maids is an A-to-Z compendium that spans the globe--from the Isle of Man to the depths of the Sea of Japan--weaving together famous and popular tales of everyone's favorite mythical sea creature.

Naughty and nice, real and fictional, the menagerie of creatures included in this book run the gamut of world mythologies and cultures. This little encyclopedia features more than 90 famous mermaids including:

• Atargatis--a mermaid from ancient Syria who was a goddess before she fell in love with a mortal
• Blue Men of the Minch--a group of riddle-loving merfolk who have the power to summon storms and capsize ships
• Little Mermaid--everyone's favorite mermaid princess, who gives up her voice for a chance at love
• Ningyo--a gruesome sea creature from Japanese folkore that can bring dangerous storms and other misfortune

Filled with tales of star-crossed mermaids and vengful sea gods and goddesses, this information-packed guide includes gorgeous line drawings throughout.