HERE be dragons, sphinxes, griffins, ogres and banshees from around the world - and not only monsters of western myth.

Here, too, are the Cherufe, an Argentinian monster who preys on young women; the Graeae, a trio of ancient hags from Greek myth born with only one eye between them, which they pass around; or the Thelgeth, a tribe of hairy, headless, man-eating monsters who, according to the Navajo people of the south western USA, are born to virgins who indulged in 'unnatural acts'.

Don't expect glossy illustrations. Cover aside, this is a no-frills book. The words tell the story in a fantastical guide to magical creatures and monsters that should appeal to anyone with a love for the mysterious.

Updated: 16:42 Friday, December 09, 2005