Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)

Dragonologists, both amateur and academic, will hail Dr. Drake's lavishly illustrated, 'rediscovered' guide.

With its faux-leather, gemstone-encrusted cover and timeworn pages, Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons, ed. by Dugald A. Steer, "purports to be the facsimile of an 1895 [book]" (according to a publisher's note), and is quite convincing as the long-lost research of 19th-century dragonologist Drake. Presenting a "scientific" study of dragons, the volume examines the different dragon species and their behavior, using fold-out flaps, patches of textured "skin" or "membranes," and sample science-notebook-style labeled drawings. In addition to the clever text and persuasive illustrations by Helen Ward, Douglas Carrel and Wayne Anderson, the interactive book includes an insert on dragon script, a mini-book of dragon riddles and a glass dragon eye bound into the back cover. An afterword concludes, "Cherish all animals. Then one day the world may at last learn to accept the honourable science of dragonology."

Copyright 2003 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 2-7-This faux nonfiction title carries echoes of James Gurney's Dinotopia (Turner, 1992; o.p.) in that it purports to be the actual writings of English dragonologist Ernest Drake. Unlike Dinotopia, however, this book is not a narrative, but rather an almost encyclopedic treatment of the subject. It delivers on its subtitle and covers every aspect of the study of dragons, treating the magical creatures as if they were real objects of scientific study. The discussion of the different species includes all types of dragons with which children might be familiar, from Chinese dragons to the European ones of the Grimm fairy tales. One particularly fun bit is the dragon alphabet, combined with some ancient runes written in dragon that can be translated. An aspect of the book that will be totally fascinating to children is the natural history of this creature, including diagrams of its skeletal and muscular structures, and even the development of a dragon embryo in the egg. The illustrations, mainly in color, and overall design of the book are appealing, from a foldout map of "Dragons of the World" to the flaps and cutouts throughout. This book will be hugely attractive to children, especially the "Harry Potter" crowd, but it is fragile.-Tim Wadham, Maricopa County Library District, Phoenix, AZ

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

It is simply irresistible. . . . This book is a feast for the eyes and will draw teens like a magnet.
—Voice of Youth Advocates 

What single gift once engrossed my three boys so much that they stopped opening Christmas presents — I swear — for a full 15 minutes? A gorgeous compendium called DR. ERNEST DRAKE'S DRAGONOLOGY: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DRAGONS.
—FamilyFun

A fictional scientist's exhaustive reference guide to the fantastic reptiles. Who knew that dragon dung is a skin tonic?
—People Magazine

DRAGONOLOGY: THE COMPLETE BOOK OF DRAGONS is the perfect first volume for the budding Dragonologist. . . . This book is a terrific way to engage any young reader while encouraging their interests in the colorful and captivating world of fantasy.
—Boston Herald

This one is a real bang for the buck and will keep any dragon-fascinated kid enthralled for days.
—Philadelphia Inquirer

As lush a book as any this season . . . this is the perfect gift . . .
—Tampa Tribune Times

A beautifully illustrated, coffee-table-sized book that will provide hours of pleasure.
—Seattle Times

Packed with ornate borders, exquisite watercolor pictures and detailed line drawings, this oversized treasure is made for children but is bound to please even the oldest dragon lover.
—Bristol Herald Courier

Do you believe in dragons? After reading [Dragonology] you probably will!
—Newsday

This thoroughly engaging book . . . offers readers maps, classifications, explanations of dragon biology and physiology, useful spells and charm, a detailed list of the requirements of a dragonological laboratory, and more.
—Book Links

Featured/recommended
—Napa Valley Register.com