This book investigates the historical and cultural evolution of the dragon archetype within Western tradition to explain how the modern conception of the creature emerged. Daniel Ogden, a professor of ancient history, utilizes a vast array of classical texts, archaeological evidence, and medieval literature to trace the transformation of serpentine monsters into the winged, fire-breathing beasts found in contemporary fantasy. He argues that the modern dragon is a composite entity, synthesized from diverse ancient sources and adapted over centuries to serve shifting narrative functions.

Experts recognize this work as a rigorous academic examination of mythological development that successfully bridges the gap between classical studies and modern fantasy tropes. Readers frequently note the scholarly density of the prose, which provides a thorough foundation for understanding the origins of Western monster lore.