For true believers only, a lavishly illustrated reproduction of a legendary volume by the world's most distinguished dragonologist. Don't let it fall into the wrong hands! Do you believe in dragons? Now, for the first time, the long-lost research of renowned nineteenth century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake is presented in all its eccentric glory, happily bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. Here are just a few of DRAGONOLOGY'S fascinating features: — Novelty item on every spread, including tactile samples of dragon wings, dragon scales, and dragon skin—Booklet of dragon riddles (indispensable to the burgeoning dragonologist) — Sealed envelope containing a powerful dragon-calling spell—Embossed faux leather cover with silver foil, encrusted with three dragon gems In his afterword, Dr. Drake reveals that one of the crucial goals of dragonologists is to preserve the magnificent creatures of their study wherever possible - a goal this tongue-in-cheek volume most affectionately achieves. An incomparable gift for secret dragonologists everywhere!

Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt through a fascinating journal from a lost expedition—a treasure trove of fact and fantasy featuring a novelty element on every spread. Who can resist the allure of ancient Egypt—and the thrill of uncovering mysteries that have lain hidden for thousands of years? Not the feisty Miss Emily Sands, who in 1926, four years after the discovery of King Tut's tomb, led an expedition up the Nile in search of the tomb of the god Osiris. Alas, Miss Sands and crew soon vanished into the desert, never to be seen again. But luckily, her keen observations live on in the form of a lovingly kept journal, full of drawings, photographs, booklets, foldout maps, postcards, and many other intriguing samples. Here are just a few of EGYPTOLOGY's special features: — an extravagantly gilded cover, featuring a raised Horus hawk pendant with three encrusted gems—a playable game of Senet—ancient Egyptian checkers—including board, pieces, original-style dice, and rules—a souvenir booklet showing how to read simple hieroglyphs—a scrap of textured "mummy cloth" — a facsimile of the gilded mummy mask of King Tut—a gilded eye-of-Horus amulet with a "jewel" at the end Rich with information about life in ancient Egypt and peppered with Miss Sands' lively narration, EGYPTOLOGY concludes with a letter from the former Keeper of Antiquities at the British Museum, explaining which parts of this unique tale may be accepted as fact, which are guided by legend, and which reflect the author's delightful sense of fancy.

Aspiring wizards can tune in to the age-old wisdom of Merlin with this dazzling compendium of all things magical—unveiling novelty elements throughout. For any apprentice determined to learn the arcane arts of wizardry, could there be a better teacher than . . . Merlin himself? Originally discovered in 1588, this remarkable text by history's most respected wizard is revealed to the world for the very first time. Lavishly illustrated by four delicate artists, WIZARDOLOGY's intricate design even conceals a series of hidden symbols that spell out a secret message when their code is deciphered—if the reader is clever enough to find them. Among WIZARDOLOGY's special features are: -a glittering crystal ball-like jewel on the front cover - a world map showing locations of wizards around the globe - tactile samples of a "fairy flag" with one wish remaining and a phoenix feather to aid in flying charms - booklets explaining the proper use of spells, familiars, and potions - a removable dragon pendant allowing the user to dowse for mythical beasts - a pack of eight removable fortune-tellling cards - a 48-page mini book of divination on the final spread

Aar! Hoist the sails for a lavish new discovery filled with treasures—a magnificent resource for pirate lovers everywhere. The eagerly awaited new title in the best-selling ’Ology series—more than 5 million sold worldwide! Step lively, pirate foes and fanciers! Mysterious booty found inside a long-lost sea chest, hidden for hundreds of years off the coast of Newfoundland, has just been uncovered for your enjoyment. Within these covers is the fascinating eighteenth-century journal of Captain William Lubber, an earnest soul who sailed the seas in search of the vicious female pirate Arabella Drummond. Prepare for a mesmerizing tale of the golden age of piracy—from storm-tossed sailing ships to tantalizing treasure islands, from pirates’ flags and fashions to their wily weapons and wicked ways. An extraordinary find for pirateologists, here is a true and complete companion for the dedicated pirate hunter. Pirateology’s special treasures include: — a stunning cover bearing a working compass and glittering gems—treasure map with a missing piece—for the canny reader to find—multiple flaps, maps, charts, and booklets harboring codes and clues—intricate drawings of ships’ interiors—a packet of gold dust—a pocket sundial—a cache of pirate letters, pieces of eight—and a jewel as a final reward

Presenting the newest discovery in the series with the Midas touch—a mythical exploration fit for the gods In the early nineteenth century, an English nobleman embarked on a tour of the sites of ancient Greece. He brought as his guide a primer on Greek myths written by his friend Lady Hestia Evans, a devotee of Lord Byron who had recently taken the same voyage. In the true Romantic spirit, Lady Hestia’s book was not only lavishly illustrated but also boasted many paper crafts and novelties, including a card game featuring the twelve Olympians, an oak-leaf oracle of Zeus, a pop-up Pandora’s box (with hope still inside), a booklet retelling the tale of Odysseus, a piece of the Golden Fleece, a gold OBOLOS coin to pay the ferryman on the River Styx, and many more flaps, foldouts, and other surprises. The nobleman added his own witty comments and drawings along the way, but seems to have wished for something odd at the Delphic oracle: as the book nears its end, it slowly begins to turn . . .to gold. Now, for lovers of Greek myths and those just discovering their timeless power, this fascinating volume is faithfully reproduced with all its Romantic ambience, clever wit and novelty features intact.

A second major volume by the esteemed Dr. Drake—a lavish exploration of fantastical beasts, from yetis to unicorns Do krakens really lurk below the ocean waves? Do griffins command the air above? In a fascinating new discovery sure to rival the ground-breaking DRAGONOLOGY, the intrepid Dr. Ernest Drake turns his inquisitive gaze from dragons to other so-called mythical creatures. Included are: \* a removable letter from Dr. Drake \* multiple foldouts, flaps, and pull-outs \* textured "samples," including sea serpent skin and a feather from a winged horse \* sundry booklets—including riddles to tell a sphinx \* a cabinet of curiosities containing yeti fur, a hippogriff feather, and more For anyone who has ever wondered whether legendary beasts still wander among us, this lush look at an astounding array of creatures offers everything a true believer would want to know.

A spy reveals startling secrets and carries out a breathless mission—in an astonishing guide that takes the 'Ologies to a new level. The year is 1958, and British spy Spencer Blake, aka "Agent K," is on an undercover mission to expose a deadly criminal organization. As he traverses the globe with his American and Soviet cohorts—from Scotland to Berlin to Las Vegas to Cuba—he furtively records his secret techniques in a manual for new recruits. Once they've primed themselves on the essentials of spy craft, keen-eyed readers will discover that Agent K has been setting them challenges and clues to decipher all along. If they are clever enough to unravel them all, a great reward awaits!

Follow the fascinating journey of Captain Nemo and explore the ocean’s wonders, both real and imagined ... or are they? What if a sixteen-year-old assistant traveled aboard the storied Nautilus, the narwhal-shaped submarine of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea? And what if he were the sole survivor of the ill-fated voyage and went on to relay his adventures to a certain . . . Jules Verne? Find this brave young man’s own account in the lavishly illustrated Oceanology, a tale of an 866 voyage of discovery that investigates diving bells and shipwrecks; coral reefs and ice canyons; sharks, giant octopi, and luminous sea monsters; underwater volcanoes, and even the legendary island of Atlantis.

Explore (if you dare) the true history of the Fallen Ones—and follow the fate of a 1920s investigator lured by a beauty with violet eyes. Long before the term vampire was born, long before Bram Stoker fictionalized this being’s ways, blood-drinking demons were banished to Earth by Michael’s host of Angels, or so the Bible describes. Now this rich, mesmerizing resource, written in 1900, sheds light on what happened hence to the three vampire bloodlines—especially the tortured souls known as the Belial. Interspersed are booklets, flaps, and letters between a young paranormal researcher who discovered the book in the 1920s and an oddly alluring woman who seeks his help. Among the phenomena explored are: \* vampires’ genealogical origins, attributes, and range \* myths about the making of vampires \* secrets of vampires’ powers and shape-shifting skills \* tips for spotting vampires, protecting oneself, and fighting back \* case studies of famous vampires—and vampire hunters—through history \* a shocking overview of vampires "living" among us

Are there extraterrestrials among us? Discover a host of stunning secrets—and an ingenious brain challenge that will light up your world! The year is 1969, and Professor Alan Grey is ready to lead you on a magical mystery tour of a world where space creatures mingle with earthlings, unbeknownst to all but a chosen few. On the one hand, this dazzling book is a field guide to other worlds, from the solar system to the laws of time and space; from the many species and cultures in faraway galaxies to the primitive state of alienology studies here on Earth. To the sharpest readers, however, this shining resource, with its constellation of brain-teasers, serves as a cunning test: Readers who solve its puzzles are guaranteed to achieve enlightenment—and have a chance to represent humankind in the intergalactic community at large. Here are just some of the topics covered: \*A map of the universe, showing the location of many alien worlds an alien species guide \*Alien biology, methods of communication, and civilizations \*Alien technology and spaceship design \*How to identify aliens who have already infiltrated human society and more!

Can you trust your eyes? The newest discovery in the ‘Ology series amazes and thrills as the closely guarded secrets of the illusionologists are revealed! Do you wonder how Harry Houdini performed his amazing escapes? Are you burning to learn the art of making a beautiful woman appear to levitate? Look closely, for the secrets of the world's most famous magicians and illusionists—from the ancient Egyptians through the early twentieth century "Handcuff King" himself—are contained within! More than a fascinating history of magic through the ages, Illusionology is an indispensable guide unveiling step-by-step instructions for more than twenty-five astonishing feats. Master the classic cups-and-ball illusion! Mesmerize your friends with mindreading card tricks! Along with sundry flaps and booklets, readers will find props for their own sleight of hand, including: — A magical "dematerializer" — A set of trick playing cards—A pair of "disappearing spot" paddles—A "levitating" card!

Could dinosaurs still roam the earth? In the newest discovery in the ’Ology series, readers come face-to-face with living, breathing dinosaurs. What if dinosaurs had not died out? What if whole colonies of the prehistoric beasts had survived on a remote island off the coast of South America? The latest adventure in the best-selling ’Ology series offers young dinosaur lovers a tantalizing taste of what that would be like. The year is 1907, and young adventurer Raleigh Rimes is on an expedition to South America with real-life explorer Percy Fawcett. There he discovers the unimaginable: living dinosaurs roaming the rain forest! Presented as a journal detailing their extraordinary (and hairraising) encounters with the amazing beasts—fearsomeTyrannosaurus rex, pack-hunting allosauruses, predatory velociraptors, armored triceratops, and other species—Dinosaurology is filled with flaps and booklets offering dinosaur lore, along with such novelties as a sample of dinosaur skin, a pouch of ground stegosaurus horn, and more.

See the Forgotten Realms as you've never seen them before! The world's most beloved role-playing game, Dungeons & Dragons, joins the legendary 'Ology series as Volo the Wizard takes you on an unforgettable journey to the Forgotten Realms. From the dreaming spires of Waterdeep to the frozen majesty of Drizzt Do'Urden's Icewind Dale, and from the despicable Underdark to the mysterious Underchasm, you'll learn the history, secrets, and wonders of this incredible world.

What does it really take to be a knight? Peruse this lavish novelty volume and be surprised. From the secret order of Round Table Knights comes a tell-all guide to the mythical occupation of knighthood—its history, mysterious quests, and puzzles that live on to this day. Inspired by the life of a most exemplary knight, this fascinating book explores the art of mastering sword and lance, the essential (and prohibitively expensive) war-horse, the ins and outs of a castle that a knight might defend, and the skills needed to prevail in a jousting tournament, with all its pageantry. No investigation of knighthood would be complete without a look at the Crusades, and a celebration of legendary knights such as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and Sir Gawain, plus vaunted icons such as Excalibur and the Holy Grail. In true 'Ology fashion, this tip of the lance to a noble (and misunderstood) profession offers a variety of interactive flaps and other novelties to keep young squires fully entertained.

Just in time for Halloween! Find sundry novelties, flaps, facsimiles, and more in a haunting—or is it haunted?—volume that gives new meaning to the term ghost writer. Have you been hearing strange footsteps and knocks, whispers and rattling chains? Perhaps the early-twentieth-century author of this newly discovered tome has some secrets to share. Within the book's weathered pages you'll hear of a headless French pirate in search of his missing noggin, a vanishing pair of young trickster twins, a ghostly woman who screams for attention, and other communications from the "fun side." Readers who wish to plumb the mysteries of the paranormal will find some hands-on challenges to lift their spirits, along with tips on a range of spectral subjects, such as what to pack in a ghostologist's field kit, how to distinguish the types of ghosts, the best ways to hunt them, and spotting the unfortunate fakes and frauds. Too bad the late author never got to see her guide find its way into the world! But wait—what are those strange and scratchy asides that appear in odd places throughout the book?