For true believers only, a lavishly illustrated reproduction of a legendary volume by the world’s most distinguished dragonologist. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands!

Do you believe in dragons? Now, for the first time, the long-lost research of renowned nineteenth century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake is presented in all its eccentric glory, happily bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. Here are just a few of DRAGONOLOGY'S fascinating features:

— Novelty item on every spread, including tactile samples of dragon wings, dragon scales, and dragon skin
— Booklet of dragon riddles (indispensable to the burgeoning dragonologist)
— Sealed envelope containing a powerful dragon-calling spell
— Embossed faux leather cover with silver foil, encrusted with three dragon gems

In his afterword, Dr. Drake reveals that one of the crucial goals of dragonologists is to preserve the magnificent creatures of their study wherever possible - a goal this tongue-in-cheek volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere!

As well as anything and everything you'd ever want to know about dragons and things dragonish and dragonly, you will be entertained along the way with what amounts to a quite spry sense of humor, and that when least expected. For example, dragons love lettuce (we all knew that, right?), so it would be well advised to tote a head of it along (iceberg will do) at all times, advance preparation being half the battle.

This book is presented in the spirit of Gnomes (Poortlvliet), Faeries (Froud), Giants (Larkin), Unicorns (Hathaway), Witches (Jong)...an entire library of books in which it is a given the creature is real and not mere fantasy. This makes for great fun, no matter the age; just be a child at heart.

Of exciting note: The original of this book having been written, purportedly, in the beginning of the 20th century, the language is delightfully archaic and (by today's standards) full of whimsy. We are placed in another mindset and into an earlier time, when perhaps it would not be so radical to believe such beasties could exist, indeed, while munching on lettuce.

The art is top notch, the book full of delights and cozy places to explore. For those of us who have no trouble at all believing that dragons are alive still (and very well, thank you) a keener book could not be found.

I'd give it 10 stars, sigh, if only I could. Now, 'tis time to find myself a dragon, or perchance to let it find me...

44 of 44 found the following review helpful:


Why I Want To Be A Dragonologist  Dec 29, 2003 By Cameron Dube
I am only seven, and this book was the best book I have ever read--and believe me, I've read a lot! My favorite dragon in this book was the Frost Dragon; I also liked the Marsupial Dragon. I like the spells because they were awesome, and they taught me how to seize dragons. One spell was you put dragon dust on a mirror and point it directly into his eyes, and then you could steal the gold! I also like the back page where the dragon has a mirror for an eye. In one of the secret envelopes I read "Beware: this spell will turn the dragon against you." The letters were camoflaged and kind of squished together, but my second cousin and I figured it out!

Do you know why the author mentioned a duck-billed platypus in a dragon book? I'll tell you...because it once wasn't believed that the duck-billed platypus existed, so why shouldn't you believe in dragons?

This book made me fascinated with dragons, and now I would like to become a dragonologist. Please read this interesting book if you love dragons, too.

Cameron

53 of 56 found the following review helpful:


Strong "Book of Dragons"  Dec 15, 2004 By E. A Solinas "ea_solinas"
Ever wonder why Smaug hoarded all that treasure? Apparently it was just to impress the lady dragons. That's only one detail of "Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons," a faux-scholarly book that gives intricate details to the legendary beasts. (The actual author is Dugald A. Steer).

Without robbing dragons of their mystique, we get an overview of them: there are intricate studies of the different kinds of dragons, from the Eastern lung to the Australian marsupial (which is a bit too silly for the tongue-in-cheek tone of the book). "Dr. Drake" also examines their habits, such as courtship rituals and parenting, as well as the the biological means by which they spew flames, and the reason why they hoard gems.

He also gives quite a bit of advice for the budding dragonolist, ranging from the obscure (hide shiny objects from baby dragons) to the ordinary (wear fireproof clothing). Finally, there is a historical overview of famous dragonologists from around the world, and spells that assist them.

Dragons are a staple of legend and literature, although a neglected one. Though "Dragonology" is presented as a serious work, Steer never forgets to keep his tongue in cheek. It's a fun read, with lots of detail and thought -- after all, it can't be easy to document the physiology of a beast that doesn't, technically, exist.

Taken on its own, the book might merely be cute. But Steer also includes little details like a faux library card belonging to Ernest Drake, a little letter enclosed in a special envelope, and an inscription on the inner front cover: "To Friendly Dragons" followed by a bunch of Tolkienesque runes.

And the illustrations are as much a part as the faux-scholarly text. Classic-looking pictures of various kinds of dragons are only one part of it; there are also looks at embroyonic dragons in the egg, the different egg shapes, a foldout map that shows where the various species live, and several pictures of the anatomy of dragons, including musculature, skeleton, and things like claws, wing "fingers" and optic nerves.

Okay, maybe dragons don't exist. Big deal. The faux-scholarly tone, exquisite illustrations and intricate detail of "Dr. Ernest Drake's Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons" makes it an immensely fun read.

13 of 13 found the following review helpful:


Truly the best book I'v ever read.  Sep 06, 2004
I FULLY recommend this book. Anyone, even the non-beleaver, would fall in love with this book.

My mom bought me this book at the local bookstore. They had only receved 2 in and this was the last one. Right when she gave it to me I sat down where I was, enchanted by the red jewled cover, and read it through twice. Seince then, I have read it at least 8 more times, memorized the riddles and language, and shown it to all to my friends.

"Earnest Drake" had supposedly written it in the late 1800s when dragons exsisted, even if scarce.

This book has wonderful pictures of Eastern and Western Dragons, their different eggs, and a map of where to find them. It also gives scientific resons why dragons can breath fire and fly. Also includes a few advertisments for products such as Dr. Drake's FLAMEAWAY hat, and the famous "Draco Dragon Whistle". There is much more, but I don't want to give away all of the knowlage of this magnificent book. It can make anyone beleve.

I am 11 years old and I have always beleaved that dragons exsited. But at the bottom of every belef, there is doubt. This book filled the void. Now I know. Someone else once knew too.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:


Here there be dragons!  Dec 07, 2003 By dances_with_dragonflies
I bought this book for a friend's daughter for Christmas, and I hate to part with it! It is magical, gorgeous and stunning, from its rich, bejeweled cover to its many treasures within: beautiful illustrations, witty text, fun pull-outs, even samples of shed dragon skin, wing membranes and dragon dust (all lovely!) We learn much about dragons, from their life cycles and behaviors to their flying techniques ("A happy dragon is a dragon that loops") and how they're REALLY able to breathe fire (Ah, I'd always wondered....) And at the end, a wise message about caring for the world and its creatures lest they vanish....and another charming surprise that I won't give away. No serious dragonologist should be without this enchanting book! :-)

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