About this Book

An in-depth look at draconic villains and heroes and the skilled writers who create them. A longtime dragon admirer, Tolkien scholar Anne Petty takes readers on an adventurous ride into realms populated by the likes of Smaug, Ramoth, and Orm Embar, just to name a few. Authors discussed in the Foreground section include J. R. R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, Ursula Le Guin, Jane Yolen, Terry Goodkind, and J. K. Rowling. The Background section offers an overview of draconic history in myth, art, and literature. A treasure trove of dragonlore for fans and scholars alike. "Anne C. Petty's Dragons of Fantasy is quite unlike most other books on dragons I know. Her very readable study goes beyond the usual collection of sources and myths, though Petty does not neglect to give an overview of dragons from their mythical beginnings to the 21st century (in chapters fittingly entitled 'Dragonlogy 101 and 102'). The main focus of this study, however, is primarily on the use of dragons in 'fantastic' literature. Individual chapters analyse and discuss dragons in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett, Ursula K. Le Guin, Jane Yolen, Terry Goodkind, and J.K. Rowling. Petty's concise analysis and accessible presentation of the literary and narrative techniques used by the individual authors provide the reader with the necessary literary toolbox to gain a deeper insight into how these mythical beasts come to life at the touch of a gifted author. A very useful chapter on sources old and new forms the conclusion of this thoroughly delightful and inspiring study, which is strongly recommended reading for all who share a fascination in the draco literatus fantasticus." -Thomas Honegger, Professor for Mediaeval Studies, Friedrich-Schiller-University (Jena, Germany) "With the 2nd edition, Petty reinvigorates the text with edited material from the 1st edition... this reinstituted material enhances the text and demonstrates Petty's love and inherent grasp of the mechanics of sub-creation. By examining the work of Tolkien, McCaffrey, Le Guin, Rowling, Pratchett, Yolen, and Goodkind, Petty opens our minds to their particular methodology. This examination is paralleled by her discussions on the creative process which allow readers to grasp the very fabric of this reality. Petty has gone where many would dream to go: she has taken her love for her craft, her dedication to scholarship, and she has walked with dragons." -Anthony Burdge & Jessica Burke, Co-chairs, The Northeast Tolkien[ Society New York City