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Flights of Fancy
By Peter Tate
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Description
Throughout history birds have fascinated and intrigued mankind so it is hardly surprising that an astonishingly rich body of myth legend and superstition has grown up around them. Flights of Fancy explores the stories told about 30 of the world's best-known species from the blackbird to the wryneck drawing on traditions from every quarter of the globe. Some of the stories included clearly arose as a result of faulty observation such as the widely held belief that nightjars sucked milk from cows. Others stemmed from attempts to explain unusual aspects of appearance or behaviour. But the vast majority seem to have their origins in people's delight in inventing stories - whether the legend that the blackbird was originally white or the suggestion that witches kept owls as their familiars. And as Peter Tate points out what is so extraordinary is that the same story often crops up in many different parts of the world: the belief that eagles and snakes are sworn enemies can be found as far apart as Iraq and Mexico; the view that the raven is the harbinger of bad luck can be found throughout Europe from Denmark to Spain.
A fascinating and wonderfully entertaining read this is the ideal book for anyone interested in birds or myths - or both.
Product details
Binding:
Paperback
Edition:
1
Number of Pages:
194
Release Date:
2009-06-04
Publication Date:
2009-06-04
Publisher:
Arrow
Languages:
Original:
English
ISBN10:
0099509873
ISBN13:
9780099509875
GPSR Manufacturer Reference:
Minimum Reading Age:
0
Weight:
182 g
Height:
110 cm
Width:
178 cm
Thickness:
12 cm
Condition
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Good
The items bear minimal signs of past use, such as light scratches or memories in the form of markings. These signs of wear give the items a charming character and tell stories of their previous owners, while not affecting their functionality.
€3,49