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A Natural History of Mermaids

by Emily Hawkins

Field notes from a mythical sea

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Regular price $41.55 USD Sale price $24.93 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

Field notes from a mythical sea

Framed as the 1872 record of fictional explorer Darcy Delamare, this illustrated volume blends an invented expedition account with mermaid lore. Its entries range from ancient stories and reported sightings to beliefs and superstitions, then turn to imagined merfolk anatomy, communication, behaviour and life cycles. The historical frame and field-guide format give the subject the shape of a natural-history album, while keeping folklore and fictional discovery in view. The book belongs to the Folklore Field Guides series and is presented as an illustrated handbook on a legendary subject.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Teens and young adults interested in mermaids and mermen.
  • Readers who enjoy illustrated guides to folklore, legends and mythical creatures.
  • Those interested in fictional archival formats and natural-history-style presentations.

Themes

Mermaid folklore and reported sightingsBeliefs and superstitionsImagined merfolk anatomy and behaviourFictional exploration and field notes

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

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 to more 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.
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Customer reviews

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Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.