Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History [Paperback]

Paul Johnsgard (Author), Karin Johnsgard (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up

Is it generally safe to walk by dragon weyrs on sunny days? Do dragons really lay golden eggs? Do dragon teeth have any medicinal value? And what about unicorns: Do some rare ones have two horns, and when aren't unicorns white? What is a unicorn "sneeze call," and what exactly is the best way to capture a unicorn, anyway?

Find the answers to these and other questions in this charming and carefully researched book that presents the first scientific look at two of the earth's most mysterious and elusive creatures. From the evolution and anatomy of dragons and unicorns to their own special skills (fire-breathing in dragons, reliable virgin detection in unicorns), this unique book of whimsical zoology, complete with drawings, will delight and enchant any modern reader.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (October 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312084994
• ISBN-13: 978-0312084998
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #883,602 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsically scientific cataloguing of dragons and unicorns!, September 17, 1998

By 

Rana-djinn ([e-mail]) (StLouis, Mo) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History (Paperback)

Have you ever wanted to have a comprehensive reference guide of two of the best loved mythological creatures ever - the dragon or the unicorn? This book is that reference! The text covers both creatures with a great deal of depth, including such things as classification of "genus" and "species", habitats, and even migratory patterns. Different passages are accompanied by "scientific" diagrams and illustrations, exactly as a standard zoological text would contain. In addition, this tiny gem of a book has information regarding myths and legends from various cultures concerning dragons and unicorns. All of this information is synthesized beautifully, and this book is an absolute delight, for people who like biological science, dragons, or unicorns!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful memories!, May 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History (Paperback)

I read this book when I was a very young girl. It opened my imagination incredibly. It's a wonderful book and I'm glad to see it's still in print. I'm buying a copy for my daughter to read!

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Resource, January 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History (Paperback)

Although at times drifting into the realm of sappiness, this book is well thought out and well executed. It manages to keep a scientific tone throughout--something you would expect from prolific author, naturalist, and ornithologist, Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard. A book that will provide a world of fun for children, and resources for further exploration for those seriously interested in world myth.