A Guide to Wizards of the World

Ologies #3

by Master Merlin (Pseudonym), Dugald A. Steer, Amanda Wood (Illustrator)

A Guide to Wizards of the World

Much may be learned by the aspiring student of wizardology through the study of others. I have, therefore, gathered together the lore of wizards from the four corners of the Earth - the knowledge of ancient masters, the wisdom of mysterious shamans, the magic of the wisest sages and others besides - so that the true lamp of learning may be kept alight in the hearts of apprentices everywhere.

- Merlin AD 1577

Genres: Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Magic, Picture Books, Middle Grade, Reference

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Master Merlin is a pseudonym of Dugald A. Steer

Reviews

[Lauren Brant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wizardology is a very visually appealing book. It is a large book with many things to touch, open and peek into and includes gems and crystals in the front cover. It is written as if it is true and by Merlin the Wizard. This book would be considered informational fantasy because it has the appeal of being "true" and that anyone can follow these steps and concoct these potions to become a real wizard. I think this would be an enjoyable book for children who like the escape of reality and want to use their vivid imaginations to live in a world of wizards and magic.

[Emma Michaels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness this is SOOOOO CUTE! It has so many side stories in it that are a lot of fun to read including cautionary tales tales about wizardry, stories about Merlin and fun explanations about mystical creatures, different types of wizards around the world and more. I found it on my fiance's shelf and decided I wanted to read something fun so gave it a go. It was wonderful and now I want to check out the other stories by this author but what I loved most about it what how it was formatted. It was wonderful to look at with unfolding pages on desks, moving images on walls, opening miniature books and more. I LOVE it! I want more. The illustrations are just so gorgeous!!!

Sincerely,
Emma Michaels
http://EmmaMichaels.Blogspot.com

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the facts and secrets in this book. The illustrations and captions were very detailed, beautiful, and insightful. My son really enjoyed the flaps and hidden secrets scattered throughout the book. Perhaps, the best thing about this book is that focuses on the classic tales/secrets of Merlin and wizardry. Don't get me wrong, I am all for Harry Potter but there is much more to wizardry and magic and this book is a nice introduction to that.

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those rare but beautifully made books that I just love to collect. I love nothing more than opening this book to gaze upon the amazing artwork and interesting and detail information that is supposedly the "Secrets of Merlin" it reminds me of the Egyptology book in several aspects, but I must admit I do enjoy reading this one more than the others.

Personally, it hasn't really shown me anything particularly new, however I do read far too much Fantasy Fiction for it to be healthy for any one person. But it presents everything so beautifully and it is a wonderful addition to my library.

5 Stars.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty good as well. I definitely liked the dragon one better though.

[zaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

it rocked!

[Sophie Crane · Rating 4 out of 5]

very enjoyable and perfect for children, they go to great efforts in the inventiveness of their stories. Interesting to say the least.

[Truly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mengagumkan! Layak dapat 4,5
Seri ology ini memang layak dikoleksi. Buku ini salah satu contohnya. Memberikan aneka informasi terkait dunia sihir. Aneka ilustrasi mempercantik isi buku.

Bagian favorit saya adalah yang memberikan ilustrasi tentang ruang kerja seorang 'wizard'. Tepatnya bagian yg mengulas tentang perpustakaan.

Aneka kejutan istimewa tiap lembar!

[Nigel Kosh]

...

[Laura Bone]

I enjoyed that. It was cute and fanciful.

[MissInformation · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wizardology claims to be the teacher of the secrets of Merlin, created by Merlin himself from his imprisonment in an oak tree by his disobedient student Vivienne. Merlin uses what little magic he has to “cause the oak tree to be cut down and made into this book.” p.30. The purpose of the book is to return the knowledge of true wizardology to the world. The reader is addressed as a candidate for apprenticeship. Topics covered include wizard history, wizard tools, the wizard’s workshop, familiars, magical beasts, alchemy, divination, potions and spellcraft.

Produced by four illustrators, the book is rich in sophisticated, illustrative detail. The well organized, consistent layout facilitates digestion of fairly dense text. The cover is embellished with a crystal ball-like “jewel,” and silver leaf. There are fold-outs or inserts on almost every spread. One “portfolio” contains a small deck of fortune telling cards, another a “phoenix” feather, and another a book of advice on the future from Merlin’s owl familiar. A code of symbols also runs through the pages, with a secret message for the decipherer.

This book creates a beautiful impression, though the “facts” are flights of fancy, with passing references to well known magical legends. The fantasy fan will enjoy the serious treatment of the topics. The tone of the writing is conversational but subdued. This, combined with the density of text and graphics on each page, make it suitable for reading in bits at a time, and not cover-to-cover. A reluctant reader may lose interest after the charm of the foldout gimmicks wears off. As a reference-style work, the lack of a table of contents, index, page numbers and glossary are missed.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for fans of Merlin. The history/legend of how Merlin was born is accurate (though in the book they refer to his dad as a fairy rather than a demon, as the true legend goes) and the book does a great job of explaining the fact that learning magic is difficult. If a parent was worried about exposing their children to the evils of wizards and magic, they shouldn't worry too much with this book because the ingredients listed for "potions" are impossible to find and "Merlin" repeats again and again how magic should a. never be used for evil and b. only used when absolutely necessary. There are a set of Tarot cards embedded in the book, though, that might cause some concern to the more conservative parents. But I was really impressed with the overall interactiveness of the book and the story of Merlin.

[[ J o ] · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whilst my quest for the truth about wizards and magic in this world may be nonsensical at times (searching for that which does not exist will always be complete with trepidation) this predominantly child's book has the foundations of magiclore, if slightly embezzled. It is, like all the others, however, absolutely beautiful and the illustrations are greatly under-appreciated.

[Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Guide to Wizards of the World contains a brief but humorous and still fairly detailed overview of various traditionally male - no hedge-witches or herb-wives here - magic workers from around the world (shamans, medicine men/witch doctors etc). The real star of the book, though is the illustrations. It is stunningly presented.

[Amethyst Shadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cute book. I'd recommend it to children and adults.

[Nilsson]

Remarkable text written by Merlin himself. It's an honour to lay eyes upon these works of the great master. True sagacity and brilliance can be found on these pages.

[memer · Rating 3 out of 5]

cool

[Kaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visually appealing & fun to read.

[τλιϓλ · Rating 5 out of 5]

لاشيء أجمل من تلقي هدية عيد ميلاد حلوة وممتعة كهذا الكتاب الذي استمتعتُ بكافة تفاصيله من الغلاف للغلاف.
شكراً لابنة عمتي الغالية على هديتها الثمينة المرحة ^_^

[Uuttu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Velhologia on perusopas lapselle, joka haaveilee velhoksi (tai noidaksi) ryhtymistä. Kirjan on kirjoittanut Merlin, joka käytti viimeiset voimansa tammeen vangittuna, jotta tammi kaadettaisiin ja siitä tehtiin tämä kirja.

Tämä eksyy aina silloin tällöin lasten tietokirjojen puolelle, vaikka kyseessä on melko puhtaasti hölynpölyä. Suoria aihevirheitä on muutamia ja osa jutuista on itse keksittyä tai puolittain. Kokonaan vanhoista taruista otettujakin onneksi löytyy. Kirjassa on yllättävän paljon lukemista ja katseltavaa. Itseäni jäi eniten häiritsemään se, miten negatiivinen asenne kirjassa oli: Merlin haukkuu oppilaitaan jatkuvasti ääliöiksi, jotka tekevät kaiken väärin, ja se tuntuu aika julmalta, kun kirjassa on erilaisia tehtäviä ja loitsuja, jotka epäonnistuvat satavarmasti. (Ellei sitten saa yksisarvisia houkuteltua pihaansa.) Plussaa siitä, että monet loitsut on lapsiystävällisiä eli jos johonkin tarvitaan pöllön siipi se tarkoittaa, että pöllön pitää kastaa siipensä liemeen.

Kirjan tärkein ominaisuus on se, että se on todella kaunis. Kannessa ja takakannessa on tyylikäs "jalokivi", kirjan sivut ovat paksut ja arvokkaan tuntuiset, kuvitus on kaunista ja kirjaan on laitettu mukaan niin feeniksin sulka kuin etsintätehtäviäkin. Kirja houkuttelee selaamaan ja sen tekstit on jaettu useisiin eri kappaleisiin, joten nuorikin lukija jaksaa alkaa sitä lukemaan.

[Some Guy Who Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is presented as a book that manifested from the oak tree Merlin was trapped into by his fey aquaintance Nim after he refused to make her his apprentice.

My earliest memories of it are of lending this one from the library numerous times as a child. I was quite a solid fan of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series and their, at the time recent prequel series, Fantastic beasts and always wished to learn some real magic. This book served as an instruction manual for various spells, potions and rituals which could do everything from summoning the winds to earning the love of your crush. Whilst most of the book is, obviously, fictional, there is some geniuene information taken from real world folklore and history regarding the magical arts and their practitioners. They're accompanied by detailed, and often quite humorous, illustrations, a lot of which I wish were available as posters. I think my favorite part of the book might actually be the map showing various wizards and witches from all around the globe, where the shamans of Laponia are described as this universe's version of Santa Claus, appropriatley wimsy and charming as the rest of it is.

[nona ★ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ich habe dieses Buch zu meinem Geburtstag bekommen, da ich ein sehr großer Harry Potter-Fan bin. Als ich es jetzt gelesen habe, kannte ich schon ein paar Sachen aus der Zauberwelt von Harry Potter. Das Buch hat mir inhaltlich sehr gut gefallen, da man sehr viel über die Zauberwelt und auch über die Ausbildung zum Zauberlehrling erfährt. Ein großer Pluspunkt war auch die Sichtweise aus der es geschrieben wurde, und zwar Merlin. Dazu kam noch, dass das Buch einen direkt angesprochen hat, als wär man grad in einer Zauberschule und das wäre dein persönlicher Zauberlehrer. Meiner Meinung nach, wurden meine wichtigsten Fragen zur Magie interessant und ausführlich erklärt. Zudem gefiel mir die "Aufgabe" am Ende des Buches, bei der man die alchemistischen Zeichen auf den Seiten suchen musste und am Ende ein Spruch raus kam. Schlussendlich kann ich sagen, dass es ein sehr schönes und kreatives Buch ist.

[chloe the bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

did I just spend more than 4 hours writing comprehensive study notes for a fantasy wizard study book? yes. Did I regain my love for learning knowledge after school took it away from me? yes. If anything, my biggest piece of advice to people is to learn and study something that has NO benefits for studying, nor rewards. We study in school to get good grades, to get a degree, the qualification, or even to get skills to grow our careers, skills, hobbies, etc. As a kid, we are enthralled with fairies, dinosaurs, Egyptian mythology, Outerspace and aliens, trains and aeroplanes, princesses and knights. Why was learning about those things so much more beautiful than learning about differentiating a calculus equation? What made that experience of learning so raw and absorbing to our attention?
Whatever it was, it came straight back to me when reading this book. I don't know how else to describe it but literally unleashing my inner child again.
100000000000/5 stars I cannot recommend enough

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wizardlology, The Book of the Secrets of Merlin.

A fun book with spells, what one needs to be a wizard, and activities. Good for children and adults.
I found my copy of the book at a thrift store.

Chapter l: The Work of a Wizard
Chapter ll: A Wizard Map of the World
Chapter lll: The Master Wizard's Workshop
Chapter lV: A Wizard's Robes and Tools
Chapter V: Spellcraft
Chapter Vl: A Wizard's Loyal Familiars
Chapter Vll: A Wizard's Menagerie of Magical Beasts
Chapter Vlll: Magical Flight & Flying Carpets
Chapter lX: Potions, Healings & Magical Transformations
Chapter X: Amulets, Talismans. & Magical Items
Chapter Xl: Divination & Crystal Gazing
Chapter Xll: Alchemy, Astrology & the New Sciences
Chapter Xlll: Famous Wizards of History
Conclusion: The Mystery of Wizardology Revealed & Concealed

[Anu Korpinen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olen hamstrannut näitä eri -logia -kirjoja lapseni kirjahyllyyn, lähinnä siksi että olisin itse pienenä rakastanut tällaisia kirjoja. Värikkäät ja kauniit kuvat, paljon luukkuja ja härpäkkeitä sekä ratkottavia mysteereitä. Velhologia on siis esipuheen mukaan taikuri Merlinin kirjoittama ja sisältää paljon tietoa monenlaisista taikuuden lajeista. Varsinainen tietokirja velhologia ei kuitenkaan ole, sillä monia asioita on käsitelty kirjan sisäisen logiikan mukaisesti, huumorilla ja kieli poskessa. Kirjassa on myös ongelmanratkaisua ja etsimistehtäviä. Tyyli oli tuttu sarjan Alienologia-kirjasta, joka onkin ainoa jonka olen aikaisemmin lukenut.

[Reading For Funs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I bought from the Ologies series, and it started a habit of picking up a copy anytime I saw one at the store. This one, in particular, is enjoyable, and the hidden goodies inside the book are a joy to play with. Even after years of owning this book I still find myself taking out the tarot cards or the miniature Harpier's Book to entertain myself for an afternoon.
My favorite thing about Wizardology, though, is the incredible artwork. Many of the drawings and pictures leave me speechless and breathe life into the pages of the book.

[Coeruleum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you remember when Harry Potter books were still being published and everyone was freaked out about how they thought they would introduce children to the occult? If you would like children introduced to the occult, this book is a much more surefire way to do so. I can hardly believe they published this, though it comes with a warning not to sell your soul to the Devil which, at least in my case, did not make me feel like rebelling and selling my soul to the Devil, although the same section made me feel sad for Merlin being trapped in a tree. In other words, this is the most harmlessly outlandish book I have ever read, except possibly the other books in the series which made one of my classmates in my high school Latin class believe dragons were real due to all the scientific dragon names and habitats. If you are a good parent, make sure your children read these completely ridiculous books (the ones they like, not shoving them all down their throats) and ignore everyone who thinks that's bad parenting.

[Rhonda Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this on a whim and set it aside, debating whether or not to read it. The today, I picked it up and was thrilled by it. The myths and tales, though short, are ones I have read in classes long gone by. The tidbits of information are logical progressions from histories I studied. The artwork is exquisite and the small images from ancient texts and broad bills fit in perfectly. The games and searches within the pages are fun, no matter the age. So very worth the read, the time and the effort. I definitely recommend this.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the magic system in this book, written by Merlin himself. Actually, this book is just magic system. Merlin describes a lot of magic and wizardry in an informational textbook style. He even makes some medieval-era mistakes in scientific judgement, like considering alchemy and astrology more accurate than the pseudosciences of astronomy and chemistry. This book is very entertaining, and not dry at all like some fictional worldbuilding textbooks, a characteristic it shares with all the Ologies I read.

[The Wrath of Eleny · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book for sure. Merlin's story may not be as accurate you would expect, especially considering the book is written by... Merlin? but that is to be expected when the language has been simplified to our modern human understanding. Goofing aside, overall cool book, got it second hand wasn't expect everything to be in tact but was well maintained so I'm pleased. My only complaint is on the accuracy of the stories and lore, still interesting though.