Mermaid Books/Literature

The Little Mermaid (1837) - This timeless piece of literature created by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen solidified mermaids as one of the most popular mythological creatures of the sea. Combining all the most popular folk tales about mermaids and ignoring the dangerous aspects of the sirens, "The Little Mermaid" became gold standard for all the future versions of mermaid lore. As the decades went on, this story received several retellings, most notably in the worldwide popular 1989 Disney's animated movie of the same name.
Moby-Dick (1851) - As with many other fantasy literature pieces from the 19th century, mermaids made an appearance in one of the most celebrated novels of all time, Herman Melville's revenge epic Moby-Dick. In the novel's 126th chapter crewmembers of Captain Ahab's ship encountered weird human like cries in the night, for which many believed belong to mermaids. The crew ignored the remark of their captain who claimed that they only heard cries of seals, and on next morning one sailor fell from the mast to his death.

"One Thousand and One Nights" (original Persian version around 8th century, first English release in 1706) - This timeless collection of folktales gathered from the Middle Eastern and South Asian civilizations have numerous references about mermaids who can have relationship with men on the ground and have children with them.
The Sea Fairies (1911) - Creator of famous children novel "The Wizard of Oz" introduced merfolk in both 1911 novel "The Sea Faries" and the following "The Scarecrow of Oz"from 1915. In those novels, mermaids played a big role and saved the main characters from danger in multiple occasions.
Wet Magic (1913) - This young children novel created by English author Edith Nesbit told the story of a four children who managed to save the captured mermaid from traveling circus and eventually visited the hidden underwater kingdom of the merfolk.

The Chronicles of Narnia series (1950-1956) - Book author C. S. Lewis included mermaids in his fantastic series of book set in magical land Narnia. Mermaids are mentioned and seen in two of his books,
The Goblin Tower (1968) - Collection of stories "The Goblin Tower" by L. Sprague de Camp described in comical fashion the difficulties in maintaining love relationship between human prince and a mermaid. IN the end they saw that they could not be with each other, and continued to have only platonic friendship.
The Moon and the Sun (1997) - This novel created by Vonda N. McIntyre tells the story of a sibling scientists who managed to capture a mermaid and bring her to the court of French King Louis XIV.
Harry Potter series (1997-2007) - Worldwide popular young adult novels made by English author J. K. Rowling have in them several mentions and appearances of merfolk. They were especially showcased in fourth and sixth edition of the books ("Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince").
Aquamarine (2001) - This Alice Hofman's novel (and later on movie of the same name) tells the story of a two 13 year old girls who discover mermaid of the similar young age.

Between 2011 and 2013, large number of authors announced that they will release various literature works centered around mermaids. Some of the most notable ones are novels "Forgive My Fins" by Tera Lynn Childs, "The Forbidden Sea" by Shiela A. Nielson, " Mermaid" by Carolyn Turgeon, and "The Mermaid's Mirror" by L.K. Madigan.

Because of their exotic look and the influence on modern day pop culture, mermaids appeared in numerous comics, from "Superman" to one of the most famous Japanese manga "One Piece". Other notable appearances can be found in French daily comic book strip "Arabelle" and manga series "Rave Master" (mermaid is the partner of the main protagonist), "Mermaid Saga", and " Mermaid Melody PichiPichi Pitch" (in which mermaids form the popular pop band, and they fights enemy with their magical voices).