First published in 1895, Natural History Lore and Legend is an early look at cryptozoology from England. Though the book begins by dissecting zoological knowledge in the Middle Ages and describing medieval naturalists who searched for the truth, it quickly moves into a more in-depth study of some of the most well-known legendary creatures: pygmies, mermaids, phoenixes, the basilisk, and more. Mythological creatures are compared to modern animals and the relationships between them are explored and evaluated. Part of the Loren Coleman Presents series for Cosimo Classics, this work will fascinate readers of history, folklore, and especially cryptozoology.

FREDERICK EDWARD HULME (1841-1909) was a British writer, professor, artist, and amateur botanist. Hulme taught drawing at Marlborough College from 1870-1883, and at Kings College London from 1886 until his death. Though he authored many books on various subjects, mostly botany, his most famous work was Familiar Wild Flowers, published in nine installments from 1878 to 1909.