The Lore of the Unicorn (Paperback)

by Odell Shepard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Fascinating, delightfully readable book traces development of various aspects of the unicorn legend in mythology, folklore, magic, medicine, literature, art and commerce. "It is a book rich with curious lore, the product...of careful and intensive research; yet it is written with charm and with affection for the elusive animal which for milleniums has entranced men’s imaginations."—Books. Text enhanced with 28 carefully selected illustrations. Introduction.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486278034
• ISBN-13: 978-0486278032
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,553,005 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent research guide, June 30, 1999

By	[e-mail] (guam, usa) - See all my reviews

i wanted an indepth look at the history and origin of the unicorn. i got it. this book is incredibly well reaserched and very thorough. probably the best book on mythological animals i have ever seen. the only complaint i had was that the author seemed a bit taken with himself. i kept a dictionary next to the book and used it on an average of once every two to three pages. he also tended to quote from the greek and latin, and neglect to translate it. but for a serious knowledge quest or research on a paper, this is the book you want.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Superb!, October 3, 2000

By A Customer

I've been looking for a while for an all-encompassing, in-depth text on the historical significance and study of the unicorn. This book is it. It is filled to the brim with hundreds and hundreds of facts, accounts, testimonials, examinations and analyses of the unicorn throughout history. I was deeply disappointed in reading Roy Wilkinson's sappy "Are You A Unicorn?" This book compensates extensively where other books about the unicorn have failed. Especially interesting are juxtaposed conjectures and certainties of the unicorn. Wonderfully written and thoroughly researched, this is the truest guide to the Unicorn if ever there was one.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Always a Classic, December 27, 2000

By	Stephanie N. Small (Napa, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I recieved my first copy when it first came out! It was one of my first unicorn books, and i was just a kid. I loved it, it got me into history, mythology and helped me understand a lot about the unicorn in general.

this book is a great reference for unicorn mythology, lore, pictoral reference and anything else you can use it for. I have actually used it in my own artwork , i have done illustrations of all the unicorns in the book, as a kid i had made it a goal, the unicorn, monoceras, kirrin, abath, re'em and everything in between. it was actually a book that got me to get up and do something. it got me to study that mythical beast that is always in my dreams and near me in some way...

from the mythology of the unicorn's creation, to Jesus, to Satan to whatever else this creature has pranced though

You can tell so much how dedicated this author was, i have even found references in fiction and fantasy books about this author and his wonderful book (Unicorn Mountain). this book is a must-have, must-read book for anyone who likes unicorns. It is always in the bibliography section of unicorn books, and it itself has a great bibliography, which i love so that i can get those books!!

i recommend this book above all others if you like the rich history of the elusive and magnificent Unicorn!