Gnomes [Hardcover]

Wil Huygen (Author), Rien Poortvliet (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1977

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of its publication, we're thrilled to reissue this phenomenal delight, which enjoyed 62 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. Fantasy and fun combine in this "real life" history.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Dutch (translation)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 212 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (May 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810909650
• ISBN-13: 978-0810909656
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,520 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #48 in Books > Literature & Fiction > History & Criticism > European
  • #83 in Books > Arts & Photography > Schools, Periods & Styles > Modern

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 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 (St James, Western Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Gnomes (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.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

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

By 

"mamacats3" (Salt Lake City, Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gnomes (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!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An insider's guide to the mysterious life of gnomes., April 22, 1998

By 

T. Botzum ([e-mail]) (Akron, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gnomes (Hardcover)

This book is charmingly written and exquisitely illustrated. It takes the reader deep into the world of the Gnomes, tiny people no more than 5 inches tall that are found all over the world, but rarely ever seen by man. The habits, and history of the Gnomes are also detailed. Find out how old Gnomes live to be, what a Snotgurgle is and why Gnomes avoid trolls at all cost. You will be delighted and amazed by Gnomes and you might even begin to look for them yourself.