Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Beasts [Hardcover]

Dr. Ernest Drake (Author), Dugald A. Steer (Editor), Various (Illustrator)

Book Description

Release date: August 12, 2008 | Age Range: 8 and up

A second major volume by the esteemed Dr. Drake — a lavish exploration of fantastical beasts, from yetis to unicorns

Do krakens really lurk below the ocean waves? Do griffins command the air above? In a fascinating new discovery sure to rival the ground-breaking DRAGONOLOGY, the intrepid Dr. Ernest Drake turns his inquisitive gaze from dragons to other so-called mythical creatures. Included are:

* a removable letter from Dr. Drake
* multiple foldouts, flaps, and pull-outs
* textured "samples," including sea serpent skin and a feather from a winged horse
* sundry booklets — including riddles to tell a sphinx
* a cabinet of curiosities containing yeti fur, a hippogriff feather, and more

For anyone who has ever wondered whether legendary beasts still wander among us, this lush look at an astounding array of creatures offers everything a true believer would want to know.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3–6—A big, colorful entry in the series that introduced readers to Dragonology (2003), Pirateology (2006), and Wizardology (2005, all Candlewick), this latest mock-nonfiction title explores such legendary beasts as kelpies, griffins, bunyips, and krakens. The smattering of "facts" revealed about these storied creatures, while based on Greek myths and the legends of other cultures, are generously fictionalized. The attractive illustrations, both color and monochrome, are done by several hands in 19th-century styles and provide a lot of detail for readers to get lost in. Although the book is not exactly circulation-friendly—it includes several faux documents that can be removed from the book-it should be a big hit among fantasy fans as a browsing item.—Walter Minkel, Austin Public Library, TX
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Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (August 12, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763639400
• ISBN-13: 978-0763639402
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 0.8 x 12.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #59,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Ernest Drake is said to have lived in St. Leonard's Forest, Sussex, England, in the late nineteenth century and to have issued a very limited run - some 100 copies - of DRAGONOLOGY in 1895. A noted dragonologist and a founding member of the Secret & Ancient Society of Dragonologists in London, Dr. Ernest Drake was determined to bring the subject of dragons under the burgeoning umbrella of the nineteenth-century natural sciences. He had absolutely no doubt that dragons exist, and his notes suggest that he had no little experience of them. Apparently, only one copy of DRAGONOLOGY ever appeared in public, surfacing in the basement of a secondhand bookstore in London in 1987. The book was accompanied by a letter, dated 1904, addressed to an unnamed apprentice.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must-have" for any fantasy buff's private collection August 14, 2008

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Hardcover

The latest in the popular "ology" series, Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Beasts is as beautiful and elaborate as its many companion volumes. Featuring writings on fantastic beasts from griffons and hippogriffs to phoenixes, the pegasus, unicorns, kraken, sphinx, and much more (but not dragons - they're covered in a different book!), Monsterology reads a bit like a nineteenth century naturalist treatise. Numerous delicate pop-up flaps, textured "hide samples" or other special tidbits adorn the pages - most notably the so-called "ashes from the nest of a phoenix". "Ashes from a phoenix's nest [like those above] are said to give long life. They should never be ingested, as this could prove disastrous. Instead, the ashes are so potent that simply keeping this book on a nearby shelf will have a noticeably beneficial effect in fifty years or so." The colorful artwork adds the perfect touch to this "must-have" for any fantasy buff's private collection.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not accurate, but Who Cares! September 5, 2010

By Katherine Aguire

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a student of cultural history, I place a certain small value on continuing the correctness of various mythology throughout time. I was a bit disappointed with some of the "information" in this book, as it doesn't always follow the accepted mytho-historical references. Barring that, this book is fabulous! It's obviously written for pure entertainment and gives more value to involving the young reader (and myself!) in becoming a true Monsterologist, rather than any cultural accuracy. I now believe myself and my 11-year-old son to have all the skills necessary to go out and begin our careers as Monsterologists, knowing now where to find the creatures, what details to look for, and how to record data. I'm seriously looking forward to our next safari. This book, and all of the 'Ologist books, are the greatest thing for the imagination since the cardboard box! I will be purchasing many more of these. Highly recommended!

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Monsterology January 5, 2009

By K. Bowers

Format:Hardcover

My daughter asked for this for Christmas. She already owns the piratology, egyptology, and dragonolgy. She loves them all, but dragonology is her favorite. This version I was a bit disappointed with. There isn't as much interactive in this book as with the others. There aren't all the little things to pull out and look at. She still likes it but it won't be her favorite like the other ones are I'm sure.