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Unicorns: The Myths, Legends, & Lore
An enchanting treasury of unicorn lore
For thousands of years, unicorns have captured hearts, minds, and imaginations with their whimsical, mischievous spirit. This enchanting collection invites you to leap into their magical world and surround yourself in the tales that capture their power and beauty. Filled with dozens of magnificent illustrations, each page brings your favorite mythical creature to life right before your eyes--shimmering mane and all.
So get ready for a magic-filled adventure--"Unicorns" takes you on a journey you won't soon forget.
For thousands of years, unicorns have captured hearts, minds, and imaginations with their whimsical, mischievous spirit. This enchanting collection invites you to leap into their magical world and surround yourself in the tales that capture their power and beauty. Filled with dozens of magnificent illustrations, each page brings your favorite mythical creature to life right before your eyes--shimmering mane and all.
So get ready for a magic-filled adventure--"Unicorns" takes you on a journey you won't soon forget.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published July 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 5, 2018
Dont read if you ACTUALLY like unicorns.
It felt like reading a high school student’s research paper: repetitive information to create a higher word count, absolutely rude snarky language, also weirdly opinionated and misinformed.
A terrible terrible grueling read. If you’d like to learn about unicorns, search somewhere else and save yourself the headache. I had to put this down for several months at a time because the author’s language and opinions are so frustratingly snarky that i get put in a bad mood while reading it.
The only reason i didnt give it one star is because i found out about other, far better unicorn books while reading it.
It felt like reading a high school student’s research paper: repetitive information to create a higher word count, absolutely rude snarky language, also weirdly opinionated and misinformed.
A terrible terrible grueling read. If you’d like to learn about unicorns, search somewhere else and save yourself the headache. I had to put this down for several months at a time because the author’s language and opinions are so frustratingly snarky that i get put in a bad mood while reading it.
The only reason i didnt give it one star is because i found out about other, far better unicorn books while reading it.
May 4, 2020
Entertaining and surprisingly educational too.🙂 I was, well, surprised by how much history was covered by traversing the beliefs and ideas peoples of the past had had about unicorns. I'm taking off the one star because I felt it was too brief and I would've liked to have read a greater depth of the histories that were given cursory treatment. (The author went from prehistoric cave art to modern my little pony, and covered everything in between!) Still😏I'd recommend this for anyone who loves unicorns, or who wants to write a story involving unicorns but wants to give them a different spin yet doesn't know where to start and needs inspiration, or maybe a DM/GM of a TRPG (tabletop role-playing game) who also wants idea and story inspiration.☺
July 3, 2016
Sufficiently informative, if a bit tedious. The same information is repeated multiple times across chapters. I also wish Alexander had done more to challenge the sexism and patriarchy inherent in such folklore. It's one thing to write about legends, but quite another to present female virginity and medieval chivalry as ideals to strive for.
The chapter on unicorns in popular culture is pretty much a rant about how toy companies have turned majestic, noble beasts into colourful, girly toys. In addition to the snark and judgemental language being rather unprofessional, there's no need to condemn modern unicorns merely because they're associated with girls. Yes, gendered marketing is extremely problematic, but Alexander doesn't engage with that; instead, she seems bitter that unicorns have moved from the serious man's sphere to the silly girl's.
The chapter on unicorns in popular culture is pretty much a rant about how toy companies have turned majestic, noble beasts into colourful, girly toys. In addition to the snark and judgemental language being rather unprofessional, there's no need to condemn modern unicorns merely because they're associated with girls. Yes, gendered marketing is extremely problematic, but Alexander doesn't engage with that; instead, she seems bitter that unicorns have moved from the serious man's sphere to the silly girl's.
June 8, 2016
This was a great read. I've always loved unicorns, so it was interesting to read all the different versions of the creature there have been throughout history, as well as reading about some pop culture portrayals of them I'd never heard of. I might have to start looking for those other books as well.
April 1, 2019
If you love unicorns as much as I do, this book is for you!
October 9, 2019
Rating 1,5 stars.
So. I have mixed feelings about this book. The Writing style is nice and flows, but the information were at times, mostly in the first haft, very jumbled. Mentioning things with one sentence and then waiting chapters Before the rest of it gets explains. That's annoying, fine, it happens, but when you are unsure if the author is talking about the subject as myths or something that is real or has existed, it makes it really hard to separate what's historical and what's modern interpretation by the author. Or just the author's opinion.
What really got me pessimistic and negativ about a book that I technically enjoyed reading? Page 168 and the sentence:
Why was I Reading this one then?
So. I have mixed feelings about this book. The Writing style is nice and flows, but the information were at times, mostly in the first haft, very jumbled. Mentioning things with one sentence and then waiting chapters Before the rest of it gets explains. That's annoying, fine, it happens, but when you are unsure if the author is talking about the subject as myths or something that is real or has existed, it makes it really hard to separate what's historical and what's modern interpretation by the author. Or just the author's opinion.
What really got me pessimistic and negativ about a book that I technically enjoyed reading? Page 168 and the sentence:
If you're looking for a crash course in unicorn mythology, "The Woman the Unicorn Loved" is a good Place to start.
Why was I Reading this one then?
March 7, 2018
This was a nice historical approach to the legend of unicorns, comprised of lots of examples of stories, artwork, and proclaimed sightings. It also includes a modern point of view. There were many instances of information and examples being repeated, like 10 different people wrote one chapter each, and then they put them all together, which is not actually the case. The author included some opinions, too, which I wasn't always thrilled with, like her reaction to a My Little Pony.
All in all, a good addition to my unicorn book collection.
All in all, a good addition to my unicorn book collection.
July 10, 2019
A really interesting book full of facts and stories about Unicorns through the ages.
July 28, 2017
Si queréis morir de risa leyendo cosas sobre unicornios, esta es vuestra historia. Muchas curiosidades y mucha fantasía.
June 9, 2022
This was a delightful history of the unicorn!!!!!
December 13, 2022
“Well, now that we have seen each other,” said the unicorn, “if you believe in me, I’ll believe in you.” - Lewis Carroll
Summary:
This book details the history of unicorns. It discusses both the social impact of unicorns and how our perception of unicorns has changed over time. It goes over the economic impact of unicorns as well as the many legends and myths surrounding unicorns and their many variations throughout mythology. It begins with a general description of what a unicorn is, and their appearance. It discusses not only the usual version of a unicorn (pure white skin, flowing mane, gentle eyes, and spiral horn), but also the Qilin, a creature in Korean mythology, as well as the many real-life animals that may have influenced what people’s perception of a unicorn’s appearance is. It goes on to discuss several stories involving unicorns and how they gained their various personality traits, such as nobility, independence, purity, and wisdom. The book then takes a journey through history as it describes how unicorns have evolved over thousands of years. It goes over scientific evidence of unicorns, historical figures who have claimed to have an experience with a unicorn, how unicorns symbolized the feminist movement, and finally our modern version of the unicorn used in popular books, cartoons, video games, and tacky merchandise.
My thoughts:
This book is possibly one of the most unintentionally hilarious things I have ever read. The way the author describes things like capturing a unicorn, the mating habits of unicorns, starting a unicorn farm, and even cooking a unicorn with complete sincerity provided some utterly surreal moments as I read this book. Some of my favorites included descriptions of a unicorn spearing a squirrel through the stomach with his horn, an anecdote involving Genghis Khan seeing his dead father in the eyes of a unicorn, testing methods for a unicorn horn’s validity via feeding poison to a pigeon, and an overly detailed description of a unicorn YouTube video in which a unicorn travels to Candy Mountain and his kidneys are stolen. I feel like I had to convince myself I was reading a genuine book on anthropology several times. Not only that, but there are some aspects of the history of unicorns that I was genuinely not expecting and came as a shock to my system. The unicorn has been known to only be tamed by a pure hearted virgin woman. Naturally, people have used this framework for a wide variety of interpretations ranging from the mostly innocent to the blatantly sexual. The author, I kid you not, describes the unicorn’s horn as phallic and symbolic of male genitalia multiple times. Often in completely unrelated contexts. It made me genuinely uncomfortable if I’m being honest. Not to mention the ways unicorns have apparently been used to perpetuate ideals of masculinity that are blatantly outdated, and how people have faked unicorn-based healing remedies for centuries. Now, obviously the absurd and problematic ways a unicorn has been utilized in society is not the fault of the author, and I welcomed the darker aspects of the unicorn’s history. The thing that is the author’s fault, however, is the way in which they wrote certain aspects of this book. A lot of facts are repeated, and it feels as though the author only had a surface level understanding of how a unicorn has changed over time. Not to mention the fact the author bad mouthed the show My Little Pony, which isn’t cool. That show was my childhood. Overall, this book was a highly entertaining read, and a great jumping off point for those wishing to become more educated on our beloved unicorn friends.
Essential Questions:
What was your favorite unicorn fact you learned from this book?
Are there any true facts regarding unicorns, or are they truly just a myth?
What’s your favorite piece of Unicorn Based Media?
Summary:
This book details the history of unicorns. It discusses both the social impact of unicorns and how our perception of unicorns has changed over time. It goes over the economic impact of unicorns as well as the many legends and myths surrounding unicorns and their many variations throughout mythology. It begins with a general description of what a unicorn is, and their appearance. It discusses not only the usual version of a unicorn (pure white skin, flowing mane, gentle eyes, and spiral horn), but also the Qilin, a creature in Korean mythology, as well as the many real-life animals that may have influenced what people’s perception of a unicorn’s appearance is. It goes on to discuss several stories involving unicorns and how they gained their various personality traits, such as nobility, independence, purity, and wisdom. The book then takes a journey through history as it describes how unicorns have evolved over thousands of years. It goes over scientific evidence of unicorns, historical figures who have claimed to have an experience with a unicorn, how unicorns symbolized the feminist movement, and finally our modern version of the unicorn used in popular books, cartoons, video games, and tacky merchandise.
My thoughts:
This book is possibly one of the most unintentionally hilarious things I have ever read. The way the author describes things like capturing a unicorn, the mating habits of unicorns, starting a unicorn farm, and even cooking a unicorn with complete sincerity provided some utterly surreal moments as I read this book. Some of my favorites included descriptions of a unicorn spearing a squirrel through the stomach with his horn, an anecdote involving Genghis Khan seeing his dead father in the eyes of a unicorn, testing methods for a unicorn horn’s validity via feeding poison to a pigeon, and an overly detailed description of a unicorn YouTube video in which a unicorn travels to Candy Mountain and his kidneys are stolen. I feel like I had to convince myself I was reading a genuine book on anthropology several times. Not only that, but there are some aspects of the history of unicorns that I was genuinely not expecting and came as a shock to my system. The unicorn has been known to only be tamed by a pure hearted virgin woman. Naturally, people have used this framework for a wide variety of interpretations ranging from the mostly innocent to the blatantly sexual. The author, I kid you not, describes the unicorn’s horn as phallic and symbolic of male genitalia multiple times. Often in completely unrelated contexts. It made me genuinely uncomfortable if I’m being honest. Not to mention the ways unicorns have apparently been used to perpetuate ideals of masculinity that are blatantly outdated, and how people have faked unicorn-based healing remedies for centuries. Now, obviously the absurd and problematic ways a unicorn has been utilized in society is not the fault of the author, and I welcomed the darker aspects of the unicorn’s history. The thing that is the author’s fault, however, is the way in which they wrote certain aspects of this book. A lot of facts are repeated, and it feels as though the author only had a surface level understanding of how a unicorn has changed over time. Not to mention the fact the author bad mouthed the show My Little Pony, which isn’t cool. That show was my childhood. Overall, this book was a highly entertaining read, and a great jumping off point for those wishing to become more educated on our beloved unicorn friends.
Essential Questions:
What was your favorite unicorn fact you learned from this book?
Are there any true facts regarding unicorns, or are they truly just a myth?
What’s your favorite piece of Unicorn Based Media?
May 23, 2021
Of all the unique creatures that have been written about in myths and legends the unicorn is probably my least favorite. The reason being is because of how the unicorn itself has become so ingrained into popular culture. Whenever you think of a unicorn nowadays, you see a docile, smiling, white horse with a protruding golden horn and has a mane in blue, purple and pink (the official unicorn colors). The unicorn has become a distant cousin to the Care Bears with no meaning to its history; other than the fact it's marketed to be an overrated product and obsession for all ages.
Even when I saw the cover of the book, I was somewhat dismayed at the bright bubble gum pink cover and the obnoxious looking text. However, the Fairies and Mermaids books took me beyond Tinker Bell and Ariel and introduced to a plethora of other variations that I had been completely unaware of.
It seems like Skye Alexander had the same problem when it came to the 'unicorn obsession' and says as much throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the unicorns deep history that goes all the way back to the Bible! Yes! The unicorn is mentioned several times in the Bible of all places. As with fairies and mermaids, the unicorn's identity has grown and developed over the ages through stories and fables, but also through religion and politics. For example, the unicorn is the symbol of Scotland and is featured on England's coat of arms with a lion on the other side. The lion represents England and the unicorn Scotland. The irony is that the lion and the unicorn have always been written to be mortal enemies.
Unlike the other books, Unicorns doesn't really launch into other cultural myths and legends because it is completely ingrained into British history. The unicorn is one of a handful of supernatural creatures that is indigenous to one culture. So instead, the book focuses on the history of the unicorn, its rise and decline over the centuries and the constant battle of science vs magic.
After reading this book, I definitely had such an appreciation for the unicorn myth; while also a despairing mindset at how the unicorn, once a magnificent and powerful creature that inspired awe and mystery, has been reduced to a silly, nonsensical and nauseating pop culture icon. Thankfully this book offers a deeper understanding and context to the important and vital role that the unicorn has played in Western history and civilization.
Even when I saw the cover of the book, I was somewhat dismayed at the bright bubble gum pink cover and the obnoxious looking text. However, the Fairies and Mermaids books took me beyond Tinker Bell and Ariel and introduced to a plethora of other variations that I had been completely unaware of.
It seems like Skye Alexander had the same problem when it came to the 'unicorn obsession' and says as much throughout the book. I was pleasantly surprised at the unicorns deep history that goes all the way back to the Bible! Yes! The unicorn is mentioned several times in the Bible of all places. As with fairies and mermaids, the unicorn's identity has grown and developed over the ages through stories and fables, but also through religion and politics. For example, the unicorn is the symbol of Scotland and is featured on England's coat of arms with a lion on the other side. The lion represents England and the unicorn Scotland. The irony is that the lion and the unicorn have always been written to be mortal enemies.
Unlike the other books, Unicorns doesn't really launch into other cultural myths and legends because it is completely ingrained into British history. The unicorn is one of a handful of supernatural creatures that is indigenous to one culture. So instead, the book focuses on the history of the unicorn, its rise and decline over the centuries and the constant battle of science vs magic.
After reading this book, I definitely had such an appreciation for the unicorn myth; while also a despairing mindset at how the unicorn, once a magnificent and powerful creature that inspired awe and mystery, has been reduced to a silly, nonsensical and nauseating pop culture icon. Thankfully this book offers a deeper understanding and context to the important and vital role that the unicorn has played in Western history and civilization.
June 26, 2018
I got this because I'm a sucker for a pretty book and who the hell doesn't like unicorns but I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of information I was able to glean from this book!
The author goes on to expand on the current surface level understanding of the unicorn myth, especially the current iteration of rainbows and sparkles. It's, at first, close ties to the christian Church as a symbol, and then the distancing of the Church during the romantic era. The cultural manifestations of the unicorn in it's various guises including the Chinese Qilin and the Persian Karkadann. Historical sightings of possible unicorns by various explorers and of the deep belief that unicorn horn would protect one from poisons making the "product" very valuable in the Victorian ages.
Deeply fascinating look at a mythological creature that has found itself many variations and cultural representations and continues to evolve its presence throughout time
The author goes on to expand on the current surface level understanding of the unicorn myth, especially the current iteration of rainbows and sparkles. It's, at first, close ties to the christian Church as a symbol, and then the distancing of the Church during the romantic era. The cultural manifestations of the unicorn in it's various guises including the Chinese Qilin and the Persian Karkadann. Historical sightings of possible unicorns by various explorers and of the deep belief that unicorn horn would protect one from poisons making the "product" very valuable in the Victorian ages.
Deeply fascinating look at a mythological creature that has found itself many variations and cultural representations and continues to evolve its presence throughout time
August 25, 2016
A very good introduction to the enduring lore of the unicorn. I say "introduction" because the literature on this magical creature is seemingly endless -- but this book can definitely open the door of exploration into the unicorn's enchanted realm for any novice unicornologist. (Is that a real word, I wonder?) The author retells unicorn stories from antiquity to the present day, examines the unicorn's influence on art, music, and popular culture, and explores its symbolic meanings. Already familiar with the field of unicornology, I read this book as preparation for a lecture that I gave on the medieval worldview last fall, and it was well worth the time. :)
October 4, 2020
At first this book was a delight and intriguing read that would make a perfect coffee table book but then I got to chapter 10.
In chapter 10 the author discusses the unicorns representation in modern pop culture which they seem to destain. Their dislike of the creatures commercialisation and favour among young girls is clear in every word and really puts a dampener on this book.
I feel quite disappointed and saddened the book ended on this note.
If you want to learn about the history of unicorns this is a good little book as long as you stop before chapter 10.
In chapter 10 the author discusses the unicorns representation in modern pop culture which they seem to destain. Their dislike of the creatures commercialisation and favour among young girls is clear in every word and really puts a dampener on this book.
I feel quite disappointed and saddened the book ended on this note.
If you want to learn about the history of unicorns this is a good little book as long as you stop before chapter 10.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 15, 2016
This is a lovely little book about unicorns! It gives lots of information about unicorn myths in various countries, animals that could be mistaken for unicorns, and unicorns in Christianity. The book has great sepia illustrations and tons of quotes. It also talks about The Last Unicorn and Legend as well as other books and movies unicorns appear in. One of the best books on unicorns I've ever read.
June 15, 2019
An interesting book to read between other books and a little tounge and cheek. It was interesting going into all the older myths and legends regarding Unicorns including King Arther.
I must say the covers for this line of books are beautiful and lovely to have on a shelf. I will be purchasing the others in this series as I loved the humour of the book.
I must say the covers for this line of books are beautiful and lovely to have on a shelf. I will be purchasing the others in this series as I loved the humour of the book.
February 26, 2017
It was interesting for the folklore and mythology that it provided about the unicorn, however the delivery was a bit lacking. It was extremely repetitive and found myself wondering if I had somehow lost my place and was rereading.
October 18, 2015
A fantastically cute little resource on all things unicorn, mythical and real. I loved the illustrations and photos included, and would make an excellent gift.
June 24, 2016
It covered unicorns a lot more thoroughly than I expected including some of the dark tales which usually get left out of most unicorn books.
July 11, 2016
Hermoso libro que narra la historia y origen de los unicornios. Me encantó
July 11, 2017
An engrossing book for all lovers of mythical creatures.
Tantalising facts meet freudian philosophies of the most celebrated of beasts.
Tantalising facts meet freudian philosophies of the most celebrated of beasts.
January 20, 2023
I read this book a while ago, but I remember loving it! I don't usually enjoy anything that functions as research on a topic, as I get bored fast, but this was so interesting! I like how it's approach did not necessarily feel like it was trying to convince you of anything, but instead purely just to tell you about Unicorns. It allows you to decide what you think based on the information. I personally don't believe in them, but I also believe that I don't know that for sure. There's really no way of telling what could be living without a lot of us realizing. Anyways, I also just think it's fascinating to learn about stuff like this. The book tells you a lot without ever getting boring or dragging on. It's one that I may even read again, and I don't like re-reading books often!
January 17, 2021
Some interesting facts and folklore about unicorns but it got slightly repetitive and the author's snarky comments were really unnecessary. Especially in Chapter 10- criticisms of consumerism are always valid but let little girls enjoy things! So what if the unicorn isn't portrayed as "majestic" as it used to be? Get a grip!
It read like a research report written by a high school student but it was easy enough to read. I enjoyed the illustrations but wish there were more as the written descriptions weren't always as detailed as they could have been. Its weird that the author used a German name for a Polish city (Danzig should be Gdańsk). Also the author quoted her own books...?
It read like a research report written by a high school student but it was easy enough to read. I enjoyed the illustrations but wish there were more as the written descriptions weren't always as detailed as they could have been. Its weird that the author used a German name for a Polish city (Danzig should be Gdańsk). Also the author quoted her own books...?
September 26, 2026
Fun to read, but it was repetitive and there were mistakes, most notably "alicorn" was consistently misspelled without the r.
Side note: If this book was the first you ever heard of the movie "Legend" then I highly recommend you go watch it. Not only does it star Tom Cruise and Mia Sara as noted in this book, but Billy Barty also appears as a fairy named Screwball, and the Lord of Darkness is played by none other than Tim Curry. Plus, it's just visually beautiful. There are both theatrical and director's cuts available; personally, I prefer the director's cut, but it's by a very narrow margin.
Side note: If this book was the first you ever heard of the movie "Legend" then I highly recommend you go watch it. Not only does it star Tom Cruise and Mia Sara as noted in this book, but Billy Barty also appears as a fairy named Screwball, and the Lord of Darkness is played by none other than Tim Curry. Plus, it's just visually beautiful. There are both theatrical and director's cuts available; personally, I prefer the director's cut, but it's by a very narrow margin.
January 29, 2019
2.5. Impressive and exhaustive research. But tone at the end is unsettling. Very negative judgement of how “girly” the unicorn has become. Barely any acknowledgement of the male interest in unicorns nowadays, especially wrt My Little Pony. Bronies not even mentioned. Also got snarky about the sexuality of young women around now :(
September 23, 2020
I'm DNFing this book for some reasons I don't know. I don't feel like reading this anymore. I'm not in the mood for books about unicorns. But I'll definitely try and read this book again in the future.
*I'm only 12% into the book.
*I'm only 12% into the book.
June 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
March 20, 2019
This book was okay however it did start to drag abit towards the end with repeating itself. But enjoyed seeing how the unicorn image has changed throughout the years.
February 17, 2020
Found it repeating a lot of the same stuff over and over. I was just ready for it to be over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews