The Book Of The Unicorn by Nigel Suckling and illustrated by Linda and Roger Garland

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The Book Of The Unicorn by Nigel Suckling and illustrated by Linda and Roger Garland
pub: Paper Tiger. 128 page softcover. Price: Ł14.99 (UK). ISBN: 1-85028-360-5.

Everything you ever wanted to know about unicorns but didn’t know where to look is probably the best way to sum this book up.

Unusual for Paper Tiger, there is a strong emphasis on a textual history and legends of the unicorn from around the world than purely as an art-book. The western world isn’t the only culture to believe in this mythological beast.

More oddly, different cultures also attribute it with the same abilities mostly associated with the medical properties of its singular horn. It is seen as an antidote for poisons and a water purifier when the unicorn comes to the lake edge to drink.

A timid creature unless cornered, only a waiting virgin maiden could entice a unicorn to come close. This didn’t stop various people using this information to capture the unicorn for their own gain.

Practically every creed and legend, from Arthur to Alexander, has had a unicorn in their sights. As author Suckling indicates, although the unicorn is noted and never had its fair share of popular legends compared to such other luminaries like mermaids and other such creatures.

In many respects, the legendary unicorn has always been just out of our reach and we’ve had to settle for confusion caused by other such single horned beasts like the rhinoceros - excusable considering how the dugong was confused as a mermaid - and oryx.

To supplement the text is the varied art talent of the Garlands. This isn’t a disparaging comment. Their styles vary widely throughout the book, no doubt fitting to the different world-wide representations which probably accounts for the sometimes jarring effect than a consistent style.

Not all the pictures are of unicorns, but if you love the alicorn then you’re going to find enough here to satisfy that demand.

If you’ve been waiting for the re-release of this book then you’ll be more than willing to pick this volume up.

GF Willmetts

check out website: www.papertiger.co.uk

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