
- 272 pages
- English
- ePUB (mobile friendly)
- Available on iOS & Android
About this book
Feathered with illustrations, a deep dive into the meaning of this half-lion, half-bird creature over millennia of human history. Griffinology is a fascinating exploration of the mythical creature's many depictions in human culture. Drawing on a wealth of historical and literary sources, this book shows how the griffin has captured the imagination of people for over five thousand years, representing power, transcendence, and even divinity. It explores the history and symbolism of griffins in art, from their appearances in ancient Egyptian magic wands to medieval bestiaries, and from medieval coats of arms to modern corporate logos. The use of the griffin as a symbol of power and protection is surveyed throughout history and into modern times, such as in the Harry Potter series. Beautifully illustrated, this book should appeal to all those interested in monsters, magic, and the mystical, as well as art and history.
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Information
Table of contents
- Front Cover
- Half Title
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Contents
- Introduction
- 1. What Is a Griffin? Early Depictions from Ancient West Asia
- 2. Golden Griffins of Ancient Greece: From Image to Word
- 3. Sacred Griffins: Divine Partners and Symbols
- 4. Drinking with Griffins
- 5. The Art of War: Griffins on Weapons and Armour
- 6. Griffins on the Move: Depictions in Nomadic Central Asia
- 7. Guardian Griffins
- 8. In the Halls of Power: Griffins in Byzantine and Sasanian Palaces
- 9. Griffins Aloft: Griffins as Luminous, Flying and Heavenly Creatures
- 10. Encircling Griffins: Mapping the Influence of a Motif
- 11. Griffins in the Realms of Death and Transcendence
- 12. Moralizing Griffins
- 13. Making Their Mark with Griffins: From Heraldry to Visual Branding
- 14. Adventures with Griffins
- 15. Modern Marvels: The Griffin Imagery of Carroll and Rowling
- Epilogue: Thinking with Griffins
- References
- Select Bibliography
- Acknowledgements
- Photo Acknowledgements
- Index