Mythical and Fabulous Creatures: A Source Book and Research Guide

by Malcolm South (Editor)

For the first time in a single volume, here are extensive descriptions of the best-known creatures of fantasy. The major chapters describe the unicorn, dragon, phoenix, roc, griffin, chimera, basilisk, manticora, mermaids, sirens, harpies, gorgon Medusa, sphinx, minotaur, satyr, centaur, vampire, werewolf, giants and fairies. The historical origin of each creature is described, followed by a presentation of its symbolism, legends, and appearances in history, literature, art and film.

There is also a summary chapter for lesser known creatures, and all can be located by a meticulous index. Excellent bibliographies follow each essay, and a glossary and a taxonomy of creatures are included. The references include Aeschylus, Piers Anthony, Frank Baum, Peter Beagle, Chaucer, Dante, Freud, C. S. Lewis, Picasso, Shakespeare, Tolkien, T. H. White and Yeats.

The audience for this book would include those interested in mythology, fantasy, folklore, art, and mysticism.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Research, Reference, Monsters

393 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[R. J. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really tried with this one but I got about half way through and just don't want to force myself to read it anymore. It is deadly dull and wasn't quite what I was looking for. I wanted information on mythical animals, what they were, appearance, abilities, characteristics etc. This book had a little bit of that but most of it was tracing the appearance of the creature in literature/panting through time, or how it was used as a symbol for this or that, which I don't really care about. I think I'll give up and try to find a book that has more of what I'm looking for.