"Explores the mythical and historical backgrounds of griffins and phoenixes, including the hippogriff, monster birds of the Middle East (rukh, Simorgh, anqa), the giant condor, and the Thunder Birds of the Americas."--Provided by publisher.

Griffins : ancient guardians -- Later griffins and griffin kin -- Monster birds of the Middle East -- The death-defying phoenix -- The Chinese phoenix and others -- Danger from above -- Thunder birds.