Dr. Ernest Drake is said to have lived in St. Leonard’s
Forest, Sussex, England, in the late nineteenth century and to have
issued a very limited run — some 100 copies —
of Dragonology in 1895. A noted dragonologist and a
founding member of the Secret & Ancient Society of Dragonologists
in London, Dr. Ernest Drake was determined to bring the subject of
dragons under the burgeoning umbrella of the nineteenth-century
natural sciences. He had absolutely no doubt that dragons exist,
and his notes suggest that he had no little experience of them.
Apparently, only one copy of Dragonology ever appeared in
public, surfacing in the basement of a secondhand bookstore in
London in 1987. The book was accompanied by a letter, dated 1904,
addressed to an unnamed apprentice. Dr. Ernest Drake’s painstaking
work has been faithfully reproduced in this unique volume.
Douglas Carrel, Chief Draughtsman: A native of Scotland,
Douglas Carrel was clearly a dragonologist of some standing, and
often accompanied Dr. Drake on some of his more fruitful
expeditions. In a letter from Constantinople to the editor he says,
"It is with considerable sense of honour, and no small amount of
pride, that I lend my hand to the compiling of this most worthy
volume . . . Ultimately, I feel that all of us—within this
privileged circle in particular—are duty-bound to preserve and
perpetuate the love and lore of dragons."
Helen Ward, Scientific Artist: Helen Ward trained as an
illustrator at Brighton School of Art, although it is not known
exactly when she came into contact with Dr. Drake. However a quote
from her autobiography makes some things clear: "As a child I
dreamed of dragons. When age allowed, I traveled. Unfortunately,
several expeditions to Europe and one to that part of Russia known
as Finland specifically to capture the likeness of a live dragon
have ended in failure. The creatures seemed deliberately elusive .
. .. With the help of descriptions, notes, and detailed drawings
made by others I have managed to illustrate these majestic
creatures to the satisfaction of those more fortunate and
better-informed dragonologists."
Wayne Anderson, Pictorial Artist: Interested in
cryptozoology from an early age, Wayne Anderson first came into
contact with S.A.S.D. at one of their meetings in Wyvern Way in
London. It was after a couple of trips with Drake—to the Alps in
1878 and to Scotland in 1880—that Wayne realized his early dragon
drawings were, in fact, more life-like than he could have realised.
Like most of the other collaborators on Dragonology, he has
contributed to many other books for children. He enjoyed a fruitful
collaboration with Helen Ward that resulted in books such
as The Tin Forest and The Dragon Machine.
Nghiem Ta, Artistic Direction: Dr. Drake met Nghiem Ta in
the Fukien (now Fujian) Province of China where she was working in
her grandfather's bookshop. Their shared interest in dragons became
evident when he showed her a copy of the fabled Dragon
Sutra of Hong Wei, which the monks of that monastery made for
him as a gift. He asked Miss Ta if such a revered object could be
bound into a book and was so impressed with her work that he later
invited her to London to oversee the creation of Dragonology.
It is simply irresistible. . . . This book is a feast for the eyes
and will draw teens like a magnet.
—Voice of Youth Advocates
This book will be hugely attractive to children.
—School Library Journal
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.
—Publishers Weekly
Dragonologists, both amateur and academic, will hail Dr. Drake's
lavishly illustrated, 'rediscovered' guide.
—Booklist
A handsome, dryly tongue-in-cheek volume. . . . All in all, a
delightful treatment for readers fascinated by dragons.
—Booklist
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
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