Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons
by Dr.Ernest Drake
To be frank I was quite leery of purchasing this book. I have read several books that attempt to be “encyclopedias” of fantasy and fairy creatures and have been badly disappointed in the past. Dragonology is thankfully exceptionally amusing, entertaining, and a must-have/must-read for all dragon lovers. The book is purported to be the re-publication of an actual book written by a Dr. Ernest Drake in 1895, though whether such a individual so named Ernest Drake actually wrote the book or even existed is questionable. Regardless of this the book sets out to teach and educate the young in the science behind dragons and the studying of them, dragonology.
This hardback book is nicely designed and illustrated, with much loving and artistic detail given to the beautiful creatures depicted within. Readers will find the most commonly known dragons as well as those often confused with serpents and the like defined with their histories, characteristics, habits, and habitats laid out for the reader. Something that makes this book stand apart from others of its ilk are the beautifully drawn depictions of the dragon’s anatomy, bone structure, and even egg development.
Unique to this book are the existence of dragon’s language (runes), as well as a means to decipher it. Also included are: samples of a dragonologist’s record book; riddles to use when engaging a dragon in an intellectual challenge; dragon dust; spells to tame dragons; spells which utilize parts of a dragon; a fold out map depicting the dragons found around the world; samples of wing vertabrae and scales from Marsupial Dragons, Asian Lung, and a frost dragon. This book is full of the author’s explanations of the history surrounding dragons, are responsibilities to them, their treasure hoarding, dragonologists throughout the ages (even dragon slayers) as well as advertisements for equipment for studying dragons.
What I found most amusing is the authors mentioning of mythical people and talismans and what their real purpose is; such as Merlin and The Talisman of Master Merlin. I have actually only heard of this talisman a few times before and was pleasantly surprised to see it noted in Dragonology. I was however disappointed to see that the Ouroboros was not mentioned, which seemed rather odd as it is the symbol of eternal life and continuity usually featuring a Dragon eating its own tail.
Whether the reader is a young child or an older adult I see no reason why the person in question could not or would not enjoy reading this book. The book, like Rowling’s Harry Potter series, is written for a younger audience’s benefit but does not insult the inteligence nor ward off the older crowd. If you are looking for a good, but short fantasy read, or just something to tide you over until July 16th this is the book for you.
Joana’s Rating: 
