie alle Hexen betrieben ihr Geschäft von zu Hause aus, und da dort der Besen immer griffbereit war, wurde er zu ihrem bevorzugten Fortbewegungsmittel.“
Als erwachsener Leser wünscht man sich vertiefende Erklärungen, doch es gibt leider keine Hinweise zur Sachliteratur.
Es gibt aber, ein geographisch geordnetes Herkunftsregister und ein für Nachschlagewerke unerlässliches, recht umfassendes alphabetisch geordnetes Register.
Hinzu kommt noch ein Glossar, das so wichtige Begriffe wie „Kelten“ erklärt.
Für junge Leser gibt dieses schön aufgemachte Buch einen guten ersten Einblick in die Vielfalt fantastischer Gestalten, die den Reiz der Fantasy nicht nur für junge Leser ausmachen. Die Phantasie wird angeregt, und man blättert wegen der vielen Bilder gern darin.
Thematisch geordnet werden eine große Palette von übernatürlichen Erscheinungen und Figuren aus Mythologie, alten Religionen, Sage und Volksglauben dargestellt, die Eingang in die Fantasy und auch Horror-Literatur gefunden haben. Gruppen sind zum Beispiel „Fabelwesen“, „Magische Gegenstände“, aber auch „Untote“.
Das sieht meistens so aus: Ein kurzer Artikel der Autorin beschreibt den Gegenstand. Einzel- oder Nebenaspekte erhalten erläuternde Darstellung, um das Wissen zu vertiefen. Zum Hauptartikel gehören auch bildliche Darstellungen, die auf der Seite meistens genauso viel Platz einnehmen. Die ganze Seite ist eine Bild – Textkomposition. In einem Kästchen wird dann auf Bücher und Filme verwiesen, in denen die Figuren und Erscheinungen eine wichtige Rolle spielen. Das sind dann meistens englischsprachige Werke und bekannte Märchen. Hier hat man von Seiten des deutschen Verlages Wert darauf gelegt, nur auf hier bekannte und deutschsprachige Literatur zur verweisen.
Das Vorwort von Jonathan Stroud, dem Schöpfer von „Barthimäus“ und einer der derzeit erfolgreichsten Fantasy-Autoren, gibt sozusagen die Einstellung zur Welt der Feen, Schrecknisse und Magie vor. Er sieht die Gestalten als Teil seiner (Vorstellungs-)Welt. Da ist es nicht wichtig, ob es dieser nun „wirklich“ gibt. In einem Werk der Fantasy werden sie von den Leser und Zuschauer real, und das zählt.
Im Anschluss daran versucht Judy Allen gar nicht erst Fantasy exakt zu definieren. Sie meint, dies sei eigentlich gar nicht möglich. Fantasy ist es eben dann, wenn darin Hexen, Zauberei und Fabelgeschöpfe eine Rolle spielen. Immerhin wird durch die Darstellung des Buches klar, dass fast alle Elemente der Fantasy-Literatur eigentlich schon vor ihr existiert haben, die modernen Autoren und Autorinnen sie eigentlich nur aufgegriffen und zum Teil weiter ausgeschmückt haben. Oder um ein bekanntes Beispiel aufzugreifen, wie J.K. Rowling den Hippogreif aus dem Greif und dem geflügelten Pferd Pegassus, neu „geschaffen“ haben.
Die Darstellung sind kurz und präzise. Man kann annehmen, dass das Wissen aus fremden Quellen einigermaßen exakt vermittelt wird, wobei es natürlich in der Hinsicht schwierig ist, folkloristische Figuren mit Worten zu beschreiben und deren Rolle zu erläutern, da helfen die Bilder weiter.
Gelegentlich scheint es, dass die Autorein selbst plausible Erklärungen (er)findet, etwa für den Besen als Fluggerät der Hexen:
„So gut wie alle Hexen betrieben ihr Geschäft von zu Hause aus, und da dort der Besen immer griffbereit war, wurde er zu ihrem bevorzugten Fortbewegungsmittel.“
Als erwachsener Leser wünscht man sich vertiefende Erklärungen, doch es gibt leider keine Hinweise zur Sachliteratur.
Es gibt aber, ein geographisch geordnetes Herkunftsregister und ein für Nachschlagewerke unerlässliches, recht umfassendes alphabetisch geordnetes Register.
Hinzu kommt noch ein Glossar, das so wichtige Begriffe wie „Kelten“ erklärt.
Für junge Leser gibt dieses schön aufgemachte Buch einen guten ersten Einblick in die Vielfalt fantastischer Gestalten, die den Reiz der Fantasy nicht nur für junge Leser ausmachen. Die Phantasie wird angeregt, und man blättert wegen der vielen Bilder gern darin.
December 24, 2016
An enjoyable read despite several very obvious editing errors that the Dutch translation contained (such as a dubble passage, a passage that wasn't translated...).
August 13, 2022
I don't really know where to start.
This reference book is made for a younger audience. Its sections are pretty simple and the list of novels/movies that feature the spotlight creature are aimed at 10 - 13. I actually think the sidebar lists of books and movies was my favourite part. I checked off a lot of them.
There is nothing wrong with simplicity when introducing someone to a topic but there were a lot of instances when simplicity often led to misinformation. Some of the topics were made to be more threatening/scary than other lore suggests. I especially wasn't a fan of the pages on witches and werewolves.
It's hard to say it's "misinformation" based on folklore when there is so much conflicting information in the first place. But some of the instances in this book were contrary to what I have read/researched before.
Along the same vein I found the author inconsistent. Sometimes they wrote as though the creatures could be encountered in real life and sometimes as though they were myths. It was a very odd mix of views.
I did learn about a few new creatures which I plan to follow up on. But overall I don't think I would recommend this one. There are lots of other mythic beastiaries out there that do a better job of introducing the topic.
This reference book is made for a younger audience. Its sections are pretty simple and the list of novels/movies that feature the spotlight creature are aimed at 10 - 13. I actually think the sidebar lists of books and movies was my favourite part. I checked off a lot of them.
There is nothing wrong with simplicity when introducing someone to a topic but there were a lot of instances when simplicity often led to misinformation. Some of the topics were made to be more threatening/scary than other lore suggests. I especially wasn't a fan of the pages on witches and werewolves.
It's hard to say it's "misinformation" based on folklore when there is so much conflicting information in the first place. But some of the instances in this book were contrary to what I have read/researched before.
Along the same vein I found the author inconsistent. Sometimes they wrote as though the creatures could be encountered in real life and sometimes as though they were myths. It was a very odd mix of views.
I did learn about a few new creatures which I plan to follow up on. But overall I don't think I would recommend this one. There are lots of other mythic beastiaries out there that do a better job of introducing the topic.
May 12, 2024
This is a gorgeous book indeed. Including artwork of great fantasy artists like John Howe or Richard Hook. You will also find interesting, although short, texts describing dozens of fantasy and mythological creatures. It comes with extra bits of very interesting information such as the reason why compilations of maps are called Atlas, for example.
One main criticism is the lack of "target" orientation of this product. Was it written for 4 - 8 years readers? Or older? If it is for very young readers then Ms. Judy Allen should explain why she is advising as "extra" material "Apocalypse Now" or "lord of the Rings"...Older readers will certainly want more information about the mentioned legends and creatures.
This is a good place to get an introductory knowledge to the amazing and impossible to qualify world of the fantastic, but it isn't an encyclopedia - far from it.
Even with the above mentioned notes, this book is an excellent story aid. When you're telling your children a fantasy story you can show them beautiful artwork of Dragons, Fairies or Goblins. But please, if your 4 year older wants more information about Valkyries, DON'T MAKE THEM WATCH "APOCALYPSE NOW" (a fabulous film, one of my favorites, but not adequate for early childhood at all).
One main criticism is the lack of "target" orientation of this product. Was it written for 4 - 8 years readers? Or older? If it is for very young readers then Ms. Judy Allen should explain why she is advising as "extra" material "Apocalypse Now" or "lord of the Rings"...Older readers will certainly want more information about the mentioned legends and creatures.
This is a good place to get an introductory knowledge to the amazing and impossible to qualify world of the fantastic, but it isn't an encyclopedia - far from it.
Even with the above mentioned notes, this book is an excellent story aid. When you're telling your children a fantasy story you can show them beautiful artwork of Dragons, Fairies or Goblins. But please, if your 4 year older wants more information about Valkyries, DON'T MAKE THEM WATCH "APOCALYPSE NOW" (a fabulous film, one of my favorites, but not adequate for early childhood at all).
December 22, 2021
3 / 5 for 'Fantasy Encyclopedia' by Judy Allen
This is a beautifully illustrated guide to a wide and varied plethora of creatures from the history of fantasy and mythology. In terms of presentation, it is excellent, providing a mixture of original paintings, well-made digital images and historic photographs. In terms of art and presentation, this book is wonderful.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the textual content. Most creatures have a paragraph or two each, and there are occasional factual errors. The text in this book barely scratches the surface of most of these fascinating creatures and legends. In terms of informational content, this book is nothing more than a very simple and very brief overview, with little detail given.
I enjoyed reading it, but more for the wonderful artwork than the lightweight text. 4 out of 5 for presentation, 2 out of 5 for info and text, so 3 out of 5 overall.
3 / 5
This is a beautifully illustrated guide to a wide and varied plethora of creatures from the history of fantasy and mythology. In terms of presentation, it is excellent, providing a mixture of original paintings, well-made digital images and historic photographs. In terms of art and presentation, this book is wonderful.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the textual content. Most creatures have a paragraph or two each, and there are occasional factual errors. The text in this book barely scratches the surface of most of these fascinating creatures and legends. In terms of informational content, this book is nothing more than a very simple and very brief overview, with little detail given.
I enjoyed reading it, but more for the wonderful artwork than the lightweight text. 4 out of 5 for presentation, 2 out of 5 for info and text, so 3 out of 5 overall.
3 / 5
January 12, 2022
Book of my dreams!! I remember lavishing my attentions on this thing in the elementary school library, so enthralled but too afraid to talk to the librarian and check it out... Reading it now, I understand totally why it held that wonder for me. A great introduction to fantasy creatures from many cultures, though, like most fantasy encyclopedias, it also leaves out a lot-- particularly from non-Western cultures and countries. Still, I think it's great as what it is, and the art used is undeniably beautiful. So grateful for all the introductions this book gave me to new and weird monsters.
November 15, 2017
Love this book! I've had it for years and I still reread it for fun and inspiration for my imagination. There are short lists of books that contain the Fantasy subject discussed on each page which is very fun and helpful when looking for something else to read afterwords. I LOVE this book! So glad that I bought it.
August 3, 2017
I read this book when I was extremely young but I remember adoring it.
The illustrations were beautiful and it is very informative and lets you're imagination run wild. I personally love fantasy books like this.
Highly recommended for people who love all things dragons & witches etc..
The illustrations were beautiful and it is very informative and lets you're imagination run wild. I personally love fantasy books like this.
Highly recommended for people who love all things dragons & witches etc..
December 28, 2020
This brought me so much nostalgia! Only reason it’s not getting 5 stars is for confused Thebes in Greece with Thebes in Egypt when talking about the sphinx and Oedipus (as a Classicist it annoyed me!)
February 27, 2023
This book is visually pleasing and beautiful, it contains so many facts about the fantasy world, interesting creatures and legends with a perfect resume of its creation and origin. This book was definitely a fun experience!
January 7, 2017
The book is a short compendium of fantasy creatures that mixes ancient with the new. Short and light on text it contains beautiful illustrations throughout and is therefore a worthwhile read/sight.
January 12, 2018
I love it! It has beautiful illustrations and good information!
April 28, 2018
I loved this book!!! It is a very nice book with beautiful pictures and some good, helpful information.
June 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this! It presents these stories and creatures from various cultures in a “it’s up to the reader to decide if it’s true!” Kind of way, which was fun.
January 3, 2021
This was a book I reread several times from my elementary school library and I just recently received the copy I ordered.
May 25, 2021
Loved this book as a kid, reading about all the different mythological creatures and beings from all over the world.
June 23, 2021
This book is totally great.
October 3, 2022
This is worth looking through for the gorgeous illustrations alone.
January 31, 2024
I love this book because it shows the magical and fantasy world with all the characters. It tells you about unicorns and dragons, I bet you can find your favorite mythical creature in the book.
October 24, 2024
I’m a wizard
October 6, 2025
It was nicely explained with lot of book and movie references.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews