Dragons and Dragon Lore [Paperback]

Ernest Ingersoll (Author), Paul Tice (Preface), Henry Fairfield Osborn (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1999

This rare and fascinating book is filled with incredible information about the oldest mythological story in the world -- that of the dragon. Similar stories exist worldwise, in all cultures, of this elusive and powerful creature. The author, Ernest Ingersoll, has slated that the dragon "is connected with the powers and doings of the earliest gods, and like them is vague, changeable and contradictory in its attributes, maintaining from first to last only one definable characteristic -- association with and control of water." The strong point of this book is that it is so all-inclusive. China, India, Korea, and Japan are covered in the East, as well as Babylonian and Egyptian legends, while Welsh, English, Irish, French, and other tales of Christendom are covered in the West. Other topics like the origin of the dragon are found, plus a complete overview of the dragon as being "the divine spirit of the waters" and "the dragon as a rain god." Ingersoll contends that the dragon mythology was actually born in the East, then carried to the West later. The ancient gods of the eastern world played both good and bad roles, which caused the legends of dragon and dragon-slayer to spring up. Many of the early gods were strongly associated with dragons and serpents, as the walls of many ancient temples will attest. When the evil dragons of prehistory were carried over to the Western world, we found ourselves with "Satan, " who inherited the dragon's horns, red color, tail, cloven hoofs, and wings. This was no coincidence. The name of Satan (Shatan) also came from an Oriental language of the East -- out of Persia. Most of us in the West have no idea of the depth and magnitude of dragon lore in theEastern world, but that is the most important part of the dragon story. This book is rich with facts and is extremely well researched. It will cause one to wonder why so many dragon stories from so many separate places around the world seem to have so much in common.

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Book Tree (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585090212
• ISBN-13: 978-1585090211
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,344,384 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A Disappointment, September 2, 2003

By 

Maya Cointreau "Mother Maya" (New Milford, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dragons and Dragon Lore (Paperback)

I was extremely offended by the author's disrespect towards his subject, not to mention bored to tears by his dusty writing-style. This book was written eighty years ago by a man who consistently belittles the spiritual beliefs of all non-christian peoples, and refers to the buddhist, taohist, and hindu cultures as being childish, pathetic, silly and to be pitied and ridiculed on many levels. His attitude towards dragons is nothing if not derisive. Do not be taken in by the book-jacket review and the playful cover. If you want a book tracking the rise of dragon worship throughout the world, but with little to no historical folklore, than this is your book. But if you are looking forward to reading entertaining dragon lore from around the globe, than this is NOT what you are looking for.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fascinating Book, November 30, 2009

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Doctor S. "MD" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragons and Dragon Lore (Paperback)

I've read others of Ingersoll's books and they are always scholarly, well-written and treat the topic in a interesting and entertaining fashion. This book is no exception and the only possible reason I could think of for a negative review is that perhaps the reader may have an axe to grind with Ingersolls occasional "un-politically correct" choice of language, or they aren't the type who have patience for long words and the glowing Victorian prose of the 19th century. In other words, short attention span dullards who prefer to think it's the book's fault that they get bored with truly intellectual writing.
Trust me, as a student of occult lore and esoteric mythology from all over the world, Ingersoll's book would be a necessary addition to any true student's library. It is full of information, some of it I've not seen published before, and treats the subject with a serious but very readable respect.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Western Perspective, April 5, 2011

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Combined Text (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragons and Dragon Lore (Paperback)

Full of facts about Dragon Mythology. From early history to the far east and finally a mention of the dragon in medieval times as the legend relates to St. George. The one difficulty I had with the book was a lot of historical information without much background or elaboration. An example of this is as follows... "The dragon possesses the power of self-transformation, may make itself dark or luminous, or render itself invisible." Where the reader might hope to learn the lore behind this legend. Overall a good read and solid basis for Dragon history.