Do you know what a murder hole is?
Or why a chimera is three times worse than most monsters?
What would be better for storming castles, a trebuchet or a kopesh?

To find the answers to these questions, you need this fascinating guide to transport yourself to fantasy's mysterious worlds. Featuring an introduction by mega-best-selling author Terry Brooks, The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference reveals the facts behind the fantasy, giving you the details you need to make your fiction vibrant, captivating and original.From classic medieval witchcraft to ancient mesoamerican civilizations, every chapter will spark your creativity. An invaluable resource, it will also help you fill your writing with inventive new ideas rooted in accurate descriptions of the world's most intriguing legends, folklore and mysticism.Take this guide, venture into the fantastic, and create magical realms alive with detail. Great stories await you!Praise for The Writer's Complete Fantasy Reference
"An indispensable reference guide of historical and cultural facts, rites, races and creatures, for both the fantasy and historical writer, I plan on recommending this book to my entire staff."--Kim Guarnaccia, editor and publisher, Renaissance Magazine"A rich compendium of medieval lore and cultural myths, presented in a marvelously entertaining and instructive format. A must for all writers!" --Juliana Farnett, best-selling author of The Vow and The Scotsman"An exceptional book! As a romance writer, I found it uniquely invaluable. As a fantasy writer, I found it indispensable. I loved it!"--Elaine Barbieri, best-selling author of Captive Fantasy and More Precious Than Gold