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A Natural History of Mermaids (Folklore Field Guides)
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Featuring a silver-foil-embossed cloth cover, a ribbon marker and sprayed silver edges, this gorgeous volume is filled with beautiful illustrations and precise notes detailing the secret life of mermaids.

In 1872, intrepid (fictional) explorer Darcy Delamare disguised herself as a man to claim a place on board the (real life) scientific expedition of the HMS 
Challenger. She made a record of her findings on the trip, recounting the extraordinary sea creatures she witnessed: creatures that, until now, nobody had believed really existed... mermaids! 

Following on from the beautiful
A Natural History of Fairies and A Natural History of Magick, this beautifully illustrated vintage album is filled with descriptions and illustrations of Delamare's findings, from tales of mermaids in ancient lore tomore recent sightings as well as facts on the beliefs and superstitions surrounding these elusive creatures.

Children will
delight in discovering the anatomy, behaviour and lifecycles of the Merfolk and how they have hidden themselves from human discovery over millennia. Pore over the anatomy of tails, learn how these mysterious creatures communicate and immerse yourself in their underwater world.

The
Folklore Field Guides series is a charming collection of beautifully illustrated handbooks on topics of lore and legend. Fascinating facts are accompanied by breathtaking illustrations, all presented in an engaging narrative form.

Review

“A detailed “field notebook” about the history of mermaids from around the world, written by fictional marine biologist Darcy Delamere, who disguises herself as a man to get a place board the real-life “HMS Challenger”. Published in a highly illustrated format.”―The Bookseller

"The fantastical facts and extraordinary tales are a sure-fire hit for young readers."―
Woman and Home

About the Author

Emily Hawkins is an award-winning author who has written more than 40 books for children. Her work combines a curiosity about history and the natural world with a love of myth, folklore, and storytelling. Her best-known books include Oceanology, which appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, and A Natural History of Fairies, illustrated by Jessica Roux, which has been translated into sixteen languages. She is the author of the much-loved Spin to Survive adventure series, and the Lost Atlases books of myths and legends. Emily spent much of her childhood searching for ghosts, and she’s still looking. She lives in rural Hampshire, England, with her husband and two daughters. 

Jessica Roux is a Nashville-based illustrator and plant and animal enthusiast. She loves exploring in her own backyard and being surrounded by an abundance of nature. Using subdued colors and rhythmic shapes, she renders flora, fauna, food, and many other things with intricate detail reminiscent of old world beauty. She is the creator of the bestselling book, Floriography and the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller, The Wheel of the Year.


 

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