Customer Reviews
Full of interesting information - but with one shortcoming - By: Enduction Hour, 12 Sep 2008 
This is a big solid book, absolutely packed with interesting facts about pretty much any creature you can think of, along with thematic topics such as animal "guides" etc.
The only disappointment with this book is the total lack of illustrations. It's all text, & I think it would have benefited hugely from some illustrative pictures.
Great Coffee Table Book - By: Fairuza Foch, 01 Jan 2008 
If you are interestedin magical & mythical creatures then look no further than this book. It features all creatures from all cultures & is very handy because it lists everything alphabetically & cross-references creatures from across the globe. It is truly a universal bookin the sense that there is no region that has been overlooked, which is a refreshing change from all the eurocentric tosh that is on the market these days. It is brilliantly researched & could be used as an invaluable resource for those of you attempting to write your own fantasy stories. As well as providing descriptions of creatures as varied as sylphs, dragons, morrigans, selkies, djinns & moonbirds there are synopses of myths concerning the creatures featured. For example under "swan" the authors provide two examples where they feauturein early Irish myth alongside the general description of what they symbolise across the globe. It is wonderful to dip into when you want to relax & would look very handsome on any coffeetable.
A fantastic resource - truly magical - By: Brida, 13 Jun 2007 This encyclopedia is absolutely brilliant. I also have the encyclopediain their series for witchcraft, & that is equally as good.
As someone who enjoys reading re-tellings of fairytales, children's literature & books on mythology, THE ELEMENT ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGICAL CREATURES has proven to be an excellent addition to my collection. Because it is such a huge book, this is one to dip into now & then, whenever you come across something you may not have heard of before. You are sure to learn a lot more than you had anticipated - there are some creaturesin here that you may not class as 'magical'. For example, eels were one creautre I was surprised to see included (they are sacred to the ancient Greeks).
What I love about this volume is that there is so much information, collected from many cultures & timesin the world. One reviewer said they have made some mistakes regarding Nordic beliefs; as I do not know about this area, I cannot comment upon whether the authors have made mistakes or omissions. But, what I can say, is that even if there are some errors, this encyclopedia is so good that it can easily encourage people to learn more.
The major gripe I have with the volume, however, is the lack of illustrations to help identify the creatures. I think that is the only way this could have been improved.
As an easy, quick reference to mythical & magical creatures, this is an excellent place to start. It is informative whilst also firing your imagination & desire to find out more.
Magical! - By: Whimsical Witch, 17 Oct 2006 I am a huge fan of mythical beasts, faeries & the likes. And I have always whished for a proper encyclopedia to dive into when I encounter one I havent seen beforein books ect. This one is perfect.
Allthough I wish it would have had some picturesin it to easier identify creatures, & they have gotten quite a few nordic beings completely wrong, as well as forgotten a few. I still feel this is the best ency of this category so far.
And a plus, it's not very expensive, but it is huge!
fantastic glossary of a mystical nature!!! - By: , 25 Feb 2006 Having already owed another book from this series, i found this to be exactly what i expected, a diamond of resource! fully comprehensive encyclopedia, well researched & well presented - a must for any interestedin myths, legends & cryptology!
