Mythical Beasts Avis

‘Mythical Beasts is not only a beautifully designed book but a magnificent idea-igniter for storytellers interested in fantastic lore. Erudite and mesmerizing’

1. Guillermo del Toro

Mythical Beasts is a captivating and wondrous journey across the world, exploring the origins of unicorns, dragons, griffins, sphinxes and half-human creatures. This rich and colourful history spans Ancient Egypt, Africa, Mesopotamia and Imperial China, all the way to the work of Lewis Carroll and the fashionable and decorative sphinxes of the 1920s. Written by leading experts, the narrative draws on a wide variety of sources to illuminate the roles that mythical beasts have played in different cultures and show why they have retained their appeal through the ages. This new edition is printed in two colours throughout and is illustrated with 24 pages of beautiful researched images that bring together some of the world’s most incredible artistic interpretations of these beasts, from ceramics and sculpture to tapestries and oil paintings. The edition also includes newly commissioned artwork by Neil Packer; a beast to introduce each chapter and striking title-page, binding and slipcase illustrations.