Griffinology - by A L McClanan (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Feathered with illustrations, a deep dive into the meaning of this half-lion, half-bird creature over millennia of human history.

Griffinology is a fascinating exploration of the mythical creature's many depictions in human culture. Drawing on a wealth of historical and literary sources, this book shows how the griffin has captured the imagination of people for over five thousand years, representing power, transcendence, and even divinity. It explores the history and symbolism of griffins in art, from their appearances in ancient Egyptian magic wands to medieval bestiaries, and from medieval coats of arms to modern corporate logos. The use of the griffin as a symbol of power and protection is surveyed throughout history and into modern times, such as in the Harry Potter series. Beautifully illustrated, this book should appeal to all those interested in monsters, magic, and the mystical, as well as art and history.

Review Quotes

"One of the strengths of art historian McClanan's newest book is its intention: to provide a historical overview of the many modes in which the legendary creature known as 'the griffin' appears in art and literary history. Griffinology: The Griffin's Place in Myth, History and Art purposefully offers a range of distinct perspectives on various regions and eras to illustrate this mythical creature's prevalence in the cultural history of ethnoreligious groups around the world."-- "Hyperallergic"

"This book tracks the images and legends of the griffin from the art and myth of ancient Mesopotamia to the images and stories of Hollywood. . . . This is a many-layered history which demonstrates that the griffin is so often the mirror of the age that contemplates it. Although complex, it is a fascinating story that the author presents clearly, helped by a treasury of well-chosen illustrations, many in colour. We have come to expect very high production standards from Reaktion Books and this volume is another fine example."-- "Magonia Review"

"In Griffinology McClanan brings her sharp intellect and vivacious descriptive style to thousands of years of art, literature, and history. Reading like an adventure story and bursting with gorgeous reproductions of some of the world's greatest art, this book ranges from the spurious idea of the beast's origins in dinosaur bones to a consideration of its surprising appearance in video games, with a wealth of historical and visual detail in between."--Elizabeth Morrison, senior curator of manuscripts and department head, J. Paul Getty Museum

"McClanan's text offers the most comprehensive historical look to date at the influence and significance of the griffin in culture. While the sheer number of topics and themes discussed within might overwhelm one's mental wingspan at first, connections to modern pop culture texts keep the chapters grounded."--Emily Zarka, writer and host of the PBS show "Monstrum"

"McClanan takes us on an erudite and gripping journey through the world of the griffin. Beautifully illustrated and insightfully written, Griffinology traces the cultural history of this mythical creature from its earliest appearance in the ancient Middle East to today. McClanan marshals compelling evidence to reconsider the origin and meaning(s) of the griffin. Her elegant descriptions of the many illustrated artworks paint a picture of griffins as beasts of martial prowess, majesty, and wonder."--Marian Feldman, professor of history of art and Near Eastern studies and W. H. Collins Vickers Chair in Archaeology, Johns Hopkins University

"An excellent study that examines the griffin in its widest sense. . . . Concise as well as authoritative."--Juliette Wood, author of "Fantastic Creatures in Mythology and Folklore"

About the Author

A. L. McClanan is professor of art history at Portland State University, Oregon. Her publications include Representations of Early Byzantine Empresses: Image and Empire.