Book excerpt: Fantasy Encyclopedia is a superb guide to the creatures and people of folklore and fantasy. Meet the mischievous and sometimes helpful Little People, such as goblins and fairies, horrific monsters, from dragons to Dracula, and beautiful fantastical creatures, such as mermaids and unicorns. Discover how the magic of stories throughout the centuries have kept these creatures alive in traditions and cultures around the world, and how mystery and superstition still surround many of them. Detailed illustrations, contemporary and from renowned fantasy artists such as Arthur Rackham, bring these fantastic creatures to life.