Edward Topsell

The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects Vol. I of III: Describing at Large Their True and Lively Figure, Their Several Names, Conditions, Kinds, Virtues (Both Natural and Medicinal) Countries of Their Breed, Their Love and Hatred to Mankin Edward Topsell

Edward Topsell's "The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects", is a medieval exposition on Zoology. Published in 1658, nearly 30 years after Topsell's death, his book explores the history and legends of real and mythical animals.




Topsell was not a naturalist but a clergyman, and he used scriptures and poetry as sources just as much as the natural world. He mentions fantastical and mythical creations such as the lamia, a creature with a scaled, catlike body and the face of a woman, the mantichora, a creature with a lion's body, a man's face and a distorted smile, and the hydra, a creature with seven heads and a serpent's body. He also mentions unicorns and discusses how elephants worship the sun.




Topsell's previous books had been grounded in religious themes, and although "The History of Four-Footed Beasts, Serpents and Insects" is not without said themes, it's a puzzling and enjoyable departure from his usual work.




This History of Four-Footed Beasts is split between this first and the second volume, with Serpents and Insects in the following volumes.