What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Raise and Keep a Dragon
Why keep a dragon? There are many reasons. What else can protect your treasure . . . impress your friends . . . make diamonds out of coal . . . work as a model for coats of arms . . . heat your home? Kids who enjoy whimsy will be delighted by this beautifully illustrated owner's manual for dragon fanciers. It tells about the wide range of different dragons available, the characteristics of each, and the equipment and supplies that every dragon owner should have on hand. (For instance, a fire extinguisher.) The book is a fanciful blend of dragon lore and colorful art, the latter including diagrams of parts of winged and non-winged dragons, portraits of sea serpents, depictions of Asian dragons, and many others. More than 250 color illustrations in all.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2005
5 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Nigg
13Ìýbooks14ÌýfollowersSince the early 1980s, Joseph (Joe) Nigg has explored the rich cultural lives of mythical creatures in a variety of styles and formats for readers of all ages. His books have garnered multiple awards, and his current international bestseller, "How to Raise and Keep a Dragon," has been translated into more than twenty languages.
"Griffins, the Phoenix, dragons, unicorns, and other traditional animals of the imagination are all around us in words and images," Nigg writes. "But when you delve into the histories of these creatures, you'll find an incredible wealth of cross-cultural lore intertwined with history, myth, religion, art, literature, science, and specialized areas such as alchemy and heraldry. While looking beyond the popular presence of mythical beasts, you'll discover as much about the history and dreams of the human race as about our animal creations."
Nigg has been writing about fabulous beasts ever since he became intrigued by a fantastic animal figure on an antique lamp in his study. The winged lion with a fish tail eventually led him to the local art museum, where he was allowed to hold an ancient Persian silver cup embossed with griffins. That experience resulted in his first book, "The Book of Gryphons" (Apple-wood Books, 1982), a lavishly illustrated history of the eagle-lion beast. Since then, his scope has broadened to the entire host of fantastic animals worldwide. After twelve years of research and writing, Nigg recently completed THE PHOENIX: A CULTURAL HISTORY. The most comprehensive Phoenix study to date, the book traces the transmission and transformations of the mythical bird from ancient Egypt to the present.
He was born in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up throughout the Midwest. Holding an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver, he taught at several colleges and served as the executive editor of a global network before writing full time.
"Griffins, the Phoenix, dragons, unicorns, and other traditional animals of the imagination are all around us in words and images," Nigg writes. "But when you delve into the histories of these creatures, you'll find an incredible wealth of cross-cultural lore intertwined with history, myth, religion, art, literature, science, and specialized areas such as alchemy and heraldry. While looking beyond the popular presence of mythical beasts, you'll discover as much about the history and dreams of the human race as about our animal creations."
Nigg has been writing about fabulous beasts ever since he became intrigued by a fantastic animal figure on an antique lamp in his study. The winged lion with a fish tail eventually led him to the local art museum, where he was allowed to hold an ancient Persian silver cup embossed with griffins. That experience resulted in his first book, "The Book of Gryphons" (Apple-wood Books, 1982), a lavishly illustrated history of the eagle-lion beast. Since then, his scope has broadened to the entire host of fantastic animals worldwide. After twelve years of research and writing, Nigg recently completed THE PHOENIX: A CULTURAL HISTORY. The most comprehensive Phoenix study to date, the book traces the transmission and transformations of the mythical bird from ancient Egypt to the present.
He was born in Davenport, Iowa, and grew up throughout the Midwest. Holding an MFA from the Iowa Writers' Workshop and a Ph.D. in Creative Writing from the University of Denver, he taught at several colleges and served as the executive editor of a global network before writing full time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 26, 2015
Drago-mania
Imprescindibile guida per chi abbia intenzione di acquistare e allevare un drago senza affidarsi all'improvvisazione, incorrendo in errori che potrebbero rivelarsi incresciosi.
Il libro contiene stupende illustrazioni delle diverse specie e utilissimi consigli:
- sulla scelta della razza e della taglia in base alle proprie possibilità economiche, preferenze estetiche ed esigenze di spazio;
- sul modo migliore per assistere, addestrare e alimentare il cucciolo fin dalla nascita;
- sulla scelta di un nome appropriato al carattere dell'animale e indicato alla categoria;
- sull'igiene e l'allestimento del recinto;
- sull'interpretazione del linguaggio dei draghi... e così via.
Insomma, c'è tutto ciò che si deve sapere per realizzare il proprio sogno di accudire, cavalcare in volo e amare un drago.
Lettura indicata per tutte le età , da rileggere ciclicamente e consultare all'occorrenza.
Imprescindibile guida per chi abbia intenzione di acquistare e allevare un drago senza affidarsi all'improvvisazione, incorrendo in errori che potrebbero rivelarsi incresciosi.
Il libro contiene stupende illustrazioni delle diverse specie e utilissimi consigli:
- sulla scelta della razza e della taglia in base alle proprie possibilità economiche, preferenze estetiche ed esigenze di spazio;
- sul modo migliore per assistere, addestrare e alimentare il cucciolo fin dalla nascita;
- sulla scelta di un nome appropriato al carattere dell'animale e indicato alla categoria;
- sull'igiene e l'allestimento del recinto;
- sull'interpretazione del linguaggio dei draghi... e così via.
Insomma, c'è tutto ciò che si deve sapere per realizzare il proprio sogno di accudire, cavalcare in volo e amare un drago.
Lettura indicata per tutte le età , da rileggere ciclicamente e consultare all'occorrenza.
October 10, 2015
I picked this book up from the library because, in my current job as a reading tutor at an elementary school, I have a student who pretty much only wants to read about dragons. As it turns out I found another book to fill that hole (), but I took the time to read through this one because hey, I love dragons too.
This book is completely charming. It's styled as a practical guide to dragon ownership, exactly like the kind of book you might find about your first puppy or kitten. This includes illustrated descriptions and histories of various dragon species, citing mythologies from all around the world; discussion of their dietary and housing needs; and instructions for training and even riding them. It makes reference to books (both real and imaginary) and international organizations. While it could use some more details for real verisimilitude, that's a critique coming from me as an adult, and not something that would bother most kids.
Definitely recommended for the dragon-loving elementary schooler in your life. Or someone older; I won't judge.
This book is completely charming. It's styled as a practical guide to dragon ownership, exactly like the kind of book you might find about your first puppy or kitten. This includes illustrated descriptions and histories of various dragon species, citing mythologies from all around the world; discussion of their dietary and housing needs; and instructions for training and even riding them. It makes reference to books (both real and imaginary) and international organizations. While it could use some more details for real verisimilitude, that's a critique coming from me as an adult, and not something that would bother most kids.
Definitely recommended for the dragon-loving elementary schooler in your life. Or someone older; I won't judge.
November 13, 2008
My notes: I really liked this book because it is very creative. I feel that a lot of boys would be interested in this book. It has a lot of diagrams and information on how to raise a dragon. A note to the reader explains that the stereotypical dragons are a time of the past, but dragons are still being breeded and able to interact with humans today. There are five different parts: Should I own a dragon?; Dragon Breeds; Raising the Perfect Dragon; Training your Dragon; and Presenting your Dragon.
The pictures are very pretty for dragons and there are many diagrams that show how to raise your own dragon.
I'd recommend this book to third or fourth grade boys.
The pictures are very pretty for dragons and there are many diagrams that show how to raise your own dragon.
I'd recommend this book to third or fourth grade boys.
March 18, 2013
This is a great book for teaching the characteristics of a how to book because the topic of dragons is of high interest to many 2-6th graders, especially boys. The book has very realistic pictures, and photograph like sections. Although written about an animal of fantasy, it is written very realisrically. If dragons did truly exist, this book would tell you everything you need to know about owning and raising one. It is great to use in compare and contrast lessons about real how to books. Since it is written so realistically it has many words that are very difficult for young readers to understand. This would be a good scaffolding book, but be ready to help with the tough words.
January 6, 2014
My son and I have decided to opt for a miniature version of the Standard Western Dragon but have doubts whether we should go through with it due to our xenophobic cat.
June 4, 2023
I was obsessed with this book as a child, I wanted to have a dragon as a pet SO badly and this book was the perfect thing for me to read. Also it's extremely funny to me that there's a whole thing about insurances in there
October 27, 2023
If only I had this book 17 years ago...
July 13, 2017
I just thought of this book after seeing it lying around as I was cleaning my apartment. It's super nostalgic for me! Spent countless hours reading and re-reading this book. It captivated my heart and mind as a grade-schooler. Don't tell anyone because it's embarrassing, but it had 7 year old me convinced that dragons might be real!
August 30, 2008
Hoera, ik krijg van mama een Westerse Draak!
October 27, 2010
Cute and interesting. The section on the different dragons was very informative, but the rest of the book got a bit repetitive.
January 9, 2011
Fun book that pretends to advise folks on how to care for dragon pets. Great illustrations and interesting text.
May 14, 2013
Beautifully written and illustrated! A must for all dragon lovers!
October 3, 2020
"Hankkisinko lohikäärmeen? Mikä laji sopii juuri minulle? Voiko kerrostalossa pitää lohikäärmettä?
Kirja esittelee kaikki lemmikeiksi soveltuvat lohikäärmelajit ja neuvoo, kuinka valitset itsellesi sopivan yksilön. Kenties haluaisit antaa kodin ylväälle kukkoliskolle tai pitää kotirannassa hurjaa leijonanpäistä taraskia? Teos kertoo kaiken tarvittavan kunkin lajin ulkomuodosta, käyttäytymisestä ja ihanteellisista elinolosuhteista.
Lohikäärmeen kanssa voi tehdä monenlaisia asioita: sillä voi ratsastaa maalla, merellä ja ilmassa, sen voi valjastaa kärryjen eteen tai sen kanssa voi harrastaa agilitya. Lohikäärmenäyttelyissä käyminen ja niihin valmistautuminen syventää sinun ja lemmikkisi ainutlaatuista suhdetta.
Lohikäärme on uljas lemmikki, joka vaatii hyvää hoitoa. Käytännönläheinen opas kertoo, kuinka pidät huolta lohikäärmeen terveydestä. Se antaa kullanarvoisia koulutusvinkkejä ja kertoo näiden upeiden eläinten kiehtovasta historiasta." (Suomenkielisen teoksen takakannesta.)
Kirja oli visuaalisesti oikea namupala! Paljon ihania värikuvia kirja täynnällänsä! Oli ihanaa heittäytyä lohikäärmeiden maailmaan haaveilemaan ikiomasta lohikäärmeestä lemmikkinä! Kirja oli todella kattava tietopläjäys lemmikkilohikäärmeen hankintaa suunnitteleville. En pidä koira- enkä kissanäyttelyistä, joten en innostunut myöskään lohikäärmenäyttelyistä. Näyttelyasioita kirjassa käsiteltiin myös jonkin verran, siitä vähensin yhden tähden. Muuten olisi ollut minulle täyden viiden tähden arvoinen paketti. Sopisi vinkattavaksi noin 3-5-luokkalaisille.
Kirja esittelee kaikki lemmikeiksi soveltuvat lohikäärmelajit ja neuvoo, kuinka valitset itsellesi sopivan yksilön. Kenties haluaisit antaa kodin ylväälle kukkoliskolle tai pitää kotirannassa hurjaa leijonanpäistä taraskia? Teos kertoo kaiken tarvittavan kunkin lajin ulkomuodosta, käyttäytymisestä ja ihanteellisista elinolosuhteista.
Lohikäärmeen kanssa voi tehdä monenlaisia asioita: sillä voi ratsastaa maalla, merellä ja ilmassa, sen voi valjastaa kärryjen eteen tai sen kanssa voi harrastaa agilitya. Lohikäärmenäyttelyissä käyminen ja niihin valmistautuminen syventää sinun ja lemmikkisi ainutlaatuista suhdetta.
Lohikäärme on uljas lemmikki, joka vaatii hyvää hoitoa. Käytännönläheinen opas kertoo, kuinka pidät huolta lohikäärmeen terveydestä. Se antaa kullanarvoisia koulutusvinkkejä ja kertoo näiden upeiden eläinten kiehtovasta historiasta." (Suomenkielisen teoksen takakannesta.)
Kirja oli visuaalisesti oikea namupala! Paljon ihania värikuvia kirja täynnällänsä! Oli ihanaa heittäytyä lohikäärmeiden maailmaan haaveilemaan ikiomasta lohikäärmeestä lemmikkinä! Kirja oli todella kattava tietopläjäys lemmikkilohikäärmeen hankintaa suunnitteleville. En pidä koira- enkä kissanäyttelyistä, joten en innostunut myöskään lohikäärmenäyttelyistä. Näyttelyasioita kirjassa käsiteltiin myös jonkin verran, siitä vähensin yhden tähden. Muuten olisi ollut minulle täyden viiden tähden arvoinen paketti. Sopisi vinkattavaksi noin 3-5-luokkalaisille.
August 4, 2024
Ma perché questa perla è fuori commercio?
E' una cosina godibilissima, divertentissima per i più giovani ma esilarante anche per gli adulti: una guida ragionata per capire se si è pronti ad adottare un drago, con tutto ciò che comporta (i costi per l'alimentazione sono elevati; v'è necessità di attrezzare a terrario almeno una stanza della casa; i draghi delle razze più grandi hanno necessariamente bisogno d'avere anche uno sfogo sull'esterno, quindi è bene valutare se si ha un giardino sufficientemente ampio da dedicare alla causa...). La parte che illustra le varie razze di draghi, con peculiarità , pregi e difetti, è storicamente molto ben curata nel senso che rispecchia davvero ciò che il folklore locale diceva sui draghi a seconda delle loro varie zone di "provenienza".
Una perla, che a questo punto posso solo consigliarvi di cercare in biblioteca perché è andata inspiegabilmente fuori catalogo. E che sia andata fuori catalogo è davvero un qualcosa che non riesco a spiegarmi, eh.
E' una cosina godibilissima, divertentissima per i più giovani ma esilarante anche per gli adulti: una guida ragionata per capire se si è pronti ad adottare un drago, con tutto ciò che comporta (i costi per l'alimentazione sono elevati; v'è necessità di attrezzare a terrario almeno una stanza della casa; i draghi delle razze più grandi hanno necessariamente bisogno d'avere anche uno sfogo sull'esterno, quindi è bene valutare se si ha un giardino sufficientemente ampio da dedicare alla causa...). La parte che illustra le varie razze di draghi, con peculiarità , pregi e difetti, è storicamente molto ben curata nel senso che rispecchia davvero ciò che il folklore locale diceva sui draghi a seconda delle loro varie zone di "provenienza".
Una perla, che a questo punto posso solo consigliarvi di cercare in biblioteca perché è andata inspiegabilmente fuori catalogo. E che sia andata fuori catalogo è davvero un qualcosa che non riesco a spiegarmi, eh.
December 31, 2017
This was my favourite book as a kid. I was only ever able to get it from the library once or twice (it was always checked out by others), but man I loved this thing. I actually made a handwritten copy of the entire thing before I returned it! My art style was influenced by this book, my love of dragons was fueled by this book - I even came up with a line of toy dragons that would 'hatch' from eggs and live in habitats like those described in this book. XD Finally got my hands on a copy now, more than ten years later, and I still like it. I prefer the Dragonology books for their art and written style to this one, but this is a trip down memory lane just to see the cover, so it's going to stick with me for a while.
April 9, 2022
Hoo, boy... I remember seeing this book in my local bookstore and immediately deciding that I WILL starve myself by not spending a single cent of my lunch money and I WILL save up and buy it, even if my grandma said that I couldn't have it! My dragon-obsessed 12-year-old self was in LOVE. Kept reading and re-reading it for years and years. Even today, when I open it and see all the little scribbles in the corners that I made all those years back while fantasizing about my future pet dragon, it really does make me all touchy-feely and nostalgic as heck. 10/10 will pass it on to my kid if I ever have one, even if I never did have a pet dragon of my own.
August 7, 2024
Esto es un libro que tenÃan en mi casa, el tÃpico regalo que le haces a un niño. Porque si, un poquito infantil si es, en cuanto en como se escribe la historia.
Le pongo pleno de estrellas, porque no sólo es para un niño, sino para todo amante de los dragones, y es una guÃa bien detallada.
El único error que tiene, es que no puedes tener un dragón, en la vida real, para poner en práctica todos los consejos que te dan para cuidar a una de estas criaturas.
Si queréis leer reseñas más detalladas, entrad en mi canal de Vero World:
O en mi Instagram:
@veroworld1
Le pongo pleno de estrellas, porque no sólo es para un niño, sino para todo amante de los dragones, y es una guÃa bien detallada.
El único error que tiene, es que no puedes tener un dragón, en la vida real, para poner en práctica todos los consejos que te dan para cuidar a una de estas criaturas.
Si queréis leer reseñas más detalladas, entrad en mi canal de Vero World:
O en mi Instagram:
@veroworld1
August 14, 2024
Bir Ejderha ile Birlikte Yaşama Kılavuzu diye uyarlanan, 2007 yılında Caretta yayınlarından Ahu Yıldız çevirisiyle çıkmış Türkçe kitabını okudum. Bir sahafta bulmuştum ve iyi ki almışım çünkü gündelik hayatın sıkıntılarından sizi uzaklaştıracak, hatta interaktif olan bir kitap. Ejderhanı Nasıl Eğitirsin filmini ve çocuk kitaplarını seviyor, illüstrasyon incelemeyi de keyifli buluyorsanız karşınıza çıkınca alıp okumanızı öneririm. Keşke gerçek olup satılsalar da biz de ejderha beslesek...
May 16, 2020
This book convinced me as a young, impressionable kid that dragons really exist. My parents thought it was hilarious when I tried to explain them that dragons are real and according to this book there are certain specialized pet shops for dragons only. Love this book to bits.
August 18, 2017
this was fun
March 23, 2020
Fiul meu a apreciat ilustrațiile cu dragoni, modul în care e scrisă cartea și stilul autorului.
I-a plăcut mult cartea în sine.
O recomandăm iubitorilor de dragoni.
I-a plăcut mult cartea în sine.
O recomandăm iubitorilor de dragoni.
December 17, 2020
Veel gelezen, vaak erbij gepakt, nagetekend. Echt gebiologeerd door dit boek!
June 23, 2021
Las ilustraciones son hermosaaaaaas. Me da ideas para hacer historias sobre dragones, me encanta.
June 4, 2023
Wonderfully whimsical. Much fun!
March 22, 2024
it's me i'm the boy who loves this book about dragons
March 25, 2024
Cute book
January 3, 2025
one of my favorite childhood books, and i think about it constantly
June 14, 2013
Nehmen wir einen Augenblick an, dass es Drachen gibt und Menschen in der Lage sind sie sich zu halten wie einen Hund, ein Pferd oder eine Katze. Dieses Buch geht von genau diesem Gedanken aus.
Reichlich bebildert, erklärt dieser Drachenratgeber alles was man über seinen Hausdrachen wissen muss.
Welcher Drache passt zu mir? Wie trainiere ich meinen Drachen? Wie soll das Gehege aussehen? Welche Ausrüstung brauche ich?
Dieses Buch ist sehr kreativ und schön Gestaltet. Für Kinder ebenso interessant wie für Erwachsene mit einer Vorliebe für schöne Bücher oder Drachen.
Es ist immer wieder erstaunlich, welch gute Ideen der Autor in dieses Drachenbuch eingebracht hat. Es ist rundum gut durchdacht.
Die schönen Illustrationen geben ihr Bestes dieses Werk abzurunden.
Ich kann dieses Buch nur wärmstens jedem ans Herz legen, der sich für Drachen begeistern kann und schön gestaltete Bücher liebt.
Reichlich bebildert, erklärt dieser Drachenratgeber alles was man über seinen Hausdrachen wissen muss.
Welcher Drache passt zu mir? Wie trainiere ich meinen Drachen? Wie soll das Gehege aussehen? Welche Ausrüstung brauche ich?
Dieses Buch ist sehr kreativ und schön Gestaltet. Für Kinder ebenso interessant wie für Erwachsene mit einer Vorliebe für schöne Bücher oder Drachen.
Es ist immer wieder erstaunlich, welch gute Ideen der Autor in dieses Drachenbuch eingebracht hat. Es ist rundum gut durchdacht.
Die schönen Illustrationen geben ihr Bestes dieses Werk abzurunden.
Ich kann dieses Buch nur wärmstens jedem ans Herz legen, der sich für Drachen begeistern kann und schön gestaltete Bücher liebt.
August 28, 2008
Wie kent 'dit' toevallig ook:
Een kind in huis met (té) veel fantasie :)
Al vier keer heb ik intussen de volledige check-list 'Mag ik me wel een draak aanschaffen' 'mogen' doorlopen.
Met zeer belangrijke gewetensvragen als :
7. Kan ik mijn draak voorzien van het soort en hoeveelheid voedsel die hij nodig heeft om gezond en gelukkig te zijn?
é²Ô
2. Waarom wil ik een draak grootbrengen en verzorgen?
(wees eerlijk -> staat er dan streng bij)
Maar,kuch kuch, ik ben cum laude geslaagd en dus verwachten wij hier volgende week de 'Draco Generis' (lees: Standaard Westerse Draak).
Zo groot als een 'klein gebouw' en helaas soms genetisch nogal gewelddadig!
Red me, red me!
(voor de rest: tof boekske voor 'simpele' zielen zoals ik; en dus logischerwijze ook onze kinderen)
Een kind in huis met (té) veel fantasie :)
Al vier keer heb ik intussen de volledige check-list 'Mag ik me wel een draak aanschaffen' 'mogen' doorlopen.
Met zeer belangrijke gewetensvragen als :
7. Kan ik mijn draak voorzien van het soort en hoeveelheid voedsel die hij nodig heeft om gezond en gelukkig te zijn?
é²Ô
2. Waarom wil ik een draak grootbrengen en verzorgen?
(wees eerlijk -> staat er dan streng bij)
Maar,kuch kuch, ik ben cum laude geslaagd en dus verwachten wij hier volgende week de 'Draco Generis' (lees: Standaard Westerse Draak).
Zo groot als een 'klein gebouw' en helaas soms genetisch nogal gewelddadig!
Red me, red me!
(voor de rest: tof boekske voor 'simpele' zielen zoals ik; en dus logischerwijze ook onze kinderen)
May 6, 2016
I found this book in my closet some time back. Decided to read it again for the nostalgia. How to Raise and Keep a Dragon has very well drawn illustrations and enjoyable content. The writing wasn't that good imo (I read the Dutch translation of this book), but this is a book for kids so that doesn't really matter much. The book is written like everything is real, like dragons are real, but is in fact fiction (duh).
I remember finding this book in a bookstore back when I was a kid, and getting hooked at first sight. It's visualy stunning! Thank you John Topsell for giving me a great childhood.
Over all this book was amazing, and I'd recommend every parent, who has a kid that likes dragons, to buy How to Raise and Keep a Dragon.
I remember finding this book in a bookstore back when I was a kid, and getting hooked at first sight. It's visualy stunning! Thank you John Topsell for giving me a great childhood.
Over all this book was amazing, and I'd recommend every parent, who has a kid that likes dragons, to buy How to Raise and Keep a Dragon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.