{"title":"Chinese Bound Illustrated","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"japanese-myths-illustrated-melanie-clegg-folklore-hardcover","title":"Japanese Myths Illustrated: Spirits and Creatures of Folklore by Melanie Clegg - Non Fiction - Hardcover","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Brand New\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Amber Books\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJapanese Myths Illustrated: Spirits and Creatures of Folklore is a sumptuous hardcover guide to the legendary beings, deities, and folk tales that have shaped Japanese culture for centuries. Bound in a traditional Chinese-style binding and illustrated with more than 130 photographs and artworks, this gift-worthy volume journeys through Shinto kami, Buddhist influences, yokai spirits, and the folklore woven into Japan's agricultural traditions. Written by Japanese Studies scholar and translator Melanie Clegg, it offers an accessible yet richly detailed introduction for readers of any background, whether longtime students of Japanese culture or newcomers drawn in by the artwork and design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJapanese mythology is a layered tapestry of belief systems, blending Shinto reverence for kami, Buddhist cosmology, and folk religion rooted in Japan's agricultural past. In Japanese Myths Illustrated, author Melanie Clegg untangles this complexity for curious readers, tracing the origins of the Japanese imperial family to divine ancestry and introducing the vast pantheon of kami spirits said to inhabit the natural world. The book explores shape-shifting foxes, vengeful ghosts, mountain gods, river spirits, and the many yokai creatures that continue to populate Japanese anime, manga, film, and video games today, making clear why these ancient stories still resonate so strongly in contemporary pop culture. Produced as a striking gift edition with traditional Chinese-style binding, the hardcover is as beautiful to display as it is informative to read, featuring over 130 photographs and artworks that bring centuries-old folklore vividly to life. Chapters move chronologically and thematically through creation myths, divine beings, folkloric creatures, and the lingering cultural footprint of these legends in modern Japan. Whether readers come to the book as students of mythology, fans of Japanese pop culture looking for the roots of their favorite characters, or simply as admirers of beautifully produced nonfiction, this volume offers an engaging, well-researched starting point. It sits within Amber Books' Chinese Bound Illustrated series, a line of richly illustrated nonfiction titles presented in eye-catching traditional bindings, making it a natural shelf companion for readers who appreciate thoughtfully designed reference books as much as the stories inside them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOver 130 photographs and artworks illustrating spirits, deities, and creatures of Japanese folklore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking traditional Chinese-style binding makes it a standout coffee-table or gift book\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWritten by Melanie Clegg, a Japanese Studies graduate and professional Japanese-to-English translator\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers Shinto, Buddhist, and folk-religion traditions in one accessible volume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnects ancient myths to modern anime, manga, and video game culture\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSturdy brand-new hardcover edition built to last as a reference or display piece\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMelanie Clegg holds a BA (Hons) in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford. After spending nearly a decade living in Japan, she settled in the UK, where she now works as a freelance Japanese-to-English translator specializing in video games and other entertainment media. Her firsthand experience with Japanese language and culture informs the depth and accuracy of her writing on Japanese mythology and folklore. Clegg has also authored other titles exploring Japanese gods, myths, and history, bringing a translator's precision and a historian's curiosity to each project she takes on for readers who love well-researched, accessible nonfiction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA gorgeous, gift-ready hardcover for mythology lovers, anime and manga fans, or anyone fascinated by Japanese culture. Its traditional binding and rich illustrations make it an eye-catching holiday gift, birthday present, or coffee-table addition that invites readers to keep coming back for more folklore, whether it's gifted during the holiday season or picked up for a cozy season of summer reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Melanie Clegg","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59256419254646,"sku":"SINGLE-VRT-U241050-183886587X","price":38.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/japanese-myths-illustrated-melanie-clegg-hardcover.jpg?v=1793968783"},{"product_id":"greek-gods-myths-illustrated-peter-mavrikis-hardback","title":"Greek Gods \u0026 Myths Illustrated by Peter Mavrikis - Non Fiction - Hardback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDetails\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Brand New\u003cbr\u003eFormat: Hardcover\u003cbr\u003ePublisher: Amber Books\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreek Gods \u0026amp; Myths Illustrated: Classic Stories of Ancient Greece is a richly illustrated hardback guide to the deities and legends that shaped Western mythology. From iconic figures like Zeus, Aphrodite, and Poseidon to lesser-known names such as Demeter and Hyperion, this collection brings ancient Greece to life through vivid artwork and accessible storytelling. Organized by primordial gods, Olympians, and Titans, it is an entertaining reference for mythology lovers, students, and anyone curious about the origins of these timeless tales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGreek Gods \u0026amp; Myths Illustrated gathers the most celebrated figures of ancient Greek mythology into one beautifully produced hardcover volume. Each deity, hero, or monster receives dedicated page space — a full page for lesser-known characters and full spreads for the most iconic, including Zeus, Hera, Athena, and Apollo. The book is structured in clear chapters covering the primordial gods who emerged at the dawn of creation, the twelve Olympians who ruled from Mount Olympus, and the elder Titans who preceded them. Alongside the gods, readers encounter unforgettable mortal and monstrous tales: Theseus facing the Minotaur in the labyrinth, Jason leading the Argonauts on their quest for the Golden Fleece, the three-headed Chimera, the serpentine Hydra, and King Midas and his fateful golden touch. Every entry pairs engaging narrative text with striking illustrations and easy-to-read fact boxes, making complex mythology approachable for readers of all backgrounds. With more than 130 illustrations and photographs throughout, and presented in a distinctive traditional Chinese binding style, this hardback is as visually striking as it is informative. It works equally well as a cover-to-cover read or a browsable reference to dip into again and again, whether you're researching a specific myth or simply want to explore the gods, goddesses, and legendary creatures that have fascinated humanity for thousands of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers major and minor Greek deities, from Zeus and Aphrodite to Demeter and Hyperion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOver 130 illustrations and photographs bring every myth to life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrganized into clear chapters: primordial gods, Olympians, and Titans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy-to-read fact boxes make mythology accessible for all readers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBeautifully bound hardback finish, ideal for display or gifting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCovers legendary tales including Theseus and the Minotaur, Jason and the Argonauts, and more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePeter Mavrikis is an editor and author with over twenty-five years of experience in publishing. He has written and developed numerous illustrated nonfiction titles covering mythology, ancient history, and natural science, including works on Egyptian mythology and ancient civilizations. Known for making complex historical and cultural subjects approachable, Mavrikis combines clear, engaging narrative with carefully curated visuals to create reference books that appeal to general readers, students, and lifelong learners alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy You'll Love This Book\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePerfect for mythology enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious readers, this hardback is a striking addition to any bookshelf or classroom library. Its vivid illustrations and bite-sized storytelling make it a thoughtful gift for birthdays, holidays, or back-to-school reading — a lasting way to rediscover the timeless legends of ancient Greece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlease Note: This is the UK edition with the ISBN as listed; the cover may vary slightly from the image shown.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Peter Mavrikis","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":59256419418486,"sku":"SINGLE-VRT-U241050-1838865888","price":38.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0575\/6587\/2211\/files\/greek-gods-myths-illustrated-peter-mavrikis-hardback.jpg?v=1793968795"}],"url":"https:\/\/skymartbooks.com\/collections\/chinese-bound-illustrated.oembed","provider":"Skymart Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}