Customer Reviews

Fairies

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
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Fairies provides us with another offering from the renowned Japanese artist Yoshitaka Amano (of Vampire Hunter D fame). The book is packed with full color portraits of fae folk. The title Fairies is deceiving in that it is not exclusively fairy; rather Amano covers a spectrum of magical creatures primarily from folklore of the British Isles. Some familiar creatures include pixies, leprechaun, goblins, mermaid, Merlin and Nimue. Each creature is given a descriptive phrase declaring its attribute. For example, Brownies are considered "The Hardworking Fairies" while changelings are labeled "Kidnapping Fairies." One might compare it to books by Brian Froud, yet it is its own creature (pun intended).

This tome spares no production expense. There are several full page spreads along with a handsome 4-panel pullout illustration. Black and white spot illustrations are incorporated throughout the book. This is a quality fine art book with a sturdy binding and coated pages. It feels good to the touch and it effectively delivers the reader to a place of magic and otherworldliness.

One thing to note -- this is not necessarily the best book for those studying fairy lore -- rather it is a book to add to your collection if you're a fan of Yoshitaka Amano's artwork. And even if you're not, the versatility of his unique vision makes this book a feast for the eyes. Some highlights include a portrait of the Swan Maiden (with obvious influences from Gustav Klimt), a stunning chapter dealing with A Midsummer's Night's Dream, and a striking rendition of Merlin from the Legend of King Arthur.

Newcomers to Amano's work might better start with Worlds Of Amano or Amano: The Complete Prints, but if you love them, this book will soon be added to your collection.

Thios book by Japanes artist Yoshitaka Amano is beautifully produced, most of the art is full page color illustrations. There is a big foldout panel that stretches across 4 pages. Like the Brian Frous books this book includes many characters from the realm of folk history - goblins, leprechauns, elves, etc. The production values by the publisher DH Press are very high quality inks, paper and binding. My own copy is the 2006 first US editon, large at 12" tall, and is a real treasure.

i would expect Nothing less from yoshitaka amano! wonderful, a little graphic but still tasteful. i definately recommend this book!

I thought this would be a neat, unique item to have....But after getting it, I really wasn't blown away by it, I mean I thought it was ok, but it just didn't have the "umpf" that some books have to pull me in and immerse my imagination into.