The Book of Faeries: A Guide to the World of Elves, Pixies, Goblins, and Other Magic Spirits [Hardcover]

Francis Melville (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 31, 2002

Here's a charming and inspirational guide to the history and folklore surrounding faeries, and an examination of the meanings that these mythic beings have acquired in many cultures. Tradition defines faeries according to different general categories, which include nature spirits, helpers, tricksters and seducers, and angelic faeries. The author summarizes the long history of faery lore, and explains how we can develop our intuitive powers and perceive the faery realm, which he claims truly exists in the universe. He goes on to describe more than 50 faeries, including: Nymphs, nature spirits, favored by the ancient Greeks and found in places of natural beauty, Elves, revered in Anglo-Saxon lore as guardians of woods, mountains, and wild places, Jack Frost, a playful spirit of cold regions who nips at children's fingers and toes, Brownies, worker spirits attracted to industrious households, and said to bring luck, Puck, a mischievous sprite made famous by Shakespeare in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Leprechauns, the memorable faery pranksters of Irish folklore, Genies, the celebrated wonder workers of Arabian folklore. The author also offers recipes for "faery ointments" said to help us see faeries, rituals to attract beneficial faeries to home or garden, and faery herb lore for healing and making magic charms. More than 130 enchanting, full-color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

An enchanting and inspirational guide to the history of faeries, their role in the universe, and their place in our lives

Descriptions of more than 50 types of faery from all over the world, with their folklore, characteristics, and attributes explained

Special rituals and recipes to help you find favor with the faery folk, plus their favorite plants and trees revealed

Lavishly illustrated in glorious color, The Book of Faeries opens up a world of wonder that will fire your imagination and feed your soul.

About the Author

Francis Melville is also the author of Love Potions & Charms and The Book of Angels, both recently published by Barron's and currently available. He has written on a variety of subjects for many publications, including The Times of London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Barron's Educational Series (March 31, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764154575
• ISBN-13: 978-0764154577
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,330,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gentle Introduction, November 6, 2004

By 

Dee Sanfilippo Solindas "elvendrums" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Faeries: A Guide to the World of Elves, Pixies, Goblins, and Other Magic Spirits (Hardcover)

This small book has colorful and inventive illustrations, drawing mostly on fairy folklore from around the world. Following a brief introduction about origins of faery and entering the faery realm, there are chapters on Elementals & Nature Spirits, Faery Helpers, Tricksters & Seducers, Angelic Faeries and Rituals and Recipes.

Each section is accompanied by a simple exercise that the author suggests can connect you to these beings of nature and energy. In addition to the traditional nature spirits, the author describes a number of others, including Jack Frost, Jack in the Green, the Blue Fairy, and Wee Willie Winkie. The book is well researched and written. The last section, covering Rituals and Recipes, has simple techniques and suggestions for contact and introductory work.

The Book of Faeries is a pleasant place to begin a journey into faery. While there is much more to say about the subject, I'd highly recommend this book as a good place to start.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely Overview of the Fae World, September 16, 2003

By 

Dawn Killen-Courtney (St. Louis Park,, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Book of Faeries: A Guide to the World of Elves, Pixies, Goblins, and Other Magic Spirits (Hardcover)

I thought this was a very nice compendium of faery types for those who may not want to delve really deep into the lore. I have been reading on the faeries for twenty-five years, and certainly would recommend this to someone who wanted a good over-view of the subject. I very much appreciated Mr. Melville's respectful attitude toward them and this earth they sustain and protect. I felt very good after reading this book, and appreciate the reverence that went into the writing of it. Great illustrations too -- some of them reminded me of the work of Marc Chagall.

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this book!, March 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Book of Faeries: A Guide to the World of Elves, Pixies, Goblins, and Other Magic Spirits (Hardcover)

I learned so much about the traditions of the little people all over the world. It made me laugh and cry and filled me with a sense of wonder. Countless generations of people the world over can't be wrong! The little people DO exist! - Oh and the illustrations are wonderful.