The dragon has haunted the childhood of the human race from time immemorial with its serpent form, its magic jewels, and its power to suggest that there is an immortal self in all things. for its nature is to be the animating spirit in every form, just as it is also te spirit, or genius , of the natural world. As the ‘one it is the outer aspect of an inner knowledge, taking substance through images of desire, hunger, and death; and when reflected in the waters seeing itself as the mother of all life. This, together with is mysterious powers of transformation, is part of its divinity. With 155 illustrations, 16 in colour.