{"product_id":"mythical-creatures-bestiary-oskar-baliski-9798258985941","title":"Mythical Creatures Bestiary: Y\u0026#333;kai \u0026 Japanese Folklore - Volume I: Illustrated Encyclopedia of Creatures, Monsters, Spirits, and Legendary Beings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMythical Creatures Bestiary: Yōkai \u0026amp; Japanese Folklore \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThis large-format illustrated encyclopedia is devoted entirely to the yōkai, spirits, and legendary beings of traditional Japanese folklore. Within its pages are entities that appear in classical tales, regional legends, and long-established cultural traditions, preserved through generations of storytelling, art, and historical record. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eRather than modern fantasy reinterpretations or imaginative redesigns, this book presents yōkai as they are known within the traditional canon of Japanese folklore\u003c\/b\u003e. Each being is described according to established sources and widely recognized interpretations, reflecting how these entities were understood within the cultural and spiritual landscape of Japan. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eEach entry focuses on the defining characteristics of the being, including its origins, appearance, behavior, and role within folklore. \u003c\/b\u003eWhere variations exist between sources, the book presents a careful synthesis grounded in the most consistent and traditionally recognized descriptions, maintaining clarity while respecting the depth and diversity of regional traditions. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eDesigned as a visual and informational compendium, every entry is accompanied by a full-color illustration created specifically for this volume.\u003c\/b\u003e The artwork is based on traditional descriptions and historical context rather than modern fantasy aesthetics, emphasizing clear form, presence, and visual coherence suitable for reference and study. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis is not a fictional narrative, a retelling of stories, or a modernized fantasy guide.\u003c\/b\u003e It is a reference-style encyclopedia intended for readers interested in Japanese folklore, supernatural beings, and the entities that shaped traditional stories of spirits, nature, and the unseen world. Entries may be read in any order, making the book suitable both for continuous reading and for browsing individual beings. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrinted in a large format, \u003c\/b\u003e the book is designed to be experienced as a physical object as well as a source of knowledge. The generous size allows space for detailed illustrations and clear presentation, making it ideal for exploration, learning, and visual immersion. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy this book stands apart: \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Large-format illustrated volume\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePaperback 8.5 × 11 inches and hardcover 8.25 × 11 inches, designed to showcase detailed artwork and clear text\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Full-color illustrations grounded in traditional folklore\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach illustration is inspired by established descriptions and cultural context, avoiding modern fantasy reinterpretation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Clear encyclopedic structure\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEvery being is presented in a consistent reference format, focusing on origins, physical traits, behavior, and folkloric role\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Rooted in Japanese folklore tradition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBased on classical tales, historical records, and long-established interpretations rather than modern invention\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Designed for flexible reading\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEach entry stands on its own and may be explored in any order\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e- Created as a cultural and visual reference\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor readers interested in Japanese folklore, yōkai, and legendary beings, whether for study, inspiration, or exploration \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003eThis volume invites you to explore the beings that inhabit the folklore of Japan, and to encounter yōkai not as fantasy inventions, but as enduring figures shaped by one of the world's richest and most distinctive cultural traditions.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Oskar Baliński\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9798258985941\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Independently Published\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 04\/26\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 172\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.91lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.37d","brand":"Oskar Bali\u0026#324;ski","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":49001816359167,"sku":"9798258985941","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/mythical-creatures-bestiary-oskar-baliski-9798258985941","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}