The Lungfish, the Dodo, and the Unicorn - Willy Ley - 1948

In this captivating exploration of zoological mysteries, renowned science writer Willy Ley takes readers on a journey through the borderlands between natural history fact and folklore fantasy. "The Lungfish, the Dodo, and the Unicorn" masterfully investigates creatures that have puzzled, fascinated, and misled humanity across the centuries—from real animals once thought mythical, to extinct species known only through fragments to purely imaginary beasts that persist in our cultural imagination. With meticulous research and infectious enthusiasm, Ley examines evolutionary oddities like the lungfish that challenged Victorian classification systems, traces the tragic disappearance of creatures like the dodo, and dissects the origins of legendary beings including unicorns, dragons, and sea serpents. He reveals how misunderstood observations, travelers' tales, and cultural symbolism transformed actual animals into mythic creatures—and occasionally led to genuine scientific discoveries. Written with storytelling flair, this classic remains a thrilling cabinet of biological curiosities that illuminates the fascinating intersection of science, history, and human imagination. The Lungfish, the Dodo, and the Unicorn: An excursion into Romantic Zoology - Willy Ley Published 1948, The Viking Press, New York Hardcover. Approx. 6x8.5in. 361pp. Dustjacket is in poor shape with chunks missing along spine, edges, but it's in a mylar cover to keep it tidy. Book itself is in good condition.