The Discovery of Dragons
Graeme Base (a.k.a. Rowland W. Greasebeam, B.Sc.)
Harry N. Abrams, Inc., Publishers
I love dragons. All types, all sizes, all shapes. So when I heard the title of this book, I thought I would check it out and see what it might have to offer. I was hoping it wasn't going to be another knockoff of a "Dragonriders of Pern" or similar novel. I have a serious problem with publications produced simply to cash in on current buying trends. Much to my surprise, this was something totally different and quite an enjoyable read.
The author, Graeme Base, portrayed within by his alter ego Rowland W. Greasebeam, B.Sc., accompanies you on this so-called historical tour of the world. These stories take the form of personal correspondences of three different explorers to their families, an interesting concept that I have always liked.
Your journey begins in Greenland with Bjorn of Bromme, a ninth century Viking, who accidentally discovers a beast he appropriately names the Great Sven-eating Dragyn. Bjorn then takes you to Ireland, Britain, and Gaul where more dragon encounters occur.
Other areas of exploration are thirteenth century China with the young, naive Mei Ying, and nineteenth century Africa with Dr. Edward Liebermann, the hopelessly delirious.
“Discovery” very much resembles a children’s zoology book filled with lavish illustrations, geographic location charts, and sizing comparison graphs. There is also a comic book style timeline of the explorers and dragons along the bottom of the pages.
So as not to mislead you, I should say that this is far from a children’s book. Fans of the British or Australian style of humor will find themselves laughing as they turn the pages. Sometimes it’s subtle, other times it just smacks you right between the eyes with a joke. After several readings, I am still finding new things to laugh at.
Now, some of you may be asking, “What does this book have to do with gaming?” I found it to be an excellent reference for character personalities, and a new way of making an adventuring journal. It is also a great way to give that little extra to the dragons in your campaign.
The only things that I could find about the book that I didn’t like were the price and the minuscule number of pages. I paid a full $15 for a 32 page hardcover book, which really isn’t too bad when it comes right down to it.
I would have to give this an overall rating of three and a half Black Spots out of five. The only thing keeping it from being a four would again be the price.
- Patrick Collins