
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures
The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic
HarperCollins (Publisher)
Published on 5. December 2005
Book
Hardback
704 pages
978-0-00-720873-9 (ISBN)
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.
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.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Illustrations
10 b/w illus
Dimensions
Height: 252 mm
Width: 195 mm
Thickness: 47 mm
Weight
1721 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-720873-9 (9780007208739)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

John Matthews | Caitlin Matthews
The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures
The Ultimate A-Z of Fantastic Beings from Myth and Magic
E-Book
02/2010
HarperCollins
€12.99
Available for download
Persons
John and Caitlin 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.