History, Folklore & Mythology 

Mermaids embody all that is beautiful, wondrous and cruel about the sea, and in doing so have inspired adoration, fear and curiosity since antiquity. As symbols of fertility, they are present in mythology worldwide, from the creation myths of Tibet, China, Korea and India in the East to the classical myth of the birth of Venus in the West. They have long been the subject of popular sea ballads and chanties, and have inspired works of music, literature and art by many a brilliant soul, including Franz Joseph Haydn, Oscar Wilde, T.S. Eliot and Paul Gaugin. A subject of feminist history and women's studies, mermaids have been represented in popular culture in many forms: advertising, music videos and successful Hollywood films. This lavish gift book, replete with many special features, including vellum pages, metallic ink, an enchanting gatefold, a fortune-telling mermaid and a mermaid tattoo, is a tactile, enticing trip under the sea. Author Theodore Gachot discusses the archetypal appeal and multifaceted symbolism of the mermaid -- as goddess, heroine, fertility symbol and ocean spirit -- throughout time and across cultures. A range of stunning artwork and excerpts from literature enhance every alluring page, while a comprehensive sources section enables readers to locate mermaid art and decorative accessories. - from Amzon