Folklore & History:
* "Mermaids: The Illustrated History of Our Fascination with Mythical Sea Creatures" by Margaret Visser: This book dives deep into the history of mermaid lore, examining its origins and its evolution across cultures.
* "The Mermaid and the Ocean: A Cultural History" by David K. Randall: This book explores how mermaids have been depicted in art, literature, and music, showcasing their cultural significance.
* "The Mermaid Book" by Katherine M. Briggs: This comprehensive work explores the myths and legends of mermaids across the world, examining their different appearances and symbolic roles.
* "The Lore of the Sea: Myths and Legends of the Deep" by R.M. Ballantyne: This book explores a wide range of sea-related myths and legends, including those about mermaids, sea monsters, and shipwrecks.
Science & Zoology:
* "The Mermaid's Tale: A Marine Biologist's Journey Through the World of Myth and Reality" by F. William Burton: This book blends scientific knowledge with folklore, exploring the possibility of real-life mermaid-like creatures based on marine biology.
* "The Mermaid Enigma: The Science Behind the Myth" by Richard Ellis: Ellis, a marine biologist, delves into the possibility of mermaids, examining the creatures that may have inspired the myth and the evidence that supports or contradicts their existence.
Other Interesting Options:
* "The Mermaid's Daughter" by Donna Jo Napoli: This book explores the relationship between myth and reality, focusing on the story of a young girl who believes she is a mermaid.
* "The Mermaid's Tale" by Michael D. Roberts: This book delves into the mythology and history of mermaids, exploring their appearance, symbolism, and cultural significance.
Bonus:
* "Mermaids: The Legend" by David M. Ludlum: While this book is a fictional adventure story, it draws inspiration from historical accounts and folklore surrounding mermaids.
Remember that these are just a few examples, and many other books on mermaids are available. When choosing a book, consider what aspects of the mermaid story you are most interested in – their history, cultural significance, or potential scientific basis.