Mythical, legendary and supernatural beings, monsters and creatures Books

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Book SynopsisPaige Tyler is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of sexy, romantic fiction, including the X-Ops series, the SEALs of Coronado Series, and the Alaskan Werewolves Series. She and her very own military hero (also known as her husband) live on the beautiful Florida coast with their dog. Visit www.paigetylertheauthor.com.

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Book SynopsisDragons have captured the imagination of artists for aeons and feature in the earliest myths, on the armour of medieval knights, as well as in today''s popular culture. In this new and improved third edition, dragon aficionado and artist Lora Irish shares tips and techniques for creating your own fantastic renderings of man''s favorite foe. Updated for this edition: brand new art for both Eastern and Western dragons, a new gallery, sections on dragon history, lore, and anatomy, and a newly added section on transfer instructions for all applications, including fabric, wood, canvas, and other materials.

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Book SynopsisA fantastical coloring experience, this is the perfect creative outlet. This new pocket-sized coloring book for adults by award-winning artist Jim Shore is filled with 32 stunning designs of his original and best-selling fantasy artwork in his iconic folk-art style. Each illustration captures imaginative scenes inspired by fairy tales, myths, legends, and other fantastic adventures and stories, making this coloring book a magical and creative experience! Each line art design is printed on a single side of high-quality paper with perforated edges for easy removal and display.?

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Book SynopsisFollow ten little monsters as they dress up, explore and more in this fun preschool counting book based on the classic nursery rhyme This Little Piggy.This little monster tries a treat,This little monster plays a trick . . .It's dress-up time! Ten excited children become cute and colourful monsters and an ordinary street becomes a spooky world full of surprises. Follow along with the little monsters as they go trick-or-treating, find a pumpkin patch, and explore a mysterious cave . . . before running all the way home!With ten children to find and count as you turn the pages, loads to spot along the way, and a special surprise fold-out ending, this picture book is specially developed for imaginative little preschool monsters everywhere. There is a bonus section at the end with reading tips for parents and carers, giving ideas for discussion and extra things for children to spot.This Little Monster is a riotous read-aloud preschool adventure – come and join in the fun! And for roarsome dinosaur fans, look out for This Little Dinosaur in the same series.

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Book Synopsis'A great storyteller' Madeline Miller, author of CirceIn this powerful new collection, Charlotte Higgins foregrounds Greek mythology's most enduring heroines. Here are the myths of Heracles and Theseus, the Trojan war, Thebes and Argos and Athens. They are stories of love and desire, adventure and magic, destructive gods, helpless humans, fantastical creatures and resourceful witches. In this telling the female characters take centre stage as Athena, Helen, Circe, Penelope and others weave these stories into elaborate imagined tapestries. In Charlotte Higgins's thrilling new interpretation of these ancient stories, their tales combine to form a dazzling, sweeping epic of storytelling. With a series of original drawings by Chris Ofili.Trade ReviewHiggins is a wonderful scholar, and a great story teller. I've been loving these retellings, cleverly centered around the theme of myths told in tapestry. -- Madeline Miller, author of THE SONG OF ACHILLES and CIRCE[Higgins] leads us through the labyrinth of interconnected stories in a startlingly fresh way. It throws radiant new light on their meanings... This excellent book should delight many generations of story lovers to come. -- Edith Hall * Guardian *[An] erudite and exhilarating collection... luminous, astute retellings. -- Hephzibah Anderson * Observer *[A] scholarly, capacious reimagining... Higgins makes you feel for these tormented, accursed mortals afresh. -- Claire Allfree * The Times *We are in the hands of a fine, fluent storyteller... Higgins, like the bards who first unspooled these tales, creates the illusion of spontaneity and handles suspense brilliantly... Chris Ofili's drawings complement the lyricism of the prose descriptions. Higgins depicts art mediating life - the reason, I think, that we read books... I loved this book. -- Sara Wheeler * Spectator *

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Book SynopsisThat's right; Fangoria Magazine’s Ken Hanley has devoted his life of uplifting the spirits and changing the lives of monsters across this great nation of ours. Vampires, Mummies, Wolfmen, Gillmen and Monsters (Frankenstein's or Otherwise) will finally be able to step out of the shadows after reading The I in Evil and be the social, conscientious citizens without the psycho-and-sociological issues that plague mankind every day.By reading Hanley's well-versed answers to the questions that has cursed these wicked creatures for eons, monsters* around the world will be able to accept and embrace their nature for good instead of evil. Whether you're tied down by the expectations of your mystic elders or taken prisoner by your never-ending bloodlust, Hanley is here to help you solve your problems the power of positivity and self-confidence. So the next time you're about to sink your teeth into someone's neck, pick up this book instead and remember that you can't spell "evil" without the "I".*The I in Evil is not meant for humans. This book contains dark, horrifying truths and the author relinquishes any and all responsibility for any actions taken against monsters or themselves as a result of this book.Trade Review"The I in Evil is a satirical self-help book full of humorous advice for monsters and their daily dilemmas with chapters such as “Unwrapping the Mummy,” “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Gill-Man,” and “So You’re Dead; Now What?” Those with a wicked sense of humor and an affinity for fantasy and horror will not be disappointed—it’s ghoulishly fun." -- Dreadcentral.com"The I in Evil is a satirical self-help book full of humorous advice for monsters and their daily dilemmas with chapters such as “Unwrapping the Mummy,” “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Gill-Man,” and “So You’re Dead; Now What?” Those with a wicked sense of humor and an affinity for fantasy and horror will not be disappointed—it’s ghoulishly fun." -- Dreadcentral.com

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Book SynopsisDiscover the Science of (not so) Imaginary Creatures “The sheer depth of material covered in its pages is amazing”….” ―Fortean Times Magazine #1 Bestseller in the Occult and Unexplained Mysteries This is a book about monsters. From an early age we are taught that monsters do not exist. The reality is that monsters walk the earth today. Explore the world through its most unlikely creatures. Cryptozoology, the study of hidden, monstrous, and legendary animals, is truly the art of discovering the unknown. Richard Freeman, Zoological Director of Centre for Fortean Zoology, has explored the corners of the five continents on the search for creatures that many people believe are non-existent. In this book, he shares the exciting stories of his investigations of the Yeti, Mongolian Deathworm, Loch Ness Monster, Orang-Pendak, Ninki-Naka, and more. The line between myth and reality may be more narrow than you think. Cryptozoologists throughout the years have studied unknown species of reptiles, lake and sea creatures, apes, and hominins. The science and history of this field of study includes examples of creatures that were once thought to be mythological, but that have since been proven to exist. Our monsters and ourselves. The history of fabulous beasts and our searches for them is a history of the cultures of the world and the secrets we keep. If you’re ready to begin your search for Sasquatch and learn to hunt monsters, Adventures in Cryptozoology is your guide. In these pages you’ll find: Tales of mythical, extinct, and out-of-place creatures Hints about Bigfoot and other ape-men Tips for equipping your own cryptozoology adventure, including all the gear, field craft, and resources you’ll need to record your findings You’ve read Cryptozoology A to Z, Expedition Unknown, or Chasing American Monsters? Then you’ll want to read Adventures in Cryptozoology

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Book SynopsisRead 24 chilling stories, from two paranormal investigators, about reportedly true encounters with monsters in New England and the Northeast. Vampires prey upon family members from beyond the grave. A monstrous dog with glowing eyes seems to vanish into thin air. A giant, red-eyed beast terrorizes homeowners while helping itself to beloved pets—for dinner. The Northeast’s history includes several unimaginable encounters with legendary creatures. This collection of “ghost stories” presents the creepiest, most surprising tales of monsters in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Authors Jessica Freeburg and Natalie Fowler are active paranormal investigators with a shared fascination for things that go bump in the night. The professional writers spent countless hours combing the region for the strangest and scariest run-ins with the unexplained. Horror fans and history buffs will delight in these 24 terrifying tales. They’re based on reportedly true accounts, proving that the Northeast is the setting for some of the most unsettling monster tales ever told. The short stories are ideal for quick reading, and they are sure to captivate even the most reluctant of readers. Share them with friends around a campfire, or try them alone at home—if you dare.

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Book SynopsisTrolls are everywhere. They lurk on the internet; they fill the pages of popular fantasy literature; they are hunted in Norwegian film. They are the homeless in California; they are comforting or threatening characters in children's books; they are amusing dolls. Although trolls are ubiquitous today, for centuries they were confined to the landscape of Scandinavia. They were beings in nature, and their environment was a pre-industrial world in which people lived by farming and fishing on a small scale. This book is a history of trolls from their first appearances in folk tales - some people reported actual encounters with trolls, and others found such encounters plausible even if they were not sure - and follows a natural transition from folklore to trolls in other domains of popular culture. Indeed, trolls would not be interesting had they not made this jump, first to illustrations in the Nordic book market, then on to Scandinavian literature and drama, and far beyond. Since then they have never gone away, and in their various guises they continue to appeal to the imagination around the world. From the Vikings to the Moomins, the Brothers Grimm and the Three Billy Goats Gruff, this book explores the panoply of trolls and their history and their continuing presence today.Trade Review'in this clever little book, [Lindow] traces the history of trolls from their earliest appearances in Old Norse literature through the more familiar creatures of folk tale and fairy tale and right up to the latest manifestation of the malign Other, the internet pest ... Lindow writes with wit and warmth, but this is also a learned and sometimes unsettling study which brings to light some unexpected facets of the troll phenomenon more generally.' - TLS '[an] excellent overview of the history of trolls ... Trolls: An Unnatural History weighs in at only 144 pages, but never feels too brief. Lindow takes a long view of his subject matter ... To follow a thread throughout 1,000 years of history, in several different countries, is not an easy task. In the hands of someone less knowledgeable and less skilled in presenting their arguments, a book can end up as a mess. Here, Lindow avoids all those traps, instead giving us a coherent, insightful and informed exploration of a fascinating subject that deserves a wider audience.' - Fortean Times 'a fascinating read ... you likely won't find another source for such an in-depth look at trolls, internet comment sections notwithstanding.' - Spectrum CultureTable of ContentsIntroduction 1. The Earliest Trolls 2. Medieval Trolls 3. Folklore Trolls 4. Fairy-tale Trolls and Trolls Illustrated 5. Trolls in Literature 6. Trolls, Children, Marketing, and Whimsy Epilogue Sources and Further Reading Acknowledgements and Photo Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisZombies: A Cultural History, now available in paperback, sifts materials from anthropology, folklore, travel writing, colonial histories, long-forgotten pulp literature, B-movies, medical history and cultural theory to give a definitive short introduction to the zombie, exploring the manifold meanings of this compelling, slow-moving yet relentless monster.Trade ReviewLuckhurst s wide-ranging history of this cult phenomenon is a richly detailed and eminently readable, nuanced, and rigorous story. He outlines the different shapes the complex, colonially driven monster takes in its century-long journey through the imperial American sub-Zeitgeist including its surprising global resurrection in the new millennium. Everyone from Zora Neale Hurston to 1950s pulp comics to esoteric space scientists and Kirkman had a hand in fashioning the imaginary creature we know today as the zombie. --Victoria Nelson, author of Gothicka and The Secret Life of Puppets"

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Book SynopsisThis beautifully-illustrated colouring book will allow colourists to discover a healthy form of escapism, similar to meditation, as they let their mind wander into a carefully-crafted imaginary world. Containing a unique and diverse collection of over 60 enchanting illustrations, including unicorns and other magic creatures as well as extraordinary botanical gardens, this edition will take people to a wonderful and fantastical world of wonders – that will appeal to both adults and children.

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Book SynopsisMonstrous textuality emerges when Gothic narratives like Frankenstein reflect the monstrous in their narrative structure to create narratives of resistance, and allows writers to meta-narratively reflect their own poetics and textual production, and reclaim authority over their work under circumstances of systemic cultural oppression and Othering. This book traces the representation of other Others through Black feminist hauntology in Toni Morrison's Beloved (1987) and Love (2003); it explores fat freak embodiment as a feminist resistance strategy in Angela Carter's Nights at the Circus (1984) and Margaret Atwood's Lady Oracle (1976); and it reads Atwood's MaddAddam trilogy (2003-13) and Shelley Jackson's Patchwork Girl (1995) within a framework of critical posthumanist and cyborg theory. The result is a comprehensive argument about how these texts can be read within a framework of critical posthumanist questioning of knowledge production, and of epistemological exploration, beyond the exclusionary humanist paradigm.Table of ContentsIntroduction: Teratologies Troubling Genealogies: Monstrous Textuality and Narratives of Resistance in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein I: What Moves at the Margin 2 Haunted Narratives 3 Monstrous Narratives II: A Female Monster Larger Than Life Introduction 4 Reframing Narratives 5 Corporeal Discourses 6 'A Female Monster Larger than Life': Fatness and Resistance III: Hideous Progeny Introduction 7 Posthuman Reading Practices 8 Posthuman Writing Practices 9 Posthuman Bodies in/as Narrative Conclusion Conclusion: 'The Promises of Monsters' Notes Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe Book of the Magical Mythical Unicorn is an anthology of esoteric knowledge, myths, and legends about the most magical of beasts: the mythical unicorn. Utilizing a global lens, the authors delve into the critical importance of the timeless unicorn across multiple cultures and spiritual traditions to display the transformative energy of the creature and its larger effect on humanity's consciousness. No other mythological creature is enjoying as rapid an ascent into the public eye and consciousness as the magical unicorn. The unicorn is now a fixture in contemporary pop culture. People young and old are captivated by the magical legends and mythology of the unicorn. This book explores a diverse assortment of tales about the unicorn, ranging from its presence in the Garden of Eden, its foretelling of the births of Confucius and the Buddha, its protection of India from the wrath of Genghis Khan's army, and its depiction within heraldry, including in the Scottish and British thrones. It features in-depth sections on the use of the unicorn's horn for detecting poisons and healing, the horn's connection to the opening of the third eye, and the unicorn's depictions in ancient Sumeria, Egypt, and many other early civilizations.

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Book SynopsisWhy were the Anglo-Saxons obsessed with monsters, many of which did not exist? Drawing on literature and art, theology and a wealth of first-hand evidence, Basilisks and Beowulf reveals a people huddled at the edge of the known map, using the fantastic and the grotesque as a way of comprehending the world around them. For the Anglo-Saxons, monsters helped to distinguish the sacred and the profane; they carried God’s message to mankind, exposing His divine hand in creation itself. At the same time, monsters were agents of disorder, seeking to kill people, conquer their lands and challenge what it meant to be human even. Learning about where monsters lived and how they behaved allowed the Anglo-Saxons to understand their place in the world, as well as to apprehend something of the divine plan. It is for these reasons that monsters were at the very centre of the Anglo-Saxon worldview. From map monsters to demons, dragons to Leviathan, we neglect them at our peril.Trade Review'Uncharted territories were not valued for their splendour, but feared for the malign forces they hosted. Tim Flight’s book covers the range of creatures that, in the Anglo-Saxon imagination, make their home in such landscapes. From the mysterious blemmyes, headless men with eyes on their chest, to cynocephali (literally, “dog-headed”), human-canine hybrids with cannibalistic tendencies, it shows how the monstrous is associated with the “corruption of God’s design” – or, to put it another way, creatures that are almost like humans or animals, but not quite . . . Flight’s book is at its best when it explores this early medieval obsession with reinforcing and policing boundaries, and how it feeds into imperial and colonial projects of the time. Demon-fighting is compared with colonial expansion; defending the self against monsters becomes a matter of national security.' – TLS; 'Monsters abound in the literature and art of Anglo-Saxon England. From the most famous work of Old English literature, Beowulf, which relates the adventures of a monster-slaying hero, to hagiographies that narrate encounters between saints and devils, strange creatures are everywhere in England's early Middle Ages. In Basilisks and Beowulf, Tim Flight describes these monsters and analyses their role in the Anglo-Saxon worldview . . . it's well worth the time of anyone interested in the history of monsters.' – Fortean Times; 'A bold and wide-ranging expedition into the wildest corners of the early medieval mind; Flight skilfully conjures the primal fears and ancient wonders that once lurked in England’s shadowed groves and hollows.' – Thomas Williams, author of Viking Britain: A History; 'Although he wears his learning lightly, Tim Flight covers an impressive amount of ground to bring us his thoughtful, stimulating account of monsters in the early medieval world. Moving from Beowulf’s historical context, through maps, wolves, dragons, devils, and the Grendelkin to present-day fears, Basilisks and Beowulf opens up a strange and yet hauntingly familiar world to anyone who has read the poem or any of its multitudinous offspring.' – Dr Jennifer Neville, Royal Holloway, University of London; 'Immensely readable, thought-provoking and entertaining, this book is a splendid introduction to the though-world of the early English.' – Carolyne Larrington, BBC History Magazine; 'In this exploration of Anglo-Saxon monsters, Flight exhibits a deep knowledge of the Anglo-Saxon corpus and brings together a broad assortment of texts. Flight focuses on the dichotomy between wilderness – the domain of monsters – and civilization. In engaging prose, he explores how the boundaries between these domains shaped Anglo-Saxon perceptions of monsters. Whereas scholarly consideration of Anglo-Saxon monsters generally focuses on Beowulf, Flight includes works in which monsters are featured less conspicuously, such as the sea life in The Seafarer, St. Cuthbert’s battles against demons, and the etchings of curious monsters on Franks Casket (an early-eighth-century chest). But Flight certainly does not neglect Beowulf. He offers insight into symbolic representations of the dragon and the Grendelkin; the latter infiltrate the peace at Heorot and are, like St. Christopher in the Nowell Codex, part human. Flight also considers the hero Beowulf himself, whose size and strength render him akin to, though not part of, the realm of monsters. Other topics include wolves, map monsters, dragons, and whales, and a concluding chapter brings into discussion modern monsters such as Bigfoot and big cats in the UK. Recommended.' – ChoiceTable of ContentsINTRODUCTION I THE MAP MONSTERS II OF WOLF AND MAN III HIC SUNT DRACONES IV SAINTS AND SATANAS V THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA VI MEARCSTAPAN, PART ONE: THE GRENDELKIN VII MEARCSTAPAN, PART TWO: BEOWULF AND OTHERS CONCLUSION REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHY ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PHOTO ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INDEX

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Book SynopsisLet Count Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy, and other creepy creatures guide your tarot practice with this hair-raising tarot deck and guidebook inspired by the iconic Universal Pictures Monsters! Bring the spooky spirit of classic movie monsters to your tarot readings with this cinematic spin on the traditional tarot deck! Featuring stunning original artwork inspired by classic tarot iconography, this 78-card deck depicts spine-chilling characters, imagery, and themes from the legendary Universal Pictures monster films, from Boris Karloff's Frankenstein and Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula to the Wolf Man, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and more! Comprising both major and minor arcana, the deck also comes with a helpful guidebook explaining the meaning of each card as well as a few simple spreads for easy readings. Packaged in a deluxe collectible box, it's a gift that will wow horror film fans and tarot enthusiasts alike!

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Book SynopsisIn thisgothic retelling ofAlice in Wonderland,Alison lives an ordinary life, until she is transported to the Netherworld, a dark and twisted realm of nightmares, where mythological creatures and powerful rulers all cloy for power.

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Book SynopsisThe Channel Islands have a rich legacy of interwoven folklore, an antique tapestry full of faery creatures and mythical beasts. Here you will find fantastic adventures and fearsome fairytales, tall tales, horrors and high romance.In this exquisitely illustrated compendium, Channel Island Monsters weaves a web of deliciously dark stories from centuries of fables and their fragments. The werewolves, mermaids, changelings and dragons may seem familiar, but there are also monsters which are strange and unique to the Channel Islands. La Vioge, La Cocangne, Lé Bélengi and L’Êmânue are ancient creatures waiting to be rediscovered, with their eyes still shining and their claws still sharp.

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Book SynopsisDevon has a long and rich folkloric heritage which has been extensively collected over many years. This book consolidates more than a century of research by eminent Devon folklorists into one valuable study and builds on the vital work that was undertaken by the Devonshire Association, providing insightful analysis of the subject matter and drawing comparisons with folklore traditions beyond the county. The first major work on Devon's folklore since Ralph Whitlock’s short book published by the Folklore Society in the 1970s, this volume brings the subject into the twenty-first century with consideration of internet memes and modern lore, demonstrating that ‘folklore’ does not equate to ‘old rural practice’. With chapters covering the history of Devon's folklore collecting, tales from the moors, the annual cycle, farming and the weather, the devil, fairies, hauntings, black dogs, witchcraft and modern lore, this will remain the standard work for many years to come.Trade ReviewWhat joy! ...It is a treat to have West Country tales, legends, and traditions comprehensively covered, and be shown distinctive ways in which folklore can be contextualised, made relevant and retold. -- Helen Cornish, Fortean TimesA feast of old tales, customs, superstitions, rhymes and songs. -- John Foxen * What’s Afoot *A most enjoyable ramble through Deb’n folklore. -- Jo Gibson * Northern Earth *Although this is a scholarly book, it is not a tough academic tome. It is a lively, easily readable, often humorous account of a living world of story and belief... Hugely recommended to every Fortean! -- Richard Samuels * Magonia Review *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Folklore Collection in Devon 2. Stories from the Moors 3. The Calendar Year 4. Farming and the Weather 5. The Devil in Devon 6. Fairies in Devon 7. Some Devon Hauntings 8. The Black Dog 9. Witchcraft 10. Modern Folklore Notes Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisYou have probably heard many stories of magical creatures of myth. From the deadly dragon to the musical mermaid, the fiery phoenix to the unique unicorn... Could any of these fantastic animals really exist? Well, that is for you to decide!

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Book SynopsisYou have probably heard many stories of magical creatures of myth. From the deadly dragon to the musical mermaid, the fiery phoenix to the unique unicornÖ Could any of these fantastic animals really exist? Well, that is for you to decide!

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Book SynopsisYou have probably heard many stories of magical creatures of myth. From the deadly dragon to the musical mermaid, the fiery phoenix to the unique unicorn, could any of these fantastic animals really exist? Well, that is for you to decide!

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Book SynopsisDo monsters love hugs? Of course they do! Whether they're feeling sad, angry or happy - there's nothing better than a MONSTER hug. Turn the cleverly shaped pages to make the monsters hug, and bring a smile to their faces. The perfect book for sharing a cuddly reading moment with your little one.

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Book SynopsisStep behind the scenes of the biggest mystery of the British Isles Loch Ness is one of the most popular visitor sites in the world. Its stunning beauty draws many, but far more come to experience the mystery of the monster that may lurk in its waters. Known affectionately as 'Nessie', this elusive creature has been chased with great zeal for over a century (it has been seen by over 1000 people) and this enthusiasm shows no sign of diminishing. A new edition, rewritten and with fresh new images, of a Pitkin classic that examines the evidence and the various sitings on this perennial mystery.Trade Review'a classic book from the Pitkin stable.' * Talk Radio Europe *

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Book Synopsis Step into a world of enchantment with this captivating collection of prose and poetry, fact and fiction on myth and magic, folklore and faery. Bedside Companion to Folklore and Magic contains a rich selection of prose and poetry, fiction and fact, with one entry to read every night of the year. Within the pages of this beautifully designed volume you'll encounter dancing fairies, ferocious dragons, trickster gods, witches and wizards, enchanted islands, shape-shifting animals, and magic spells. Fantastical delights to peruse include: Tales from global folklore: Anansi the spider, Little Tieke the Dancing Thief from Maori legend, and Louise Erdrich's accounts of North American Ojibwe tradition. Fiction ranging from classic fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to exciting modern fantasy such as Marlon James's Black Leopard, Red Wolf, and poetry including Christina Rosetti's peerless GoblinMarket. The very best of magical children's literature: excerpts from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Peter Pan, His Dark Materials and, more recently, Katherine Rundell's Impossible Creatures. Non-fiction sources: extracts from 18th-century grimoires containing bloodthirsty revenge spells, evocative accounts of the Lancashire and Salem witch trials, and classic anthropological texts such as James George Fraser's The Golden Bough. If you're in need of an escape into otherworldly realms, keep this book by your bedside and end every day with a fascinating flight of fantasy.

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