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A**A
A Mix of Good and Bad
Mermaids contains a treasure trove of fun facts, myths, legends, and quotes on the beloved wonders of the deep. But while there were many things I loved about this book, there were a few bit I wasn’t fond of as well. Thus I bring you a pro/con list!Pros: • The book itself is beautiful. Whoever did the formatting did a stunning job. There are gorgeous designs on every page, lovely artwork, and everything from the text to the pictures are in a blue ink instead of the normal boring black. This makes it an excellent display book. • There’s a plethora of interesting information on mermaids. • Quotes! I love quotes and this book is full of quotes on mermaids from various authors. • The tidbits of mermaid info include myths, legends, works of fiction, and more. It covers mermaids in many genres and every continent. • It also has chapters on the first mermaid, what mermaids look like, where they live, and so on.Cons: • The first half is very repetitive. The same fact, like who the first mermaid is, is repeated throughout the book many times. With additional research, the author could have filled the book with more information instead of the same information multiple times. • Too many opinions! The author frequently shared her opinions or interpretations of various mermaid mythologies. I don’t care about her thoughts on the subject, I wanted an encyclopedia-like book on mermaids. • The reference page. I loved seeing all of the PhDs and the prestigious sources in the bibliography. What I did not like seeing were the less than stellar websites listed. There is nothing wrong with using the net for research, all university students do it, but make sure they are respected sites. • Like I said above, she could have filled it with more info instead of repeating the same things so many times. That said, I noticed a few mermaid stories that were either not mentioned or very briefly touched on. Takes the quotes for example, I LOVE quotes (as I said above), but she quoted many unheard of books on femininity. She could have (and should have) used more quotes from popular mermaid fiction. There were many stories left out.As you can see, the pros and cons are pretty balanced, so I gave the book a 3 star rating. I love parts of it, and dislike others.
C**.
Not comprehensive but informative and enlightening
This is a lovely little volume that provides a nice overview of mermaid folklore and legends that includes a good cross section of mermaid interpretations from the perspective of different cultures and belief systems as well as culturally different styles of storytelling about the creatures. Part 1 of this book gives a general summary on mermaid attributes, looks and behaviors.Part 2 of this book covers the different impressions of mermaids based upon geographic locations. As it turns out, mermaids have their origins in the ancient world and like their human counterparts, have various characteristics that correspond to their particular regions, based upon lore and belief systems. This section covers locations that include Australia, Africa, Europe and Britain, the South Seas and the Americas.This is not a comprehensive guide but it does give the reader a good education on merfolk of the world and their origins as well as their impact on modern culture.I am impressed by the book’s presentation. This is a small hardback book with a light sea green cover, gray artwork, and the title embossed in gold. The interior is composed of off white, recycled-type paper with teal green printed text and lovely illustrations.This is a quick, absorbing read that was very interesting and left me with the desire to learn more about these fascinating creatures.Recommend.
R**Y
Fun
Very interesting book since I have not read much about mermaids. I am giving it to my granddaughter who is a mermaid ( really) . The illustrations are beautiful but I think my granddaughter's tail is prettier. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in mermaids, a fun and interesting read
J**.
Awesome book!
Loved this book! Started reading it as soon as it arrived. It was a complete impulse buy for me but I'm very glad I purchased it. If you love mermaid lore, this book is for you. The illustrations are very pretty and it also introduces you to other mermaid books which is great!
Y**S
Very pleased
Got as a gift, first one came with some cover damage and I sent it back. Got a refund and took a chance ordering another (I was really set on giving this as a gift). The second one came and it was perfect.
I**E
Five Stars
Tons of facts and legends on mermaids and where they came from. Just what I was hoping for.
C**H
Bought as a gift. I didn't read it but ...
Bought as a gift. I didn't read it but it is cute and I am thinking of buying another one to start my own collection of The Myths, Legends and lore collection.
P**L
It has a pretty cover and nice paper and printing
I ordered this for my daughter for Christmas and ended up reading half of it when I was supposed to be wrapping. It has a pretty cover and nice paper and printing. It has a nice mix of history, lore, and explanations of the history of mermaids. I can't wait for her to open it so that I can finish reading it:)
C**E
Not for children
These books seem well written and researched, however the way the cover looks and blurb reads, it comes across as suitable for children (certainly the unicorn one) but they have sections about sex, rape(unicorn one), seduction etc.Great for adults but please don’t buy for kids, we actually found the unicorn one in a children’s toy shop!!! I have since called them to warn them as I was foolish enough to let my daughter read it and take to school, ending up with a daughter in tears as the staff took the book away from her and her not understanding why. My fault, I’m not a reader I don’t enjoy it, but she does and I didn’t check the contents of the book and was unfamiliar with the author to which the headmistress informed me she’s writes very grown up books-oops!!
A**R
Great!
Great book, love how the text is all a lovely blue colour that matches the color. Very informative and most if not all info seems reliable. My book edges were uneven so when the book is shut some pages stuck out further than others on the longer side that is not the spine, not sure if my book wasn’t trimmed properly or if it was a purposeful design element? Not a big issue though, still give 5 stars.
K**G
A Time When You Can Judge a Book by it's Cover
Beautifully written, beautifully presented.The colour of the book and the small detail right down to the ink inside is breath taking.Proudly displayed in my room and very happily so.The content is just as good as the interior.
G**B
Beautiful illustrations, gorgeous book.
Bought this as a gift, and almost didn't want to give it away. It's really very beautiful - the illustrations are amazing, and the thick textured pages really give it that 'old reference book' kind of vibe.
R**H
Perfect for my Mermaid Obsession!
Such a beautiful book, from the cover, to the coloured ink and staggered page settings. Great stories about the origins and history of mermaids to satisfy this geeks fantasies!
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