Dugald A. Steer

Let me just start by saying I love dragons and fantasy. Needless to say, I began this book with the mindset that I would really enjoy it, and I did. Steer did not disappoint. As usual, I did my read 2 chapters before bed-time and see how bad you want to keep going or stop. Surprisingly, after the prologue & chapter 1, I really did want to continue! Who was that lady? What was in the crate? What's going on?

Sneaking in chapter after chapter, I was simply thrilled by this book! Daniel & show more Beatrice are sent to live with one of their parents friends, Dr. Drake who is at first glance obsessed with dragons. He owns a dragon memorabilia shop and for some strange reason, something is flying around in a room blowing steam out of its nostrils....but dragons aren't real! Or are they?

This book takes us on a journey of education, problem solving and adventure. I was able to learn along with Beatrice & Daniel. I figured out all the little questions asked when presented with a problem. I wanted to help save the dragons and stop Ignatius Crook! ...with a last name like Crook, its no wonder that he's evil.

This book, although slightly predictable is still fun for young dragon apprentices. I enjoyed it and can't wait to see if they tie up the loose ends in Volume 2. With a fun cast of characters and suspense, Steer really presented an adventure of Dragon-sized proportions...European like Scorcher, not Knucker like Weasel. =) show less

#63, 2004

This is a GORGEOUS book which I picked up serendipitously at Borders (or B&N, can't remember which). It's a facsimile of a book originally published in 1895; a guide for the dragonologist. It's a natural history of dragons, including information on different types of dragons, how to work with and study them, famous dragon slayers and dragonologists - there is tons of great stuff in here. I spent an afternoon diligently translating riddles from the ancient runic dragon language, and show more yes, my face is reflected in the "dragon eye," which means I have the "innate wisdom and affinities with dragons" to become a true dragonmistress.

And, okay, so I know it doesn't really belong in the "nonfiction" section, but it's just beautiful. Lovely illustrations, "dragon scales" and things embedded into the pages, little envelopes with "handwritten" notes inside. What a lot of fun. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who loves dragons. It's one of the more beautiful books in my library. show less

The Dragonology series was one of my first exposures to these kinds of playful 'guidebooks' and they are instant classics. They were such powerful souvenirs of nostalgia, I had to have my own copies after I graduated HS. These books are definitely marketed for younger audiences- including items within the pages like pull out tabs, maps, 'dragon skin' or 'dragon dust' (nothing but embossed paper with a scale pattern and a sealed bag of glitter) and even the author's report card (You know, to show more prove his authenticity and expertise in his dragon school). It definitely does the job of getting a kid's imagination stoked the right way. The book acts as both a guide and a workbook, for you to fill in your own answers from your own studies of dragons. It's very engaging and a nice source of entertainment. I know plenty of adults who enjoy these books too- my school librarians were such people. They always supported the idea that you are never too old to grow out of a love of fantasy and be in touch with your inner child from time to time because it is okay to be young at heart. They used this book as a sort of 'coffee table' book for the reading room, and it definitely received plenty of amused eyes on it- from adult to teen. I can't say enough nice things about this book and the Dragonology series. Please give it the love it deserves and check out a copy for yourself.

This is the larger, more ornate version of the Dragonology books. The print quality is both outstanding and appealing- complete with a metallic ink dragon surrounding 3 green 'gems' that appears to be inset on the cover of a mystical tome.

I have generally the same thing to say about the smaller, more compact version of this book:
https://www.librarything.com/work/73016/reviews/228346416 show less

This book is such a cute companion to the full-sized version - Dragonology, by the same authors - as it gives readers a taste of what this series of books has to offer when it successfully covers a mythological topic. The writing may be a bit juvenile for adult readers (hello, it is for kids), but I still really appreciate the time and effort that went into the design of this book, which balances text and artwork quite well and succeeds in a pleasing overall aesthetic. It's also quite cute show more that they chose to make this pocket version more than just a miniature representation of the full-sized edition, and tackled the subject matter in the form of a student's handbook - giving basic information about dragons, assigning "homework" for each thematic topic, and acting like a field guidebook rather than a tome of information (which certainly would not have worked in this small format). Final verdict: a surprising delight that is sure to engage young readers and remind adults of their childhoods. show less