Wonder Beasts: Tales and Lore of the Phoenix, the Griffin, the Unicorn, and the Dragon [Hardcover]

This book presents tales of mythical beasts, offering primary sources (e.g., the writings of Herodotus, original fairy tales, poems) within the context of background material and commentary. Discussion questions and activities complete each chapter.

Focusing on the phoenix, the griffin, the unicorn, and the dragon, this book combines tales and lore of each, presenting primary sources (e.g., the writings of Herodotus and original fairy tales and poems) within the context of background material and commentary. The shifting images of these animals offer a unique perspective on myths, religions, art, literature, and science in history. Discussion questions and learning activities at the end of the chapters guide students in exploring the worlds surrounding each beast. Sure to appeal to all ages, this fascinating collection makes a wonderful supplement to world history courses and is a great resource for reports.

JOE NIGG, a writer and editor in Denver, Colo., is an expert on mythological animals and has published three previous books on the subjectThe Book of Gryphons(Applewood Books, 1982),Gryphons: The Strength of Lions and the Flight of Eagles(Green Tiger Press, 1982) andA Guide to the Imaginary Birds of the World(Applewood Books, 1984).CONTENTSCONTENTSContentsThe Letter of Prester John vPreface xiAcknowledgments xvIntroduction xviiThe PhoenixThe Phoenix3The Phoenix from the Past3Versions of the Story 4A Roman Story 5The Phoenix of the Middle Ages 5The Phoenix in Heraldry 6Discounted by Scholars 6The Sacred Phoenix of Egypt(Herodotus) 8The Phoenix(Ovid) 9The Phoenix of Arabia(Pliny the Elder) 10The Phoenix Appears in Egypt(Tacitus) 12The Old English Phoenix(Old English Poem) 13The Phoenix Around the World16The Feng Huang 16The Ho-ho 17The Cinnamon Bird 17The Ilerion 17Salamandra 18The Bird of Paradise 18The Firebird 18The Phoenixes Are Flying(Chinese Ode) 19Saijosen anl#0