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Legends about sea people part human, part fish have been told across the world since ancient times. Now the best of these stories are brought together in one entrancing volume. Early maps carried illustrations of mermaids alongside monsters, signalling both the allure and the danger of uncharted seas.

The far-reaching historical and cultural significance of mermaids and their kin is reflected in the myriad stories about them. Odysseus at sea must resist the sirens song. There are sea serpents from North America and selkies from Scotland.

And from shores across the globe, humble fishermen and princes alike fall in love with mermaids in stories from Germany to Japan by way of Denmark with the famous story of The Little Mermaid.