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The Book of the Dragon
Lurking in the hidden corners of the world are powerful, mystifying, and beautiful creatures know as dragons. Dragons fill the roles of monstrous, terrifying beasts in fairy tales, but their own story was one that remained a mystery until now. The Book of the Dragon delves into the secret world of these captivating animals, revealing a rich and fascinating culture filled with poetry, magic, jewels, and knowledge.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1991
8 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Ciruelo Cabral
45 books29 followersHector Gustavo Cabral Corvalán, más conocido como Ciruelo Cabral, es un artista argentino del rubro fantástico, especializado en dragones.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 25, 2014
It's not a comic book, it's more of a coffee-table art album showcasing the talent of graphic artist Ciruelo Cabral.
It's got dragons in it, many of the images are wall poster quality (or desktop backgound candidates). As a bonus, there's a good selection of text: legends, histories, classifications of dragons, habits, favorite foods, etc. It almost feels life a detailed wikipedia entry on the subject of flying lizards.
What I liked best about the book is how well the translation to ebook was managed (I read it on my iPad). It's a real multimedia project, with background music and soundeffects created by the same artist, with zooming in and out of the high-resolution posters, with animations and video clips included, with high end fonts and hyperlinks active. I have seen in the lat years many examples of poor formatting, poor spell checking and generic covers for ebooks, but Ciruelo and his team demonstrate here how much more can a reader experience in an electronic presentation. A slight disadvantage is the big size of the download, I'm not sure if it is 300 Mb or more, but I expect it is still available in the Apple store.
Recommended for fantasy aficionados.
It's got dragons in it, many of the images are wall poster quality (or desktop backgound candidates). As a bonus, there's a good selection of text: legends, histories, classifications of dragons, habits, favorite foods, etc. It almost feels life a detailed wikipedia entry on the subject of flying lizards.
What I liked best about the book is how well the translation to ebook was managed (I read it on my iPad). It's a real multimedia project, with background music and soundeffects created by the same artist, with zooming in and out of the high-resolution posters, with animations and video clips included, with high end fonts and hyperlinks active. I have seen in the lat years many examples of poor formatting, poor spell checking and generic covers for ebooks, but Ciruelo and his team demonstrate here how much more can a reader experience in an electronic presentation. A slight disadvantage is the big size of the download, I'm not sure if it is 300 Mb or more, but I expect it is still available in the Apple store.
Recommended for fantasy aficionados.
November 27, 2024
This book is so beautifully illustrated and really inspiring!
June 30, 2021
And so on to another of the current crop of Paper Tiger books - this one is part guide and part artbook charting, through legend, fiction and history - it is sumptuous boom celebrating all things Dragon.
Now this is not the only book out there but I suspect it was one of the first (this was published in the early 90s while books like Dragonology came on nearly 10 years later). But do not be mistaken this is first and foremost an artbook and each page carries beautiful images.
And this is also I fear part of the problem with the book - it does not quite know what it wants to be - since Paper Tiger was famous for its artwork - be it record covers to artist reviews, this book is not sure what it wants to be.
That said it is great fun seeing myth and legend (if rather liberally depicted) illustrated on the page and the comments about the books can only entice the reader further. So a fun read but I fear it has not quiet captured the magic of the early books.
Now this is not the only book out there but I suspect it was one of the first (this was published in the early 90s while books like Dragonology came on nearly 10 years later). But do not be mistaken this is first and foremost an artbook and each page carries beautiful images.
And this is also I fear part of the problem with the book - it does not quite know what it wants to be - since Paper Tiger was famous for its artwork - be it record covers to artist reviews, this book is not sure what it wants to be.
That said it is great fun seeing myth and legend (if rather liberally depicted) illustrated on the page and the comments about the books can only entice the reader further. So a fun read but I fear it has not quiet captured the magic of the early books.
October 24, 2010
Beautiful artwork and an excellent work of fiction, done to appear to be a factual study of dragons as if they were a factual animal still in existence.
The introduction explains that the book was written after a careful study of ancient manuscripts but then goes on to say "WE do not, however, claim that this book is an encyclopedia of dragons or an exhaustive study on dragon science, for such work would fill volumes. We are simply allowing the reader to enter into the secret world of dragons, making this a useful book for anyone who admires and is interested in these beautiful beasts. Readers not acquainted with the charms and qualities of dragons can now discover, and learn to appreciate these fascinating creatures."
In that description this book is true. It is a useful book for anyone who admires dragons and is a wonderful way to introduce the idea of dragons to anyone who isn't familiar with them or who views them as nothing more than giant lizards.
The introduction explains that the book was written after a careful study of ancient manuscripts but then goes on to say "WE do not, however, claim that this book is an encyclopedia of dragons or an exhaustive study on dragon science, for such work would fill volumes. We are simply allowing the reader to enter into the secret world of dragons, making this a useful book for anyone who admires and is interested in these beautiful beasts. Readers not acquainted with the charms and qualities of dragons can now discover, and learn to appreciate these fascinating creatures."
In that description this book is true. It is a useful book for anyone who admires dragons and is a wonderful way to introduce the idea of dragons to anyone who isn't familiar with them or who views them as nothing more than giant lizards.
August 4, 2020
The art is beautiful but I found this book in the mythology/history section of the book store, not the art. The information is a cluster of various lores, smashed together and misused. There was various things just brought up that had no actual background and aren't expanded on. And there is random maps and things that make no real sense.
I'm keeping it for the amazing art but I'm disappointed given where I found it in the bookstore. It should have been in the art section.
I'm keeping it for the amazing art but I'm disappointed given where I found it in the bookstore. It should have been in the art section.
February 12, 2023
I remember going to the library and checking this book out multiple times, but I would just stare at the pictures, totally ignorant to the fact that there were words too. I was so happy to be able to rediscover this book and the beautiful, mesmerizing art of Ciruelo Cabral! It transports you into the realm of the dragon.🐲 🐲 🐲
February 13, 2017
One of my favourite bestiaries, it's a great inspiration for people who like to draw dragons.
November 6, 2022
Some interesting illustrations and stories.
August 5, 2023
Every page is an immaculate work of art that lit the fire to my imaginings as a child
March 23, 2024
Excelente en todo sentido 🐲
July 11, 2024
Research
September 22, 2024
Beautifully illustrated
June 30, 2009
The artwork is, in places, really breath-taking. I'm tinkering with my own short story on the subject, and some of these images were very inspiring.
As for the text, there are some disappointments:
The descriptions of the species of dragons is charming, but could have been much more detailed.
I think it could have done without the screechy preachy "message" about endangered species and the ecological balance. It really spoils an otherwise charming book.
My hat is off to the author for researching and including most if not all European legends and myths that mention dragons. It feels a little tacked-on, though, as if he was struggling to find a way to fill pages with text. Many of these would make good bedtime stories for kids, though, especially if they're into fantasy and so on.
Misgivings aside, I got a lot out of this in terms of research. I didn't grow up reading fantasy, so this was good catch-up in terms of what's been done with dragons.
As for the text, there are some disappointments:
The descriptions of the species of dragons is charming, but could have been much more detailed.
I think it could have done without the screechy preachy "message" about endangered species and the ecological balance. It really spoils an otherwise charming book.
My hat is off to the author for researching and including most if not all European legends and myths that mention dragons. It feels a little tacked-on, though, as if he was struggling to find a way to fill pages with text. Many of these would make good bedtime stories for kids, though, especially if they're into fantasy and so on.
Misgivings aside, I got a lot out of this in terms of research. I didn't grow up reading fantasy, so this was good catch-up in terms of what's been done with dragons.
October 22, 2012
Lots of pretty pictures about dragons. This book is all about dragons. Their life cycle, habitat, anatomy, and environmental impact, etc. A charming book. My only complaint is that overall the atmosphere was pretty generic and could have done with a bit less preachiness about endangered species and such... that said, I wonder what a dragon tastes like?
January 28, 2013
Exceptionally detailed artwork! Ciruelo's works (created entirely using traditional means) never fail to amaze me. [note: Illustrations made in 1991!]
The information on dragons is also remarkably presented-truly provides the reader with an insight into the vast world of these maginificent creatures.
The information on dragons is also remarkably presented-truly provides the reader with an insight into the vast world of these maginificent creatures.
February 7, 2015
It was a good book to read and learn about Dragons. I love the author's art work. I have his calendars through out the years.
How ever some of the stores where so depression and rushed. Others where pretty good. My favorite one was, Jilocasin. Near the end it was a little sad, but the ending was touching.
How ever some of the stores where so depression and rushed. Others where pretty good. My favorite one was, Jilocasin. Near the end it was a little sad, but the ending was touching.
January 8, 2009
This is a GREAT book. Ciruelo's art is wonderful (I still remember when I saw his paints in "Le Palais de Glace" in Buenos Aires), and in this book, we have a complete guide into the Dragon's life and nature. And of course, there are wonderful pictures to enjoy it even more.
March 7, 2010
This has informative and humorous stories about dragons. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, while doing research for my books that I write. It was an easy read, very enchanting; with brilliant, fantasy art illustrations. Any fantasy art or dragon lover would thoroughly enjoy this book.
November 6, 2012
A decent overview on the variety of dragons in the world with wonderful artwork mixed in. The list of dragon varieties could have been much more inclusive though. European dragons seem to be the primary focus here.
May 13, 2009
The book that made me love dragons. Ciruelo's art is greatly enriched by the text descriptions. Good read for any dragon lover!
May 29, 2010
Each of these wondrous creatures has its own unique personality and history, and it's captured dramatically on these spectacular pages. But the revelations go beyond the images.
December 6, 2011
A really nice book, with lots of information, stories and beautiful artwork. I read through it quite a lot when I was younger.
February 20, 2014
Good book. I loved the Legends in the last chapter.
February 8, 2016
Loving the feel and look of this book.
July 29, 2011
A beautiful book of dragon artwork by an extraordinary artist.
July 2, 2014
If only it was true...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews