The Dragons of Somerset

This is a highly illustrated book that looks deeply into the myths, legends and folk-tales of dragons. The first part of the book examines twenty-two accounts of dragons in Somerset, such as the 'Gurt-Vurm' of Shervage Wood, who, when cut in half by a woodsman, had the half with the fire-breathing hewad running off to Kingston St. Mary. In the next part of the book dragon stories are examined from all continents, in some cases going back into far antiquity. The Somerset dragons are then compared with dragons from around the World, under different headings such as: - eats people - has two legs - has many heads - kills hero - etc. to see if the Somerset beasts are part of a World-wide pattern. Finally, the meaning behind the dragon stories and what they reveal about Man's psyche and understanding of Life is examined. We look at such things as a possible race memory of dinosaurs, the serpent Satan in the Bible, and Jung's theories of Man's symbols and archetypes in the collective unconscious. The book contains numerous photos, drawings, map and timeline. A reading delight for young and old alike, It would make an ideal Christmas or birthday present