Hardback. Sea images with gilt title on the spine and front board.

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A fascinating and beautifully illustrated journey across the world and through the centuries in search of the sea monster.

‘They rave for food with unceasing frenzy, being always a hungered and never abating the gluttony of their terrible maw.’ Pliny the Elder

This absorbing exploration of the sea monster in all its tentacular forms is a deep dive into the world of sirens, mermaids, Scylla and kraken from 3C BCE to the modern day. Told through writings from ancient myths, early scientific natural histories and iconic literature, tales are intertwined with wonderful engravings, diagrams and paintings. These accounts give a unique perspective on the histories of societies and cultures around the world, taking in significant events like the Age of Sail, the Enlightenment and Darwinian evolution. With their excess size, claws, tentacles and bloodlust, monsters represent our greatest fears: the unknown, the dark, the natural world and even ourselves. As stories passed from generation to generation, they were analogues for dangerous weather events, foreign invaders, enemy nations, physical phenomena and real animals.

Prema Arasu brings together excerpts from Beowulf, Moby-Dick and many other works by authors such as Homer, HP Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, Jules Verne, HG Wells. Each is brought to life with an introduction and beautifully gory artwork, making this a gorgeous book that’s sure to draw you in and drag you down.

Review: A delightful tour through the literary Leviathans and symbolic sea serpents of our oceanic imaginations. In the collection are lesser-known gems as well as familiar greats, which together form a rich picture of our passionate entanglements with the seas. ― Natalie Lawrence