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Unicornis: On the history and truth of the unicorn
"Unicornis" presents a facsimile of the journals of Magnalucius, a medieval artistmystic, detailing the legendary unicorns mysterious habits, haunts, and origin. Beautifully illustrated in color, this is a stunning and daring work of the imagination. This revised edition includes a new clue to locate the silver treasure of the Unicorn!
110 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
11 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
About the author
Michael Green
23 books19 followersLibrarian Note: Michael^^^Green - Artist and Illustrator
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 14, 2015
I bought this book new back in the early 80's, and have read it a few times since then. I mostly enjoy the story, even if it does seem a bit simplistic to me these days. How many times have we seen the device of 'I found this manuscript and translated it in order to share its secrets with the world'? Michael Green uses a variation of this here when he declares that he received a letter telling him he was the most qualified person to share the 'history and truth of the unicorn' with the world.
The book is a charming fantasy about a monk who learns this very history and writes it down, illustrating it with delicate drawings that have not lost their appeal for me in the 30 years or so that I have owned the book. I looked at some other reviews after I finished reading, and I have to agree with nearly everyone: the illustrations are the heart of the book. The story is okay, but the drawings are stunning.
I did like the imagination shown by some of the details about the unicorn: their very favorite places to live are the magical spaces behind waterfalls; there are actually seven different types of unicorn (some tiny ones that are only visible to children); all unicorns have blue eyes; and a unicorn never thinks of himself as A Unicorn: "...he knows himself to be a Spirit, who tarries as a Unicorn." I like that phrase.
I also liked the idea that a unicorn loves to play in storms because they remind him of the forces that came together to give him life. Perhaps that is the real reason the unicorn missed getting aboard Noah's Ark? In the old song by The Irish Rovers, the unicorns were playing in the storm and Noah couldn't wait for them any longer, he closed up the Ark and sailed away. And that is why we don't see any unicorns to this very day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EPsu...
The book is a charming fantasy about a monk who learns this very history and writes it down, illustrating it with delicate drawings that have not lost their appeal for me in the 30 years or so that I have owned the book. I looked at some other reviews after I finished reading, and I have to agree with nearly everyone: the illustrations are the heart of the book. The story is okay, but the drawings are stunning.
I did like the imagination shown by some of the details about the unicorn: their very favorite places to live are the magical spaces behind waterfalls; there are actually seven different types of unicorn (some tiny ones that are only visible to children); all unicorns have blue eyes; and a unicorn never thinks of himself as A Unicorn: "...he knows himself to be a Spirit, who tarries as a Unicorn." I like that phrase.
I also liked the idea that a unicorn loves to play in storms because they remind him of the forces that came together to give him life. Perhaps that is the real reason the unicorn missed getting aboard Noah's Ark? In the old song by The Irish Rovers, the unicorns were playing in the storm and Noah couldn't wait for them any longer, he closed up the Ark and sailed away. And that is why we don't see any unicorns to this very day.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EPsu...
February 13, 2009
An altogether lovely book, and the most gorgeous illustrations. Imagine if Da Vinci spent an afternoon doing sketches of unicorns. That's what most of the pictures remind me of.
From what I remember, this book was a "history" of the unicorn, but it also had a puzzle with a possible prize. There's a riddle at the end, and the solution is scattered throughout the rest of the book. Supposedly, if you can solve the riddle then the answer will tell you where to find a real unicorn horn. Okay, it's obviously a narwhale horn set with silver and jewels. But it looks beautiful in the picture, and I've never heard about anyone finding the thing. Anybody else heard anything about that?
From what I remember, this book was a "history" of the unicorn, but it also had a puzzle with a possible prize. There's a riddle at the end, and the solution is scattered throughout the rest of the book. Supposedly, if you can solve the riddle then the answer will tell you where to find a real unicorn horn. Okay, it's obviously a narwhale horn set with silver and jewels. But it looks beautiful in the picture, and I've never heard about anyone finding the thing. Anybody else heard anything about that?
October 8, 2010
This book is so stunningly awesome that i think i actually believe it.
August 2, 2020
If books and therefore words can send you heavenward by being some of your best friends ever, like dopey kids drunk on summertime careening through empty lots and woods and waterways; then finding Michael's most marvelous manuscript was the start of a beautiful, lifelong friendship. The first copy given me was inscribed, "To Jon, Because I Love You. Mady." The next copy's inscription reads, "To Mary and Jon who are on the path. Onward! Michael Jonathan Green." Y'see when Mary and I were married in Orillia, ON in 1992, we decided to honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. After resorting to onsite activities, we then visited Philadelphia, saw the Liberty Bell, found the Running Press office (closed, alas), bought Michael's Unicorn Postcard book in a shop on South St., and hatched a plot...to find Mr. Green--since his cover described him as a reclusive author, living somewhere in Penn. I drew a semicircle along the southern border of the state and told Mary he would be somewhere in there. I was drawn to the Coatesville area, for a reason completely beyond anyone's reasoning. L story S, after one unsuccessful day's search and a few wrong number phone calls; we reached his wife Sally, who told us where we could find him amongst the 1,000's or acres of other greenery. We discovered Michael at the end of the entrance lane to a Fellowship dedicated to the teachings and the memory of Bawa, his Sufi master; as he was hollowing out a sizeable section of log that he would soon be covering with the hide of a cow who'd passed away from natural causes, to make a drum for his son. He welcomed us, showed us around, invited us to roam freely and gave us directions to their home. Arriving there, we spent the next hour sharing Unicorn stories; me, of my customized motorcycle with a brass, lathed horn attached to the front fender, etc. and just bathed in each others' warmth and existence. When the exact right moment arrived for us to bid adieu, Mary asked Michael to sign a copy that we had brought for her best friend, which consisted of one word besides her name Carol and his signature: "Seek!" Then he ran back into the house, disappearing as quickly as though the man were Unicorn hisself, and reappeared with the newer copy & larger edition that I mentioned earlier. Once signed, he reached down into one of the lavender bushes and from among the flowered stems he withdrew a periahdam and gave it to Mary, saying, "When you read the book, you'll find out what this is." She whispered, "I know." Perfect!
Not a review of the contents at all; but any story that results in a mind-expanding, life-increasing, adventure-finding experience like we knew, must be worth at least one other Unicorn lover's attentive glance.
In amore Unicornis,
Jonathan Mark McMillan
Not a review of the contents at all; but any story that results in a mind-expanding, life-increasing, adventure-finding experience like we knew, must be worth at least one other Unicorn lover's attentive glance.
In amore Unicornis,
Jonathan Mark McMillan
October 23, 2021
Un must have pentru iubitorii de unicorni. Imagini minunate și o scriere care practic te convinge să crezi în totul ce e povestit acolo.
January 28, 2013
I'm a book browser by nature and whenever I go into a bookshop I never know what I'm going to come out with. This is one of those cases when I was seduced by the cover, although mine, a paperback, is different to the hardcover shown above, as it shows a unicorn licking (I hope not eating!) the ear of a sleeping girl, who is apparently in a wood.
It’s really a fascinating story. The author had received a letter, “handwritten in an elegant italic script, requesting a meeting with me as soon as possible”, with the closing “In amore unicornis” and was signed “Frater Iamblicus”. Mr Green was intrigued, the upshot being that they met and “this thin, cowled figure, was sitting before me, carefully holding a well-wrapped bundle.” This manuscript gave the life of the unicorn and it is a joy to read. And it was all thanks to this ancient Brotherhood who felt that the time was right to disclose the life of the unicorn to the world.
This book is beautifully written, and the illustrations are just wonderful! It's not a large book, only 110 pages, and can be read in one sitting. As I look at it now, I know that it’s one of those books you must "revisit" from time to time. So all unicorn and medieval manuscript lovers go for it!
It’s really a fascinating story. The author had received a letter, “handwritten in an elegant italic script, requesting a meeting with me as soon as possible”, with the closing “In amore unicornis” and was signed “Frater Iamblicus”. Mr Green was intrigued, the upshot being that they met and “this thin, cowled figure, was sitting before me, carefully holding a well-wrapped bundle.” This manuscript gave the life of the unicorn and it is a joy to read. And it was all thanks to this ancient Brotherhood who felt that the time was right to disclose the life of the unicorn to the world.
This book is beautifully written, and the illustrations are just wonderful! It's not a large book, only 110 pages, and can be read in one sitting. As I look at it now, I know that it’s one of those books you must "revisit" from time to time. So all unicorn and medieval manuscript lovers go for it!
October 23, 2008
This book was a gift from some great friends back in my days living in Spain. It certainly resembles the magic my friends exhumed and the magic of those days.
A beautiful read for all those who know that beyond all our intelligence and logic there's always a semi real fantasy.
A beautiful read for all those who know that beyond all our intelligence and logic there's always a semi real fantasy.
September 25, 2009
The images in this book are stunning. The history is well written and believable. This book is a must for unicorn lovers and dreamers alike.
June 25, 2020
0,4 estrellas
El unicornio es una raza especialísima, ligada a nosotros en amor y servicio. Señala el camino, guarda el portal, espera hasta el fin.
¡Atención! Vendrá una edad en que la ciencia oscurecerá por doquier las esperanzas de los hombres. Carros de hierro rodarán por la tierra, que se endurecerá y vaciará para soportar su peso. El aire se llenará con el clamor de muchas voces. Plagas y enfermedades desconocidas serán multitud. La esfera de la luna retendrá las huellas del calzado del Hombre. Dos reinos poderosos se disputarán el mundo y se volverán contra él, hasta que el suelo y el mar enfermen, y el viento se convierta en flujo de vapores envenenados. Y todo hombre será puesto a prueba dolorosamente, de tal modo que al fin ninguno escapará de la opción entre la Luz y la Oscuridad. Entonces en el Tiempo de la Gran Purificación, volverá el Unicornio con gran fuerza. Se mantendrá en los límites de nuestra realidad, sembrará en nuestra mente sueños de una edad más brillante en el futuro; serán muchos los ansiosos por verle en su forma verdadera. Pero el Unicornio es una criatura espiritual y se conforma según las imágenes que convoca en el corazón de quienes le llaman.
El unicornio es una raza especialísima, ligada a nosotros en amor y servicio. Señala el camino, guarda el portal, espera hasta el fin.
¡Atención! Vendrá una edad en que la ciencia oscurecerá por doquier las esperanzas de los hombres. Carros de hierro rodarán por la tierra, que se endurecerá y vaciará para soportar su peso. El aire se llenará con el clamor de muchas voces. Plagas y enfermedades desconocidas serán multitud. La esfera de la luna retendrá las huellas del calzado del Hombre. Dos reinos poderosos se disputarán el mundo y se volverán contra él, hasta que el suelo y el mar enfermen, y el viento se convierta en flujo de vapores envenenados. Y todo hombre será puesto a prueba dolorosamente, de tal modo que al fin ninguno escapará de la opción entre la Luz y la Oscuridad. Entonces en el Tiempo de la Gran Purificación, volverá el Unicornio con gran fuerza. Se mantendrá en los límites de nuestra realidad, sembrará en nuestra mente sueños de una edad más brillante en el futuro; serán muchos los ansiosos por verle en su forma verdadera. Pero el Unicornio es una criatura espiritual y se conforma según las imágenes que convoca en el corazón de quienes le llaman.
January 21, 2019
Simply ... Magical
A must read for all lovers of Unicorn lore.
A must read for all lovers of Unicorn lore.
February 27, 2010
This has very beautiful unicorn sketches and artwork. Could have been a four star if it had been longer with more information and artwork. The book is supposedly based off a true manuscript about unicorns so the author challenges the readers skepticism about whether or not the notes contained in the book are real or not. It is called a facsimile original manuscript for a reason but no less the must read for any unicorn fan.
November 13, 2011
Perhaps we are supposed to grow out of our childhood fantasies, but I received this as a gift last Christmas and realized the magic will never leave me. Beautiful illustrations; a wonderful gift idea for a unicorn fan.
March 25, 2016
Sign number one that I was a massive geek child: this was my favorite birthday present when I turned 10. Lovely, though.
January 7, 2020
Un pequeño tesoro de la humanidad. Te hace volver a creer en la magia aunque desde el principio aclaren que es facsímil. Es mi libro favorito de fantasía desde hace muchos años.
January 22, 2021
Un hermoso libro: un sueño para los soñadores...
September 19, 2021
Uno de los libros ilustrados mas hermosos que haya leido en mi vida
February 22, 2026
Quedé fascinada con toda la descripción, un hermoso libro.
July 10, 2020
My parents gave me this as a Christmas present several years ago, when I was a young teen. I still keep it in my shelf and look at it from time to time. When I first read it, I remember hoping against hope that the story wasn't fictional (really, the beginning of the book seems almost intended to deceive!), and I remember being disappointed when I reached the epilogue, where Michael Green explains it is. But great fiction is just as real as reality, in some ways.
I used to love using the artwork in the book as drawing references. In fact I drew quite a few of Green's unicorns in my letters and sent them off to my penfriends. The artwork is really quite inspiring. Lovely in fact, some of it reminiscent of Da Vinci's style.
One of my favourite books for sure.
I used to love using the artwork in the book as drawing references. In fact I drew quite a few of Green's unicorns in my letters and sent them off to my penfriends. The artwork is really quite inspiring. Lovely in fact, some of it reminiscent of Da Vinci's style.
One of my favourite books for sure.
October 18, 2012
The most influential illustrations I've ever seen!!
I was truly inspired as a child in an artistic sense~ the soft sketches of lithe forms with their large, glassy eyes emanating love and wisdom~ the artist has mastered their form exactly how I'd imagined them as a unicorn-loving child.
I definitely consider this to be more an artistic work than narrative~ and I'm pretty sure that's why anyone would be attracted to it.
I was truly inspired as a child in an artistic sense~ the soft sketches of lithe forms with their large, glassy eyes emanating love and wisdom~ the artist has mastered their form exactly how I'd imagined them as a unicorn-loving child.
I definitely consider this to be more an artistic work than narrative~ and I'm pretty sure that's why anyone would be attracted to it.
June 6, 2025
Amo este libro porque está presentado como si fuera un auténtico diario medieval, en pergaminos escaneados. Me fascina la historia contada como real, y la preciosa forma de describir a los unicornios tanto en palabras como en las ilustraciones. Es un libro al que siempre vuelvo, cuando tengo necesidad de sentir algo agradable, como quien vuelve a ese rinconcito dentro de una que se siente como "casa".
March 16, 2012
The text in the book is interesting, but the real reason to read this book is to droll over the artwork, beautiful artwork. The words, while in some ways not very nescessary, do not take away from the artwork.
The conceit is that Green was given the manuscript and presents a translation. The conciet is what the conciet is, but the style ties into it prefectly.
The conceit is that Green was given the manuscript and presents a translation. The conciet is what the conciet is, but the style ties into it prefectly.
February 1, 2016
I'll be honest. I bought this book almost exclusively for the pictures. In my defense, they are really lovely illustrations of unicorns (mostly uncolored, though a few are). I think anyone with an interest in medieval manuscripts and/or unicorns would really like this. And if nothing else, it's a nice book to have on your coffee table for guests to look at.
March 23, 2011
It actually came to me, I was looking for some material on the astronomy section of the library and there it was, miss placed for me to find it :). Ejejejeje, is really interesting and the ilustrations are just beautiful.
February 1, 2016
Un libro que lleva a entender a los unicornios, por lo que guía a sacar lo mejor de nosotros mismos para hacer contacto con el unicornio que todos llevamos dentro y ser testigos de tan solemne criatura
December 9, 2008
A sweet book that mixes old and new in fantasy and hope.
September 23, 2014
five stars for the rather gorgeous images, three for the lackluster (not bad, just not good) text.
September 8, 2015
The story has some interesting points, but the art makes this book wonderful. It's just lovely!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews