Throughout history, fantastic beasts have stalked our imaginations. From the ethereal unicorn of medieval European fable to the monstrous eight-headed dragon of Japanese legend, such animals have embodied some of life's great mysteries, as well as human hopes and fears, strengths and weaknesses. Familiar myths have implanted these creatures in our consciousness, but our impression of them often remains vague. With stunning artwork and a wealth of enchanting tales, The Mythic Bestiary casts light on these shadowy creatures, displaying them in all their beauty and ferocity. The book is organized into three parts, according to habitat - the beasts of the air, those of the earth and those of the aquatic realms.The coverage includes the monsters and hybrids of the classical world, the myriad serpents and dragons of both East and West, the malevolent ogres and trolls of Scandinavia, and the elusive cannibals, shape-shifters and ape-people of North America and Eurasia. As well as describing the classic appearance of each beast, there are numerous references to contemporary incarnations in fi lm and literature, from Batman to the Pirates of the Caribbean, from J.R.R. Tolkien to J.K. Rowling. Indispensable for all those drawn to the beasts of myth and legend, The Mythic Bestiary brings these compelling creatures thrillingly to life.