Dragonology
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Dragonology is the title of a series several books, a modeling kit, and a board game released in 2006. Dragonology mainly explains the species of dragons, the detailed anatomy of dragons, how to summon a dragon, and learning the secrets of dragons. It includes an alphabet of the dragon language and "samples" of dragon scales, hide, and dust. The other books in the series expand on these concepts and explain them in more detail than the original book. The toys include figures and models of the various types of dragons, a strategic board game, and a card game.
The first book is officially edited by Dugald A. Steer, with other contributors credited as Helen Ward (Scientific Artist), Douglas Carrel (Chief Draughtsman), Wayne Anderson (Pictorial Artist), and Nghiem Ta (Artistic Direction).
Summary
The species of dragons described include:
Western dragon- four legs, two wings. These include:
- European dragon; green and scaly hide
- Frost dragon; light and icy hide
- Knucker; green and scaly hide but snakelike and vestigial wings
- Marsupial dragon; green and scaly hide but body resembles a kangaroo
Asian dragon- four legs, no wings. These include:
- Asian lung (Chinese/Korean/Japanese dragon); has a hairy mane
(The three dragons can be identified based on their having five, four, or three toes respectively)
- Tibetan dragon; lacks a mane
Amphithere- no legs, two wings. These include:
- American amphithere; mothscale wing composition
- Mexican amphithere; feathery wings
Lindworm- two legs, no wings. Small, Western like head with a snakelike body.
Wyvern- two legs, two wings. Western dragon but with only two legs.
Background
Dr. Ernest Drake is the purported author of the book; he is described as living in the 19th century and being a member of the Secret and Ancient Society of Dragonologists (S.A.S.D.). Dragonology, according to Dr. Ernest Drake, is the study and conservation of dragons, who during his time were becoming extinct due to rapidly increasing human population. The photograph of him in Dragonology bears a very close resemblance to Steer's great grandfather[citation needed]. His books, Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (one hundred copies printed in 1896), The Dragonology Handbook: A Practical Course in Dragons (1893), and Dragonology: Tracking and Taming Dragons (?) were republished by the Five Mile Press, who have also created facsimiles of Wizardology and the Wizardology Handbook [both written by Merlin, the legendary wizard], Egyptology [by Emily Sands] and Pirateology [by capt. William Lubber].
Products
The products are published in the United States and Canada by Candlewick Press and in the United Kingdom by Templar Publishing. The releases in the series include:
Books
- Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons by Dr. Ernest Drake, editor Dugald A. Steer, ISBN 1-84011-503-3
- The Dragonology Handbook - a Practical Course in Dragons by Dr. Ernest Drake, editor Dugald A. Steer, ISBN 1-84011-523-8
- The Dragonology Chronicles: The Dragon's Eye by Dugald Steer, ISBN 1840115335
- Dragonology Pocket Adventures Collection:
- The Northern Frost Dragon
- The Dragon Dance
- The Winged Serpent
- Dragonology, Bringing up Baby Dragons
- ,,,Dragonology the complete works
- ,,,Dragonology the frost dragon
- ,,,Drangonology Field guide to Dragons
- ,,,Drake's Comprehensive Compedium of Dragonology
Book-sets
- Dragonology: Obscure Spells and Charms of Dragon Origin
- Dragonology: Tracking and Taming Dragons
- Dragonology: Field Guide to Dragons
- Dragonology: Code Writing Kit
Sets, Games, and Toys
- Dragonology: The Board Game
- Dragonology: Hatch (cards)
- Series 1 Dragon Toys
- Series 2 Dragon Toys
- Miniature Dragon Toys
- Dragonology: Dragon 'Build your own' models
