Mythical and Fabulous Creatures: A Source Book and Research Guide - Hardcover

South, Malcolm

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0313243387 ISBN 13: 9780313243387

Publisher: Greenwood, 1987

Synopsis

This serious, scholarly treatment of 20 imaginary beings, from dragon and phoenix to giants and fairies, discusses the origin of each as an idea, its symbolism and lore, and its appearances in art, literature, or film. . . . Extensive bibliographies follow the generally ambitious and erudite essays while a final catch-all article and selective bibliography cover still more ground, at a gallop. . . . [There] are a number of thoughtful and well-written interpretive investigations into the nature and history of some persistent types. Entries on the Basilisk, Harpies, Medusa, and the Sphinx are particularly fine: here one feels that the mystery and power of these imaginative creatures is not vitiated by scholarly taxidermy. Library Journal

[This] book provides thorough documentation of the best-known creatures of fantasy with a breadth of coverage that is both impressive and delightful. Recommended for all libraries supporting research in mythology, fantasy, folklore, or popular culture. Choice

About this title

About the Author

MALCOLM SOUTH is Professor of English at East Carolina University.

Reviews

This serious, scholarly treatment of 20 imaginary beings, from dragon and phoenix to giants and fairies, discusses the origin of each as an idea, its symbolism and lore, and its appearances in art, literature, or film. Extensive bibliographies follow the generally ambitious and erudite essays, while a final catch-all article and selective bibliography cover still more ground, at a gallop. Although much of the book is concentrated and heavy goinguseful, as the subtitle suggests, mainly for referencethere are a number of thoughtful and well-written interpretive investigations into the nature and history of some persistent types. Entries on the Basilisk, Harpies, Medusa, and the Sphinx are particularly fine: here one feels that the mystery and power of these imaginative creations is not vitiated by scholarly taxidermy. Patricia Dooley, formerly with English Dept., Drexel Univ., Philadelphia
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Greenwood
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0313243387
• ISBN 13: 9780313243387
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 422