Elusive, seductive, otherworldly, the mermaid is one of the most resonant of female archetypes, persisting across cultures and eras. In this singular study, Amanda Adams uses poetic language and invokes a wide range of representations and disciplines — from literature, poetry, and mythology to anthropology and folklore — to reclaim this icon of female power for modern readers. Beginning with Melusina, the bathing mermaid par excellence, Adams describes the seductive sirens and their honeyed songs, the powerful Arctic sea goddess Sedna, and the long-haired rusalki of Russian lore, among other legendary mermaids. As she tells their stories, she considers the womanly, passionate, rage-filled, and seductively sweet sides of the mermaid and how those traits reflect the lives and moods of women who live on drier shores. In discovering mermaids and their stories, the author presents a striking narrative of uncovering the unusual, the beautiful, and the extraordinary in her own life.

Reviews

*Starred Review* Like so many little girls, Adams was captivated by mermaids, but unlike most, her interest in and identification with mermaids grew and deepened. Intrigued by the timeless allure of these magical beings, Adams has written an absorbing book that weaves together mermaid mythology, depictions of mermaids in art--the book's illustrations, by the likes of Arthur Rackham, are sumptuous--and her own personal "mermaidenry." She delves into individual myths, such as that of the mermaid Melusina, whose marriage to the founder of Luxembourg disintegrated after he broke his promise to leave her alone once a month during the time she reverted to mermaid form. Inuit legend tells of the mermaid Sedna, betrayed by both husband and father, who rules the arctic seas and makes them bountiful. Adams also explores the male reaction to mermaids, a combination of lust and fear so potent that the medieval church tried to vilify the so-called sirens of the sea in an attempt to negate their sexual draw. Mermaid lovers of all ages will be as drawn to Adams' beautiful, graceful book as Adams herself is drawn to mermaids. Kristine Huntley
Copyright � American Library Association. All rights reserved

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Founded in 2002, World of Books is a leading online destination for buying and selling both preloved and new books, committed to making sustainable reading accessible to all. With a mission to help people read more and waste less, World of Books offers a huge range of affordable, high-quality books ? giving both new and preloved titles a second life. The company also operates World of Books ? Sell Your Books, an easy-to-use platform that allows customers to trade in unwanted books for cash, helping to keep books in circulation while promoting sustainability. As a Certified B Corp, World of Books is driven by a vision to become the world?s largest and most sustainable dedicated online bookstore. The company measures its success through the positive environmental impact it creates, the value it provides to customers, and its ability to operate profitably while supporting its sustainable mission

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

SBYB, Inc.
900 Knell Rd, Montgomery, IL, 60538, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged) or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date. If you've changed your mind about a book that you've ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us and we'll respond within 2 business days.

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 12 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 10.95

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.