Mythical creatures drawn largely from medieval travellers' tales, but encompassing civilisations from the Sumerians to the Wild West.

This serious, scholarly treatment of 20 imaginary beings, from dragon and phoenix to giants and fairies, discusses the origin of each as an idea, its symbolism and lore, and its appearances in art, literature, or film. . . . Extensive bibliographies follow the generally ambitious and erudite essays while a final catch-all article and selective bibliography cover still more ground, at a gallop. . . . [There] are a number of thoughtful and well-written interpretive investigations into the nature and history of some persistent types. Entries on the Basilisk, Harpies, Medusa, and the Sphinx are particularly fine: here one feels that the mystery and power of these imaginative creatures is not vitiated by scholarly taxidermy. Library Journal [This] book provides thorough documentation of the best-known creatures of fantasy with a breadth of coverage that is both impressive and delightful. Recommended for all libraries supporting research in mythology, fantasy, folklore, or popular culture. Choice

British Fantasy Award-winner: Best Short Fiction Fabulous Beasts by Priya Sharma is a horror novelette about a strange woman living in luxury with her lover, but irrevocably tied to her childhood of deprivation and dark secrets in northwest England. The woman recalls the unravelling of the family upon her uncle's release from prison. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Describes the habits and characteristics of strange beasts and birds, including the unicorn, griffin, phoenix, and basilisk, once thought to live in wild and distant parts of the world.

The debut short story collection from acclaimed U.K. writer Priya Sharma, "All the Fabulous Beasts," collects 16 stunning and monstrous tales of love, rebirth, nature, and sexuality. A heady mix of myth and ontology, horror and the modern macabre. 'Priya Sharma explores liminality and otherness with skill and verve in her engaging and haunting stories.' -Alison Moore, Author of the Man Booker shortlisted 'The Lighthouse' "Priya Sharma has been writing and publishing short stories for over a decade, and I'm delighted that she's finally receiving the recognition her work deserves. She's extremely skillful in creating characters with whom we can empathize-no matter their deeds-leading her readers down roads of beauty and horror. I especially love her award-winning novelette 'Fabulous Beasts, ' a perfect piece of storytelling." -Ellen Datlow, Best Horror of the Year series Priya Sharma is a doctor from the UK who also writes short fiction. Her work has appeared in Interzone, Black Static, Albedo one and Tor.com, among others. She's been anthologised in various annual Best of anthologies by editors like Ellen Datlow, Paula Guran, Jonathan Strahan and Johnny Mains. Her story "Fabulous Beasts" was on the Shirley Jackson Award shortlist and won a British Fantasy Award.

Combines illustrations and photographs, ancient legends, and mythology from around the globe, plus fantastic facts and folklore to provide "an entertaining read and an unbeatable reference source."--Cover, p. 4.