In this fascinating encyclopedia about animals in world myth, legend, and literature, author Boria Sax documents how profoundly animals and their symbolism are integrated into human values. In the prehistoric cave paintings of France and Spainóthe most ancient works of art we haveóhumans were depicted as stick figures and animals painted with more care and passion. The first clearly religious shrines were dedicated to animals. Later, animals were representative of anything from totems and deities to demons and augurs of witchcraft. Creatures that seem the products of gene splicing between species were the monsters of folklore.

Emphasizing depth rather than breadth, The Mythical Zoo covers everything from frogs and grasshoppers to dolphins, salmon, rabbits, and tigers. After a masterful overview, there are about 50 entries with references to literature from a variety of cultures and extensive illustrations ranging from medieval prints to cartoons and advertisements.