History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects

Edward Topsell''s "The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects", is a medieval exposition on Zoology. Published in 1658, nearly 30 years after Topsell''s death, his book explores the history and legends of real and mythical animals.

Topsell was not a naturalist but a clergyman, and he used scriptures and poetry as sources just as much as the natural world. He mentions fantastical and mythical creations such as the lamia, a creature with a scaled, catlike body and the face of a woman, the mantichora, a creature with a lion''s body, a man''s face and a distorted smile, and the hydra, a creature with seven heads and a serpent''s body. He also mentions unicorns and discusses how elephants worship the sun.

Topsell''s previous books had been grounded in religious themes, and although "The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects" is not without said themes, it''s a puzzling and enjoyable departure from his usual work.