The Book of the Dragon [Hardcover]

H. Gustavo Ciruelo Cabral (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 2005

The mystique of dragons--soaring above castle spires, setting the world aflame--bursts into glowing life in breathtaking images by a major artist. An unforgettably original volume, The Book of the Dragon offers a glimpse of a culture we can only imagine.

They lurk in the most hidden corners of the world: the powerful and beautiful creatures known as dragons. We know them as the terrifying beasts of fairy tales, but their own story has remained a mystery--until now. Ciruelo, an illustrator of astounding skill, delves into their secret universe, revealing a rich and fascinating culture filled with poetry, magic, enchantment, and knowledge. 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, as we gain insight into their psychological characteristics; encounter many different types (Earth Dragons, Water Dragons, Fire Dragons, and the legendary Golden Dragon); learn about their long-held customs; and explore the many legends in which they have figured so prominently--including the heroic tales of Perseus, Hercules, and Tristan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (June 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1402728115
• ISBN-13: 978-1402728112
• Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #48,439 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptionally beautiful book, December 29, 2006

By 

Cindy Dollen "ces625" (Laurel, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Book of the Dragon (Hardcover)

My parents gave this book to my 12-year old son for Christmas at my suggestion. It is their custom to always write an inscription on the flyleaf of a gift book. Upon looking through this book, neither my father nor my mother wanted to touch pen to paper in the book. The inside cover, the flyleaf, every page is alive with the most amazing artwork. It is truly a beautiful book to behold, even if you are not a fan of dragons.

There was not one adult in our home on Christmas Day who did not spend 30-45 minutes browsing through this book and admiring the illustrations. My son picked it up that night and read until early morning. It is a book that he will enjoy over and over for many years to come.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Artwork!, January 7, 2006

By 

Kimberly Canham "Mystical Lover" (Charlotte, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of the Dragon (Hardcover)

If you are a dragon lover then this book is for you! Not only does it have fantastic artwork but it is informative as well. It tells about the 3 main families of dragons (earth, fire, and water) and also tells legends and myths that include dragons. The book is very good quality as well, sure to last a long time and bring many hours of enjoyment.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!, January 5, 2007

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Book of the Dragon (Hardcover)

I'm a big fan of dragons, but I've never seen them like this!

The illustrations are gorgeously done, and I spent an hour alone just looking at all of the pictures. The detail, beauty, and grace is just fantastic.

The actual information itself is wonderful, too. From the habitat, to the young, to the family structure, you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about dragons in this book. Also, at the back of the book, there are many mythical stories involving dragons that are a pleasure to read.

If you're a fan of dragons, this is a MUST HAVE book. Or, if you just like to look at beautiful art, buy this as a coffee table book and you'll be equally thrilled!