|
|
Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies) (Hardcover)
by Dr. Ernest Drake
| Category:
Dragon, Dinosaurs, Ages 4-8, Children's book |
| Market price: ¥ 218.00
MSL price:
¥ 208.00
[ Shop incentives ]
|
| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
A faux-scholarly book that gives intricate details to the legendary beasts. |
| If you want us to help you with the right titles you're looking for, or to make reading recommendations based on your needs, please contact our consultants. |
Detail |
Author |
Description |
Excerpt |
Reviews |
|
|
|
Author: Dr. Ernest Drake
Publisher: Candlewick
Pub. in: October, 2003
ISBN: 0763623296
Pages: 32
Measurements: 12.3 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
Origin of product: USA
Order code: BC00339
Other information: Bk&Acces edition
|
|
Rate this product:
|
|
- MSL Picks -
Ever wonder why Smaug hoarded all that treasure? Apparently it was just to impress the lady dragons. That's only one detail of "Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons," a faux-scholarly book that gives intricate details to the legendary beasts.
Without robbing dragons of their mystique, we get an overview of them: there are intricate studies of the different kinds of dragons, from the Eastern lung to the Australian marsupial (which is a bit too silly for the tongue-in-cheek tone of the book). "Dr. Drake" also examines their habits, such as courtship rituals and parenting, as well as the biological means by which they spew flames, and the reason why they hoard gems.
He also gives quite a bit of advice for the budding dragonolist, ranging from the obscure (hide shiny objects from baby dragons) to the ordinary (wear fireproof clothing). Finally, there is a historical overview of famous dragonologists from around the world, and spells that assist them.
Dragons are a staple of legend and literature, although a neglected one. Though Dragonology is presented as a serious work, Steer never forgets to keep his tongue in cheek. It's a fun read, with lots of detail and thought - after all, it can't be easy to document the physiology of a beast that doesn't, technically, exist.
Taken on its own, the book might merely be cute. But Steer also includes little details like a faux library card belonging to Ernest Drake, a little letter enclosed in a special envelope, and an inscription on the inner front cover: "To Friendly Dragons" followed by a bunch of Tolkienesque runes.
And the illustrations are as much a part as the faux-scholarly text. Classic-looking pictures of various kinds of dragons are only one part of it; there are also looks at embryonic dragons in the egg, the different egg shapes, a foldout map that shows where the various species live, and several pictures of the anatomy of dragons, including musculature, skeleton, and things like claws, wing "fingers" and optic nerves.
Maybe dragons don't exist. But the faux-scholarly tone, exquisite illustrations and intricate detail of "Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons" makes it an immensely fun read.
Target readers:
Kids aged up 5
|
|
Customers who bought this product also bought:
|
|
Dr. Ernest Drake is said to have lived in St. Leonard's Forest, Sussex, England, in the late nineteenth century and to have issued a very limited run - some 100 copies - of Dragonology in 1895. A noted dragonologist and a founding member of the Secret & Ancient Society of Dragonologists in London, Dr. Ernest Drake was determined to bring the subject of dragons under the burgeoning umbrella of the nineteenth-century natural sciences. He had absolutely no doubt that dragons exist, and his notes suggest that he had no little experience of them. Apparently, only one copy of Dragonology ever appeared in public, surfacing in the basement of a secondhand bookstore in London in 1987. The book was accompanied by a letter, dated 1904, addressed to an unnamed apprentice. Dr. Ernest Drake's painstaking work has been faithfully reproduced in this unique volume.
|
|
For true believers only, a lavishly illustrated reproduction of a legendary volume by the world’s most distinguished dragonologist. Don't let it fall into the wrong hands!
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 Dragonology'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 wherever possible - a goal this tongue-in-cheek volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere!
|
A kid (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
This book is something special, and will be loved by anyone who is drawn to the magical, the mythical, and the wonderful.
As well as anything and everything you'd ever want to know about dragons and things dragonish and dragonly, you will be entertained along the way with what amounts to a quite spry sense of humor, and that when least expected. For example, dragons love lettuce (we all knew that, right?), so it would be well advised to tote a head of it along (iceberg will do) at all times, advance preparation being half the battle.
This book is presented in the spirit of Gnomes (Poortlvliet), Faeries (Froud), Giants (Larkin), Unicorns (Hathaway), Witches (Jong)...an entire library of books in which it is a given the creature is real and not mere fantasy. This makes for great fun, no matter the age; just be a child at heart.
Of exciting note: The original of this book having been written, purportedly, in the beginning of the 20th century, the language is delightfully archaic and (by today's standards) full of whimsy. We are placed in another mindset and into an earlier time, when perhaps it would not be so radical to believe such beasties could exist, indeed, while munching on lettuce.
The art is top notch, the book full of delights and cozy places to explore. For those of us who have no trouble at all believing that dragons are alive still (and very well, thank you) a keener book could not be found.
I'd give it 10 stars, sigh, if only I could. Now, 'tis time to find myself a dragon, or perchance to let it find me...
|
Greg Hills (MSL quote), Phoenix, USA
<2007-01-12 00:00>
When I got Dragonology for Christmas, I was thrilled! I'd heard of the book but never had much time to look into it. No pun intended! It's excellent! The dragon history is very interesting and the book even goes into individual details about different species. The illustrations are also very good and very clear. I wish I knew who the artist was. Dragonology also explains how to befriend and/or tame dragons and even has a page or two on how to ride them!
The book tells about the life cycle of dragons (their eggs take 3 years to incubate!), the habits of dragon chicks and what dragons do to attract a mate.
Ever wonder why in legends dragons hoard treasure? Or why they always seem to attack princesses? Maybe you wonder why or how they can blow fire or how their wings work? All the answers to these questions and many more are in this book! Enjoy!
p.s.
If you like this book, make sure you buy the Dragonology Handbook to learn even more about dragons and their relatives!
|
Wantz (MSL quote), Chicago
<2007-01-12 00:00>
The study of dragons is a lost art. Fortunately, a lost text had been recovered and, thanks to the kindness of a publisher of "rare and unusual" books, had been reprinted for the benefit of aspiring dragonologists.
Each page features detailed sketches and color drawings of the various dragon species. The good Dr. Ernest Drake went to great pains to provide information on species, habitats, body structure, feeding habits, and so on. With an eye toward conservation of the majestic beasts, Dr. Drake offers his perspective and all relative warnings for those wishing to encounter dragons.
The illustrations are fantastic, and penciled notes help to emphasize the lessons. A text beyond its time, Dragonology is interactive, with the inclusion of small notebooks and layered charts.
Readers will not only learn more about a species vital to the natural order, but they will also be treated to a fine example of painstaking research. Perhaps they will be inspired enough to apply some of Dr. Drake's recording techniques in their own research.
Dragonology is a "must-read" for anyone interested in the study of arcane beasts, and it is a "highly-recommended" read for everyone else. |
|
|
|
|
