Encyclopedia of Things that Never Were
Michael Page and Robert Ingpen
Viking
Fiction, Fantasy
Themes: Avians, Canids, Cryptids, Demons, Diversity, Dragons, Dreams, Encyclopedias, Equines, Fables, Faeries and Kin, Fantasy Races, Felines, Ghosts and Spirits, Gryphons, Hidden Wonders, Legend-Based Stories, Locations with Character, Lost Worlds, Merfolk, Occult, Shapeshifters, Vampires and the Undead, Wizards
*****
Description
From mankind's earliest days, we have created all manner of fantastic beasts, beings, and realms, intertwined with the world around us in various ways. The tradition is still alive and well today, with countless storytellers dressing up old creations or adding their own new ones. This illustrated collection of people, places, creatures and things from various mythologies and stories gives an overview of the realm and scope of humanity's imagination, the realm of Things that Never Were.
Review
This is a beautiful book, though it takes a few liberties here and there. A wide range of cultures and ages are represented, from Pacific Islander creation myths through Mary Shelly's Frankenstein and L. Frank Baum's land of Oz. I wanted to know just where some of the references came from; not all of them are ancient myths, and the bibliography doesn't make the sources for specific entries clear. The illustrations are very imaginative, adding to the feel of the book. It's almost impossible to page through this book and not be inspired. A true feast for fantasy-loving minds!