A geologist from the age of Darwin examines the fossil records and myths from civilizations throughout the world to illustrate the origins of legendary monsters, showing how extinct creatures such as the woolly rhinoceros might be construed as a unicorn and flying reptiles interpreted as dragons. 93 black-and-white illustrations.

Ten thrilling tales of the marvelous monsters of the deep Here, in one thrilling volume, are 12 tales of the creatures who rule the bottom of the sea, featuring today's finest science fiction and fantasy authors. Their legends live on, portrayed by such masters as Roger Zelazny, Larry Niven, Gordon R. Dickson, and more. "Algy" by L. Sprague de Camp "Out of Darkness" by Lillian Steward Carl "Leviathan!" by Larry Niven "The Horses of Lir" by Roger Zelazny "The Mortal and the Monster" by Gordon R. Dickson "Man Overboard" by John Collier "The Dakwa" by Manly Wade Wellman "The Kings of the Sea" by Sterling E. Lanier "Grumblefritz" by Marvin Kaye "The Devil of Malkirk" by Charles Sheffield At the publisher's request, this title is sold without DRM (Digital Rights Management).

Dragons have always been a fascinating subject throughout history in all world cultures, from ancient times through popular media series today. This richly-illustrated book traces that history in myth and folklore.

"Here there be dragons"--this notation was often made on ancient maps to indicate the edges of the known world and what lay beyond. Heroes who ventured there were only as great as the beasts they encountered. This encyclopedia contains more than 2,200 monsters of myth and folklore, who both made life difficult for humans and fought by their side. Entries describe the appearance, behavior, and cultural origin of mythic creatures well-known and obscure, collected from traditions around the world.

This exciting volume explores the mythical and historical backgrounds of water monsters such as the Loch Ness monster, the Vikings' Midgard Serpent, the biblical Leviathan, and the Scandinavian kraken.

Fascinating book teems with information about powerful serpents of the deep and land-roving, fire-breathing monsters that first appeared in the creation myths of the ancient Far East. Dragons in China, Korea, and Japan are covered, as are those in Babylonian and Egyptian legends, and in English, Irish, and French tales.

Dragons, unicorns, mermaids ... all the famous creatures of myth and legend are to be found in the Torah, Talmud and Midrash. But what are we to make of them? Do they really exist? Did the Torah scholars of old believe in their existence? And if not, why did they describe these creatures? Sacred Monsters is a thoroughly revised and vastly expanded edition of the bestselling book Mysterious Creatures. Rabbi Natan Slifkin, the famous "Zoo Rabbi," revisits all the creatures of that work as well as a host of new ones, including werewolves, giants, dwarfs, two-headed mutants, and the enigmatic shamir-worm. Sacred Monsters explores these cases in detail and discusses a range of different approaches for understanding them. Aside from the fascinating insights into these cryptic creatures, Sacred Monsters also presents a framework within which to approach any conflict between classical Jewish texts and the modern scientific worldview. Complete with extraordinary photographs and fascinating ancient illustrations, Sacred Monsters is a scholarly yet stimulating work that will be a treasured addition to your bookshelf

The unicorn is a symbol of purity. Treat your readers to quotes from literary and historical sources, abundant images and illustrations, and a fascinating narrative about the history of the majestic unicorn.

Looking to the vast human history of water worship, a crucial study of our broken relationship with all things aquatic—and how we might mend it. Early human relationships with water were expressed through beliefs in serpentine aquatic deities: rainbow-colored, feathered or horned serpents, giant anacondas, and dragons. Representing the powers of water, these beings were bringers of life and sustenance, world creators, ancestors, guardian spirits, and lawmakers. Worshipped and appeased, they embodied people’s respect for water and its vital role in sustaining all living things. Yet today, though we still recognize that “water is life,” fresh- and saltwater ecosystems have been critically compromised by human activities. This major study of water beings and what has happened to them in different cultural and historical contexts demonstrates how and why some—but not all—societies have moved from worshipping water to wreaking havoc upon it and asks what we can do to turn the tide.

The ancient port town of Malacca is an old town rich in history. Since the beginning of Malacca, its community was made up of a colourful potpourri of cultures and beliefs. The different communities have their own understanding of the powers of the supernatural. As far back as the year 1421, there was a written account from Chinese records of the strange and paranormal witnessed in Malacca. These stories continued in Portuguese, Dutch and British eras, up to modern times. There were accounts about hauntings, poltergeists, cryptozoology, giants, spirits, sorcery, witchcraft, shapeshifting creatures, simulacra, magical cures, strange phenomena, unusual human powers and other bizarre tales. Many of these stories have now become obscured and forgotten to us. This book contains a collection of 60 strange and paranormal stories reported from past reports, news, accounts, statements and descriptions that were officially recorded in books, journals, articles and newspapers.