Author Anne Petty looks at dragons in fantasy literature and offers something unique in this genre: a character study of the most fabulous beasts in myth and modern fiction. A survey of dragons from both western and eastern myths, sagas, legends, and fiction sets the stage for the character studies that make up the bulk of the book. Such things as duplicity (be careful when you make a bargain with a dragon!), cleverness in use of language (especially riddling), loyalty and lack thereof, and much more. Individual examples are culled from many well-known books, and Petty shows how each author develops those traits as character development in their stories, discussing imagery and dialogue, and how exotic dragons have become such a staple in modern fantasy. Two or three dragons from each author's works will be discussed, with each author confined to a single chapter, nearly 20 authors and their incredible dragons in all. An in-depth look at dragons in literature, from ancient myths and sagas to today's best fantasy writers,