Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32899 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 704 pages

Synopsis
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.

Customer Reviews

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.

The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, and I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.

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 everything alphabetically and cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal book in the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched and could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns and moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauture in early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax and would look very handsome on any coffeetable.

A fantastic resource - truly magical
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.