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Merpeople

A Human History
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Merpeople by Vaughn Scribner explores the captivating allure and symbolic significance of mermaids throughout history. Blending myth, culture, and historical narratives, the book examines how these enchanting creatures influence human imagination and personal growth. It offers insights into understanding our own identities and transformations by delving into the world of these mythical beings.
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Format: Hardback
$5999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this captivating exploration of myth and history if you have an interest in fantastical creatures and their impact on culture and society. It delves into the symbolism and fascination behind these legendary beings, blending folklore with personal insight, making it a unique pick within the self-help and personal development genre.

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A wide-ranging, beautifully illustrated history of mermaids and merman

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

People have been fascinated by merpeople since ancient times. From the sirens of Homer's Odyssey to Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid to the 1984 film Splash, myths, stories and legends of half-human half-fish creatures abound. In modern times, mermaiding has gained popularity amongst cosplayers.

In Merpeople: A Human History, Vaughn Scribner traces the long history of mermaids and mermen, taking in a wide variety of sources and 117 striking images. From film to philosophy, church halls to coffee houses, ancient myth to modern science, Scribner shows that mermaids and tritons are and always have been everywhere.

'Scribner's book is compact, richly referenced, attractively produced, and wonderfully illustrated with more than a hundred plates, many unfamiliar (to me) and in full colour. A professor at the University of Central Arkansas, he is chiefly curious about shifts in intellectual inquiry as he chronicles beliefs about mermaids, including reports of sightings, exhibitions of discovered specimens, scientists' views, and popular cultural artefacts from films to dolls... He concludes with accounts of films, advertisements, pageants, and theme parks, demonstrating growing rather than fading interest in mermaids in the present day. Yet in its revelations of the appetite for delusion among so many, even as they pursued greater understanding, it's a tale that is especially disturbing at this time of deliberate misinformation.' - Marina Warner / New York Review of Books

'Whether you fancy a quick dip or a marathon swim, this is a delightful book to splash around in, a gloriously illustrated and meticulously researched study of our closest aquatic relatives.' - Patricia Fara / Literary Review

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Merpeople by Vaughn Scribner is praised for its comprehensive examination of the cultural significance of mermaids, filling a significant scholarly gap. The book explores the global impact of these mythological creatures, making it essential for those interested in their influence. The work is both imaginative and visually engaging, offering well-researched insights into the folklore and popular culture surrounding mermaids and mermen.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789143140

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 10 August 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 117 illustrations, 79 in colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 208.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Vaughn Scribner is assistant professor of history at the University of Central Arkansas. He is the author of Inn Civility: Urban Taverns and Early American Civil Society.

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  • Merpeople
    People have been fascinated by merpeople since ancient times. From the sirens of Homer's Odyssey to Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid to the 1984 film Splash, myths, stories, and legends of half-human half-fish creatures abound. In modern times, mermaiding has gained popularity amongst cosplayers. In Merpeople: A Human History, Vaughn Scribner traces the long history of mermaids and mermen,...
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