This title is an illustrated collection of verse and prose. It is a beautiful compilation of fine art illustrations, verse and prose to celebrate the mythology of dragons; from the Bible and the classical world of Europe to the dragons of Asia and America. Lavishly designed and embellished, the book contains over 120 sumptuous fine art paintings and illustrations. It includes charming, evocative stories and poems written about dragons over the centuries by authors such as Hesiod, William Morris, Sir James Frazer and Charles Kinsley, as well as fragments of folklore and Biblical tales. It is the ideal gift for everyone who enjoys the symbolism and formidable power of these mythical beasts. This vibrant anthology celebrates the dragon; full of fire, venom and fury, hurtling through the skies to bring terror and destruction or invested with mystic symbolism, wisdom and spiritual significance. In ancient Greece and Biblical times these dangerous beasts abducted maidens and held cities to ransom, while in Northern Europe they brooded in caves, guarding hoards of treasure.
All these deadly beasts were finally thwarted by heroes, archangels or magicians of their day, audacious warriors of skill and courage. Chinese dragons have a more mystical and less combative history; closely connected with water and bringing thunder and life-renewing rain. Similarly the ancient American dragon, the feathered serpent, is the symbol of rain. Wherever they come from, and whatever their threat or blessing, dragons are always uniquely magnificent, wayward and wrathful. This book celebrates their ferocity, fire and dangerous magnificence.