“An excellent study that examines the griffin in its widest sense. . . . Concise as well as authoritative.”

Juliette Wood, author of "Fantastic Creatures in Mythology and Folklore"

"McClanan takes us on an erudite and gripping journey through the world of the griffin. Beautifully illustrated and insightfully written, Griffinology traces the cultural history of this mythical creature from its earliest appearance in the ancient Middle East to today. McClanan marshals compelling evidence to reconsider the origin and meaning(s) of the griffin. Her elegant descriptions of the many illustrated artworks paint a picture of griffins as beasts of martial prowess, majesty, and wonder."

Marian Feldman, professor of history of art and Near Eastern studies and W. H. Collins Vickers Chair in Archaeology, Johns Hopkins University

"In Griffinology McClanan brings her sharp intellect and vivacious descriptive style to thousands of years of art, literature, and history. Reading like an adventure story and bursting with gorgeous reproductions of some of the world’s greatest art, this book ranges from the spurious idea of the beast’s origins in dinosaur bones to a consideration of its surprising appearance in video games, with a wealth of historical and visual detail in between."

Elizabeth Morrison, senior curator of manuscripts and department head, J. Paul Getty Museum

"McClanan’s text offers the most comprehensive historical look to date at the influence and significance of the griffin in culture. While the sheer number of topics and themes discussed within might overwhelm one’s mental wingspan at first, connections to modern pop culture texts keep the chapters grounded."

Emily Zarka, writer and host of the PBS show "Monstrum"