Customer Reviews

Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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!

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!

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.

There is accurate folklore information in this book, but it is mixed with random speculation and humor by the author so things can get a bit confusing. For the bits that were true folklore accounts there is not much indication of the source so it might not be obvious what information on dragons and unicorns can truly be found in other sources. I found it interesting, but if you are looking for specific, clear information on mythological beasts you should probably look elsewhere.

This was one of the first dragon and unicorn books that I laid my hands on and its still one of my favorites years later. For those who like to learn about "real" dragons and unicorns that actually have a biological aspect, this is the book. While these species of dragons and unicorns don't have the magesty of the roleplaying dragons or unicorns, they have a nobility all their own. Definitely get this book and check it out.

I wouldn't really recommend this book. It's great for historical references, but it's the kind of book that you read once, then put aside forever. That's what I did. If you really feel compelled to read it, try to get it out of the library.

I remember this book as a teenager. It sparked my imagination to the fact there might be real dragons and unicorns out there.Even now as an adult the book is an old love and I greatly recommend it not only for adults but for children. From ancient stories of love in china to the mountains of india, the book is an original.

I purchased this book over 10 years ago and I still go back and thumb through the pages. I think this is an excellent read with lots of information, folktales and line art scattered throughout the book. I also like that its written and illustrated maturely. It's nice to read different authors view points on dragons and unicorns, so I found this refreshing. "Dragons and Unicorns: A Natural History" is one of my favorite books among my mythology reference collection.

Personally, my favorite pages are the dragon and unicorn illustrations. I like the way the artist drew them looking more like believable and realistic animals.

I love this book. It helped me with my school speech and it made me realize what I wanted to do in my life. Study about dragons and other "fantasy" animals. I give this book a thumbs up!

This book rocks. I had to do a report on unicorns and this book had everything i needed. It's good for just plain reading material too.