The Spirit of Butterflies: Myth, Magic, and Art [signed]

"Literature and butterflies are the two sweetest passions known to man."-Vladimir Nabokov The passion for butterflies-evident in today's explosion of butterfly imagery in fashion, jewelry, and the decorative arts-has inspired humankind throughout history. All over the world, the butterfly has been a source of wonder and a metaphor for spiritual beliefs. In this unique book, Maraleen Manos-Jones combines myth, legend, poetry, and art to explore the myriad ways in which humans have perceived this captivating creature. Butterfly goddesses have reigned in cultures as diverse as Minoan Crete and Toltec Mexico. Butterflies have appeared in the poetry of Blake and Neruda, in paintings by Bruegel, Picasso, and Warhol, and in the dances of Native Americans, Africans, and the Japanese, among others. Many have adopted the butterfly as a personal symbol, including the Emperor Augustus. With images ranging from ancient stone carvings to modern furniture, body tattoos, jeweled combs, and haute couture, this enchanting gift book-the result of nearly three decades of research-celebrates the power of one of nature's most delicate beings. MARALEEN MANOS-JONES has been involved with butterflies for nearly 30 years. She has created butterfly dances, owned a butterfly gallery, lectured on butterflies, and collected butterfly stories and art. She lives in a house surrounded by her butterfly garden in Brooklyn, New York. 175 illustrations, 150 in full color, 9 x 11"