Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons FROM THE PUBLISHER
Do you believe in dragons? Now, for the first time, the long-lost research of renowned nineteenth century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake is presented in all its eccentric glory, happily bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. Here are just a few of this book's fascinating features:
Novelty item on every spread, including tactile samples of dragon wings, dragon scales, and dragon skin
Booklet of dragon riddles (indispensable to the burgeoning dragonologist)
Sealed envelope containing a powerful dragon-calling spell
Embossed faux leather cover with silver foil, encrusted with three dragon gems
In his afterword, Dr. Drake reveals that one of the crucial goals of dragonologists is to preserve the magnificent creatures of their study whenever possible -- a goal this tongue-in-cheek volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere!
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
With its faux-leather, gemstone-encrusted cover and timeworn pages, Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, ed. by Dugald A. Steer, "purports to be the facsimile of an 1895 [book]" (according to a publisher's note), and is quite convincing as the long-lost research of 19th-century dragonologist Drake. Presenting a "scientific" study of dragons, the volume examines the different dragon species and their behavior, using fold-out flaps, patches of textured "skin" or "membranes," and sample science-notebook-style labeled drawings. In addition to the clever text and persuasive illustrations by Helen Ward, Douglas Carrel and Wayne Anderson, the interactive book includes an insert on dragon script, a mini-book of dragon riddles and a glass dragon eye bound into the back cover. An afterword concludes, "Cherish all animals. Then one day the world may at last learn to accept the honourable science of dragonology." Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Children's Literature - Sharon Salluzzo
Everything you need to know about dragons is included in this lushly packaged volume. Antiqued pages give the impression that this information has been passed from generation to generation. Would-be dragonologists will learn the five F's of dragonology: "fieldwork, foresight, forwardness, frankness, fatalities ('unless these are avoided, the student will make little progress.')." Western and various Eastern species are presented, along with the biology and physiology of dragons. In the section on the life cycle, there are lift-the-flap eggs that show its growth and development. The equipment needed to track dragons, and information on spells is provided. Readers will learn about Beowulf and George of Cappadocia who were famous dragonslayers, and about Merlin, Marco Polo and Fu Hsi who are important dragonologists. A bit of cautionary, tongue-in-cheek humor can be found in such phrases as, "It is not recommended to leave children and hungry dragons alone." The illustrations include a fold-out of a dragon, a dragon skin specimen, and a close look at the very important dragon eye. This is a must-have for all dragon lovers. 2003, Candlewick Press, Ages 10 to 14.
School Library Journal
Gr 2-7-This faux nonfiction title carries echoes of James Gurney's Dinotopia (Turner, 1992; o.p.) in that it purports to be the actual writings of English dragonologist Ernest Drake. Unlike Dinotopia, however, this book is not a narrative, but rather an almost encyclopedic treatment of the subject. It delivers on its subtitle and covers every aspect of the study of dragons, treating the magical creatures as if they were real objects of scientific study. The discussion of the different species includes all types of dragons with which children might be familiar, from Chinese dragons to the European ones of the Grimm fairy tales. One particularly fun bit is the dragon alphabet, combined with some ancient runes written in dragon that can be translated. An aspect of the book that will be totally fascinating to children is the natural history of this creature, including diagrams of its skeletal and muscular structures, and even the development of a dragon embryo in the egg. The illustrations, mainly in color, and overall design of the book are appealing, from a foldout map of "Dragons of the World" to the flaps and cutouts throughout. This book will be hugely attractive to children, especially the "Harry Potter" crowd, but it is fragile.-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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