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Product Description
Product Description
Third in the hugely popular series of Element Encyclopedias, this is the most comprehensive guide you'll ever find to every magical creature from myth, folklore and legend around the world.
This compendium of magical creatures explores the history, folklore and mythology of these facinating beasts throughout all magical worlds. Including stories, celebrations, traditions, and amazing facts about the creatures, this book spans every major culture across the globe.
Many of the creatures described in the book have appeared in the fictitious worlds of the brothers Grimm, Lewis Caroll, J.K. Rowling, Tolkien and countless other writers who have stirred our imaginations since childhood fairytales. From unicorns, giants, fairies, elves, goblins, dwarves and trolls to nymphs, mermaids, sphinxes, ogres, cyclops, dragons, mermaids, salamanders, basilisks, banshees, werewolves, griffins, centaurs, satyrs and gremlins – this is the ultimate reference book on creatures from the magical world.
But have you ever heard of Cherufes, Lampaluguas or the Quetzal?
The cross-cultural focus spans from the most ancient of creatures to those which have come to prominence relatively recently. Every obscure and mythological creature is described in detail in this fantastic book, including gods from many cultures and everyday animals that carry magical symbolism.
The information not only refers each creature to the mythology surrounding it, but also illustrates how many of these magical beasts relate to each other and are interconnected across mythical worlds.
Find out more in The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures.
About the Author
John and Caitlín Matthews are two of the most well-respected experts in the area of mythology and legend. Best known for their work surrounding Celtic and Arthurian traditions, they also have a tremendously broad base of knowledge of cultures worldwide from which they have drawn on for this amazing work. Their previous books include The Encyclopedia of Celtic Myth and Legend, Walkers Between the Worlds and The Aquarian Guide to British and Irish Mythology and Hallowquest: The Arthurian Tarot Course.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries and the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen before in books ect. This one is perfect.
Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.
And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!
Allthough I wish it would have had some pictures in it to easier identify creatures, and they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.
And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!
48 of 49 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I saw this on a shelf in a shop in town, picked it up, flicked through it and within half an hour of getting home it had been ordered!
It's absolutely fascinating, as for the content the title tells you every thing that you need to know, it's an encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, but the first thing I've actually read was the introduction which interested me, and even my biology obsessed other half sat and listened withi interest when I read things out to him. As well as discussing myth and legend it also discusses animals from and biological aspect (where they could have developed from if they were real etc) and from a psycological aspect (why are we so fascinated by them)
The main body of the book is, obviously the encyclopedia, which is in alphabetical order, as well as an incredibly concise index. The introduction suggests that you dip in and out of the book, but I can't resist reading it from cover to cover. I'm only on 'B' so far because I'm having to limit myself, if I didn't it'd be devoured in two days and I'd forget to eat and drink!
The encyclopedia describes the animal where a description is known, gives it's origin, peoples beliefs about it, and the creatures use in contemporary fiction... for instance did you know that Dobby the House elf from Harry Potter developed out of a belief that if you wanted to get rid of a member of the fairy folk you gave them clothes?
In short it isn't possible for me to praise this book enough, I'm telling every one who'll sit still for long enough about the things I've read. Well worth the money!
It's absolutely fascinating, as for the content the title tells you every thing that you need to know, it's an encyclopedia of Magical Creatures, but the first thing I've actually read was the introduction which interested me, and even my biology obsessed other half sat and listened withi interest when I read things out to him. As well as discussing myth and legend it also discusses animals from and biological aspect (where they could have developed from if they were real etc) and from a psycological aspect (why are we so fascinated by them)
The main body of the book is, obviously the encyclopedia, which is in alphabetical order, as well as an incredibly concise index. The introduction suggests that you dip in and out of the book, but I can't resist reading it from cover to cover. I'm only on 'B' so far because I'm having to limit myself, if I didn't it'd be devoured in two days and I'd forget to eat and drink!
The encyclopedia describes the animal where a description is known, gives it's origin, peoples beliefs about it, and the creatures use in contemporary fiction... for instance did you know that Dobby the House elf from Harry Potter developed out of a belief that if you wanted to get rid of a member of the fairy folk you gave them clothes?
In short it isn't possible for me to praise this book enough, I'm telling every one who'll sit still for long enough about the things I've read. Well worth the money!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopedia in their series for witchcraft, and that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature and books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now and then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creatures in here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures and times in the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical and magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination and desire to find out more.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Interesting read!
I already have two other element encyclopaedia books (5000 spells & witchcraft) which were perfect books. Read more
Published 5 months ago by L. M. Jennis
not what is written on the package
I bought this book as Hardback book ...but it is not. Its a paperback soft cover. I am unhappy as the only reason i purchased the book was to have it in hardback. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Alex Henstridge
Great
Book was delivered on the date I was told and was in perfect condition. Really happy with it and hopefully my fella will be when he opens it on his Birthday.
Published 12 months ago by Lisa
Could use some editing
I genuinely enjoyed this book, and spent a week regailing my friends with the snippets of anthropological detail taken from its entries (for example, the ancient Chinese used to... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Siavahda
thorough
I think this is a really helpful book. It is very thorough in covering magical creatures from all over the world, and not just the well known ones. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Larewen Evenstar
Comprehensive but fun
This Encylopedia of Magical Creatures contains well over six hundred pages of creatures you have heard of and many you have not. Read more
Published on 10 Dec 2009 by Rainy Day
Great book but no pictures!!!
These books are we produced and very interesting but it really needs some illustrations to make it appeal to the younger audiences. Read more
Published on 9 July 2009 by Michelle BW
magical creatures book
my 11 year old daughter thought that this book was lacking in pictures but that it was full of information about all sorts of magical creatures plus fascinating myths about animals... Read more
Published on 24 April 2009
Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2008 by David Poulet
Great Coffee Table Book
If you are interested in magical and mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures and is very handy because it lists... Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2008 by Fairuza Foch
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