Wizardology: The Book of the Secrets of Merlin

by Dugald A. Steer

Book Overview

Aspiring wizards can tune in to the age-old wisdom of Merlin with this dazzling compendium of all things magical, unveiling novelty elements throughout.

For any apprentice determined to learn the arcane arts of wizardry, could there be a better teacher than . . . Merlin himself? Originally discovered in 1588, this remarkable text by history's most respected wizard is revealed to the world for the very first time. Lavishly illustrated by four delicate artists, Wizardology's intricate design even conceals a series of hidden symbols that spell out a secret message when their code is deciphered -- if the reader is clever enough to find them.

Among Wizardology's special features are:

-- a glittering crystal ball-like jewel on the front cover
-- a world map showing locations of wizards around the globe
-- tactile samples of a fairy flag with one wish remaining and a phoenix feather to aid in flying charms
-- booklets explaining the proper use of spells, familiars, and potions
-- a removable dragon pendant allowing the user to dowse for mythical beasts
-- a pack of eight removable fortune-tellling cards
-- a 48-page mini book of divination on the final spread

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0763628956
• ISBN13: 9780763628956
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 2.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 10.2" x 11.9"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

Disappointed

Book was in pretty good condition however was missing the cards that were supposed to come with the book. It wasn’t mentioned in the description that it was missing them. I wouldn’t have ordered it if I would’ve known.

Missing some things

I really love this book but to my surprise it was missing some of the key things that I wanted this book for. The tiny spell book that is hidden on the last page was ripped and cut out. The cards was missing from the one envelope. And the very first pocket was missing the contents. I am kind of disappointed but kind of knew what I was getting for that price I paid for.

my little brother loves it!

i got this book as a gift for my 4 year old brother and he loves it and i even enjoy reading it too (i"m a 13 year old girl). i love how detailed the illustrations are and me and my siblings loved all the mini books (my sister loves the fairy flag :). this is now my brothers second fav book (his fav book of all time is dragonology)! i will be buying the rest of the ology books for my siblings (and a little bit for myself)!

If you are a fan of magic

I really liked this book, the text and the illustrations are very enjoyable, must of all, for people who like magic -real magic-. It could seem like a child's book, but if you read it carefully, you will find some interesting information for adults... I mean, if you believe in that sort of things.

The Ologies are Awesome!

This is third of the "ologies" I have purchased for my 13 year old daughter. We gave her the Dragonology and Egyptology books for Christmas. They are all three gorgeous books that she enjoys over and over. To call this a pop-up book really doesn't do it justice. All kinds of little pockets, notes, baubles, decorations, and such. WELL worth the money.

Great Fun!

Another tour de force offering from the creative people behind Dragonology and Egyptology--both of which I LOVE, even though I am in my 30s. Wizardology is absolutely beautiful--just look at that silver foil lettering on the cover against that rich, velvet-like blue. I couldn't wait for it to arrive in my mailbox. And when it finally did this afternoon, I was not disappointed! Inside is a delightfully witty, fantastical romp through the "art of Wizardology" complete with novelties like a phoenix feather (to aid in flying spells) and a fragment of fairy flag (with one wish remaining!). No, this isn't "real" magic--the "spells" most likely sprung from the author's imagination--or even an introduction to the occult, but it is a fun and highly imaginative fantasy that I promise that you (and your kids, and your grandkids, and your elderly parents, and anyone!) will love.

Amazing! Fantastic!

I am a 24 y/o woman but I enjoy reading about mythology, magic and the like. I saw this book at Borders and I just had to pick it up. I don't know what the cover is made from, but the material is soft and screams for you to touch it. Inside the book, I was amazed at how well crafted it is. The thought behind it was genious. It is portrayed in a manner that the book was created by Merlin from magic, and passed on to the reader, so that the reader may carry on where Merlin left off. All throughout the pages are little flaps and openings, so it is completely interactive. The artwork is amazing and the colors are well thought out. The pages look like old parchment, many drawings are penciled. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Adults will find it enchanting and fun. Children will be able to let their imaginations run wild. I am a Christian, but I gave this to my own children. I helped them to understand the difference between fiction and fantasy, so they can enjoy this book fully without being confused. I recommend this book! Go to the library and peek it over if you have doubts. You will not be disappointed. I also recommend the other 2 book in the "Ologies" series. Dragnology and Egyptology. Both are written the same way.

another brilliant work from candlewick and templar

From the makers of Dragonology,Egyptology and Dragonology Handbook comes another excellent book from candlewick press and templar publishing. This book claims to be written by the great wizard himself Merlin Ambrosius. It was written about 500 years ago (or claims to be). It is in a category that the writers at candlewick have created what I call realistic fiction. What the book is is fictional information created into a nonfictional form. It sort of resembles a reference book but there is something different about it that most will enjoy. It is loaded with little flaps and books to open. Some are miniature booklets about spells,familiars(wizards animal companion), and potion ingredients. Some are samples of material like fairy flag or phoenix feather. And then there is the miscellaneous items like a pack of fortunetelling cards,a mini-book written by a harpier(a wizards name for an owl) and much more. I guarantee you if you are a fan of the other ology books or just want to believe in the unbelievable buy this book right now.