Dragons: The Modern Infestation [Paperback]

Pamela Wharton Blanpied (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 13, 1997

Pre-medieval dragons are a staple of Western culture, familiar through bestiaries, folklore and the framework of meaning provided by the church. Dragons of the Modern Infestation, however, must be known through a scientific term: verminology. The purpose of this monograph is to make available to the general public the fruits of verminological research which began shortly after the first modern sightings, in the hope of fostering a better understanding of the risks inherent in dragon/human contact, and a deeper appreciation of the beauty and complexity of these beasts. The book introduces their basic anatomy, habits, recreation, preferences in food, and their legendary lust for treasure; it covers their mating rituals and their care for their young, and, importantly, the Mime, the means by which the dragons pursue their prey and invade even the most densely populated cities. Dragon language is discussed, and the controversial possibility of dragon/human communication. Dragonsdraws freely from the work of the major verminologists, such as Philomel St James and Philip Marsden; excerpts from their private papers, field notes and journals give the reader the sense of what it is like to study dragons at firsthand. Thisis the first edition in the United Kingdom; it includes an updated preface and several new photographs, as well as the charts, graphs, maps, and bibliographic detail that made the 1980 edition the standard reference for the Modern Infestation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Aircraft flying over the poles are occasionally accompanied by dragons, much as ships are followed by dolphins in the open sea'.Odd details gleam up from the text -A wonderful description of a group of dragons crooning their heads off then gloating over their skill: ``They were enormously pleased with themselves afterwards, brushing by one another, snorting and steaming, and beating the ground with their rear feet -'' ' --Village Voice

About the Author

PAMELA WHARTON BLANPIEDhas been watching dragons since the first incidents of the Modern Infestation occurred, and has an unrivalled knowledge of the scientific literature on the subject. She is now recognised as the leading authority in this field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 164 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (February 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851156800
• ISBN-13: 978-0851156804
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,081,782 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed, engrossing natural history, April 25, 2000

By 

Erin-Spaz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragons: The Modern Infestation (Paperback)

From the beginnings of the Modern Infestation, Pamela Blanpied delivers a wide variety of information on the scientific facts currently known about dragons. Rather than relying on anecdotes or whimsy, she backs up her work with numerous surveys, studies, and up-to-date biological information. This book is the comprehensive guide to current dragon research. It may be a bit dry if technical information isn't your bag, but Blanpied's writing style is engaging, and small details will leap out and surprise you with wit and humour. Of particular interest are the photographs, of course, and the excerpts of the interview with Vlad. I long for an updated edition, with more recent results of the long-term studies mentioned in this work - the population tracking, feeding habits, and especially the budding interest in the percussive language. Highly reccommended for all serious students of dragons.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilariously funny sendup, December 29, 2004

By 

kitode (SF Bay Area, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragons: The Modern Infestation (Paperback)

This entire book is a straightfaced "report" on the lives of dragons and their (re)discovery by humans.

The report contains everything from data to sketches to excerpts from letters among the renowned researchers, and the aerial photos are not to be missed.

If you are a scientist or studying science you must read this book.

Or better yet, give it as a gift but don't tell the person what it is.