WELSH DRAGONS AND MAGICAL BEASTS, perfect match of title, subject, and glorious art

WELSH DRAGONS AND MAGICAL BEASTS
C.C.J. ELLIS
Eye of Newt Books
$29.95 hardcover, available now

Rating: 5* of five

The Publisher Says: Upon the dramatic landscape of Wales there have been born many creatures and beings of legend. This lushly illustrated guide delves into the dragons, beasts, fair folk, and spirits of Wales. Tales become blended and one with history, and this history meets illustration with C.C.J. Ellis’ rich renderings of these creatures. Detail and colour lift these beings off the page and bring this compendium to life.

Now available worldwide, this new edition includes a Welsh language guide so that each of the creatures might be known by their original Welsh names. You may have heard of the Red Dragon (Draig Goch) featured on the national flag of Wales, but have you heard of the Water Leaper (Llamhigyn Y Dŵr) or of the Mary White (Mari Lwyd)? Ellis aims to re-introduce the beasts of Welsh myth and legend to the world and bring a touch of Wales to your shelves. Part of the Wool of Bat series focused on the preservation and promotion of folklore and oral history from around the world.

I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.

My Review: The kind of visual feast all mythology and folklore lovers must have for prominent display, quiet perusal, and the abiding pleasure of supporting the maintenance and dissemination of an ancient culture in its ongoing renaissance.

The Table of Contents and language guide.

Some of the fascinating creatures, as the author/illustrator imagines them for us.

Do I really need to say anything more than, "It's all this beautiful, and the stories of the creatures are all as perfect and evocative as the art"? How about this one, the most gorgeous thing I've seen in 2023:

Hurry right out to get one for your young myth-loving giftee...and let's not front, one for yourself as well. It's Yule! Bring the bling to all corners of your life!