Dragonology

“Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)” is a visually stunning compendium setting out the long-lost work of renowned 19th century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake. Edited by Dugald A. Steer, the volume is filled with detailed illustrations and physical representations of different characteristics of dragons. Maps, charts, journals that flip open enhance the text and the physical appeal of this marvelous volume. Following the introduction to dragonology, Dr. Drake discusses the dragons of the world; a map of their locations looks as if its edges had been charred. Separate discussions of both Western and Eastern dragon species follows the map and the chapter concludes with a section addressing “Other Dragons”. A Natural History chapter details biology and physiology, life cycle, and dragon behavior. The adventurous reader will next learn how to work with dragons including how to find and track dragons and how to tame and fly dragons. Three appendices conclude “Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)” – “A Dragonological Laboratory”, “Useful Spells & Charms”, and Dragonologists & Dragonslayers of History”. The inside back cover of this volume contains an Afterward by Dr. Drake and an illustration of a dragon’s head whose eye reflects the reader’s image. The appearance of “Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)” is consistent with that of other vintage volumes and adds to its authenticity. As if aged by years, the edges of the deep red hardcover are darkened. The metallic red outline of a dragon surrounds a colorful illustration showing a flame-breathing flying over a town. Three “emeralds” are imbedded in the circle surrounding the center illustration. The book is printed on an aged-look slick paper that is similar in weight to a manila folder. The interactive nature of different portions of “Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)” makes this fantasy volume a delightful book to share with others. The tactile examples of dragon’s skin and the glitter of dragon dust appeal to younger readers or observers. If you or someone you love is fascinated by dragons, this is the book for you.

I remember when this came out twenty years ago and how beautiful and fun it was. This year my teenager asked for a copy for Christmas. It is a pictorial fact book on dragons with many dragon facts and beautiful watercolor art as well as pull out maps and other interactive pieces. This is not a picture book for small children due to the fragility of the interactive pieces, but a child reading it with an adult up to an adult aficionado of dragons will love this book that is still in print after twenty years--a testament to how magical and wonderful it is.

This book was the first in the Ologies books I have purchased. I got it for my daughter who is 6 and she is a HUGE HUGE dragon enthusiast she truly believes the are real. So I though me being a dragon lover myself I would see what all the fuss was about the ratings were high on it so I said "why not". All I can say when we go this book in the mail is that I was speech less! It was far more gorgeous a d detailed than the pictures or advertising shows. My daughter had been asking me for days when will I get my dragon book? When? When? So finally I got to show it to her when it got here and she was so happy. So I purchased another book in the series called Monsterology and when that one arrived it was every bit just as gorgeous as this book. So I am going to slowly buying the whole Ology collection because my whole family is crazy about anything mythical or amazing even thing that normal folks consider not real, well we usually think that there is some truth to them and maybe someday science will discover some of these creatures. Who knows, my belief is that anything is possible because we live on an amazing planet with so many things to discover that we don't even know halfof what all is out there. So keep up the great inspirational books we love them and kids love them. Real or not I just love reading your books and I'm 29 so that says something my hubby is 42 and he is in love with these books.

Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons is a true masterpiece for dragon enthusiasts of all ages. The book is beautifully illustrated, with intricate details that make the mythical creatures come alive on every page. It’s packed with fascinating lore, dragon classifications, and engaging interactive elements like foldouts, mini-books, and tactile textures that keep readers enchanted. Whether you're a fantasy lover or simply looking for a unique gift, this book is a treasure trove of imagination and creativity. Perfect for igniting curiosity and transporting readers to a magical world—highly recommended!

Granddaughter loves the book, she had it before and it was misplaced, she had good memories of her playing, and feeling this book. Thank you

This book is GORGEOUS!!! I bought it for a birthday party my son is attending next week. The kid’s mom told me he likes books about dragons. Every page is a work of art. My 6 yo and i carefully examined the book and he said it was amazing and that his friend is sure to love it since he loves it.

Christmas present they seem to like it.

A dragon can be tamed by this spell. It only lasts a short while, and then- beware! In this elegantly bound and lavishly illustrated volume, dragon lore is explored, dragons from every corner of the world, their biology and physiology, life cycles, behavior, taming and flying, including the necessary spells and charms to subdue them for study and mischief. Of course, one might be challenged on the validity of such an enterprise; certainly, legend prevails over logic. But if one approaches the subject with an open mind, as reflected in the pages of Dragonology, a whole new world opens to the willing student of any age. A detailed map indicates the origins of primary species, from Tibet to China to Australia, from forest, mountain, prairie and steppe, arctic regions, jungle, desert and savanna (differentiated from the infamous Sea Serpent). Elaborate, full-color illustrations accompany the descriptions of each type, pertinent details explained in colorful sidebars, sliding windows, fold-out pages, even wax-sealed envelopes containing private messages of interest to the dragon scholar. The dragon biology and physiology section has overlay pages from skeletal to muscular structure to exterior features with a sidebar on feeding and digestion; the life cycle section explains the four stages of development, from three months to thirty-six months, including the care and feeding of the newborn creatures. For the genuine enthusiast, there is a record book for field work, a beginner's guide to riddles and puzzles (helpful while taming or flying a dragon). While useful charms and spells are included, when casting a magic spell a word of caution is necessary: "It is better to know much, see much, learn much, but do little... other than conserve and protect the few dragons that remain on earth." In all, this stunning journal mines science, magic and whimsy with a wildly imaginative text and pictures, a seductive journey to a world of scientific-fantasy where anything is possible. Yet, "how many more of earth's creatures will become extinct until people start to say that they never existed at all, except in our imaginations?" Luan Gaines/2006.