Natural Hist Unnatural

by Joel Levy

Book Overview

In the bestselling traditions of "Gnomes and Faeries" comes a comprehensive guide to a vast range of fabulous beasts, magical beings, and the mysterious and paranormal world. Full-color illustrations throughout.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312207034
• ISBN13: 9780312207038
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.8" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

A One of a Kind Masterpiece!

This bizarre book is a real page turner. It describes at least one hundred beasts believed by normal zoologists to be fictional. Dive into the abyssal lair of the giant octopus, explore the jungles of Latin America in search of the beautiful coatl, or watch two yale jousting at an African water hole. This unique piece will never cease to thrill and delight the reader. Why did the phoenix (Phoenos immortalis) go extinct? Why are unicorns (Equus monoceros) attracted to maidens? The answers to all of these questions and more are found within this books strange and intriguing pages. This unique work will never bore the reader.

A one-of-a-kind experience!

How great it is to pick up and read a book that offers so much -- fantastic information, great graphics, a really good read and lots of fun! There are all kinds of ways to educate people and this book proves that learning does not have to be boring... It is a truly original concept and kids of all ages, at least from 12 to 112, are going to enjoy it.

a natural history of the unnatural world

I think this is an excillent reference book for people who are interested in the field of Cryptozoology.

Entertaining and well-researched intro to Cryptozoology

It's a shame that an author as experienced and respected as Loren Coleman should feel the need to rush and criticise Mr Levy's book. It does smack a bit of professional jealousy. (And that's not mentioning his shameless plug for his own book!)I, for one, was very impressed by "A Natural History of the Unnatural World." That he has been able to bring together such an extraordinary amount of material in such a lucid and accessible manner is no mean achievement. Levy obviously knows his subject, and I found the way he varies the writing style from entry to entry very effective. It's also very entertaining.A definite recommendation for both experts and non-experts alike. I thought I knew a great deal about the whole field of 'cryptozoology' (especially after reading Mr Coleman's book, amongst others), but this book certainly had enough science and factually based information to teach me much more.

Good, dispite the other reviews

This book is very good, but you must remember it is a work of *fiction*, not fact. It should also not be taken as scholarly cryptozoology, either. It is, however, very funny and light-hearted, and has excellent pictures, photos, and mythical descriptions. It includes many mythical creatures (manticores, unicorns, dragons) and makes up pseudo-plausible explainations for them. This is a good fantasy encyclopedia, and does help to open your mind. I personally recommend it.