Gnomes: Thirtieth Anniversary Edition [Hardcover]

Wil Huygen (Author), Rien Poortvliet (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2006 | Age Range: 8 and up

Gnomes is the product of Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen’s observation of the local gnome population in Holland. Until Gnomes was first published in Dutch in 1976, these friendly nocturnal creatures were only represented in folk lore; descriptions were often incomplete or simply inaccurate. Poortvliet and Huygen, having studied and interviewed gnomes for two decades, set out to fill this gap with their own encyclopedic tome.

Gnomes covers all areas of gnome culture, including architecture, education, courtship, medicine, industry, and relationships with other mythical creatures. Huygen’s sober descriptions are balanced by Poortvliet’s light-hearted portrayals of gnomes at work and at play. Thirty years later, this beautifully illustrated volume continues to engage and enchant readers of all ages.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rien Poortvliet, born in 1932, was one of the most popular Dutch artists, regarded by colleagues as the Bach of wildlife painters. He illustrated more than twenty books before his death in 1995. The Rien Poortvliet Museum in Middelharnis, Holland, opened in 1992 and is dedicated to his works.

Wil Huygen was born in Amersfoort, Holland, in 1923, the seventh of ten children. A physician and children's author, Huygen has recently taken up oil painting. He still lives in Holland with his wife and has five grown children of his own.

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 212 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; 30th Anniversary edition (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810954982
• ISBN-13: 978-0810954984
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (108 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #623,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 78 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Is there a more delightful book than this? September 6, 2001

By Lesley West

Format:Hardcover

Everyone should own this book - it is utterly irresistable! It has magical characters, magnificent finely drawn illustrations, and presents an overall philosophy of life that we could all learn lessons from. Please don't be fooled into thinking that it is just a children's book - it is a wonderful addition to any library.

It has a believable and detailed discussion of the food is are most loved by gnomes, how they raise their children, when they marry, where they live, what sorts of pets they have (cute mice in little baskets!) and how they tend to animals in the wild. The section which shows a cut away of their house is worth the purchase price alone - the imagination and thought that has gone into this book is amazing.

So if you want a little whimsy in your library, or on your coffee table, this is the book for you. If you want a book with magnificently detailed ilustrations, this is a book for you. Overall I think it is a book for everyone who is young at heart, or who likes a little magic in their everyday lives.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Jessica's Bellaonline Gnome review. March 11, 2003

By "mamacats3"

Format:Hardcover

In 1976 a delightful book was published in the Netherlands. It was titled "Leven en werken van de Kabouter". Luckily for us, the Abrams publishing company found this book and translated it to the english version, titled "Gnomes", in 1977. Twenty five years later, a special edition has been released to the public.

For the art lover, this book is filled with wonderful illustrations! It was illustrated by Rien Poortvliet, and I will be doing an article on him later, for those who are interested.

This book is a must have for any fantasy lover. It is formatted as a diary of Gnome facts and sightings. Many of the illustrations are accompanied by hand-written notes. The book covers all aspects of Gnome life, from birth to marriage, and on to death. Each subject is carefully organized, and written about fully!

The book also briefly covers other mythological figures, of a more sinister nature. They discuss the conection that gnomes have with these creatures of darkness.

At the end of the book are a few fairy tales about gnomes, these brought back many fond memories of my father reading them to me before bed time!

One small note of caution; there is some nudity, and some graphic images of injuries, so I would not reccommend this book for small children. Parents, use your own judgement and preview before purchasing!

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A whimsical Romp January 4, 2008

By J. W. Mullins VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This isn't a book that would normally make its way into my reading pile but I am glad it did. I remember growing up and watching a show called David the Gnome and this book helped my to capture a little bit of my lost youth.

It is wonderfully written and illustrated. The descriptions are so well written and so detailed that you shouldn't be surprised to find yourself absently staring at your own garden trying to capture a glimpse of the Gnomes yourself. This is a great read and would make a wonderful present for yourself or someone you know looking to add just a little bit of magic to their lives.