Faeries (Paperback)

~ Brian Froud (Author), David Larkin (Editor), Alan Lee (Illustrator) "Where is 'Faerieland'?..." (more)
Key Phrases: Bill Doody, Isle of Man, Lady Wilde (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Twenty-five years ago, self-proclaimed "faery authorities" Froud and Lee published the first edition of their imaginative faery field guide. Since then, the two have gone on to publish numerous faery books and contribute their ideas to such fantasy films as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Legend and the new Lord of the Rings. This expanded version, like its predecessor, features pencil drawings and watercolors of mythical creatures, as well as brief descriptions of their origins and powers; it draws on a long history of phantasmagoric iconography in the generally occidental vein. It boasts new art and introductions by the artists, as well; in its silver anniversary, the bewitching quality of its content remains. Besides faeries, the authors also include renderings of many other denizens of faery land-goblins, dwarves and leprechauns, for instance-as well as stranger breeds, such as the Fachan, a one-armed, one-legged oddity from the Scotland highlands and the Jack-in-Irons, a "Yorkshire giant who haunts lonely roads." For the child learning the pleasures of magical worlds, or for adults who never forgot, this book remains a delight. 176 color and 38 b&w illustrations.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

'This enchanting book explores the realm of elves, pixies, leprechauns, dryads and other mythical creatures. Nearly 200 extraordinary drawings and full-colour paintings combine to produce a book which has stood the test of time since it was first published.' Kindred Sprit on Faeries --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (October 1, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553346342
• ISBN-13: 978-0553346343
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (83 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #257,993 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 66 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most beautiful books I own, September 13, 2005

By	S. C. Watson (NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Faeries (25th Anniversary Edition) (Hardcover)

My parents gave this to me for my fifth birthday and it is one of the most cherished and beautiful books that I own. It's a compilation of gorgeous watercolors, sketches, and a systematic like grouping of faeries and their mythical kin. I can't imagine a better book for a young artist or creative reader. I spent hours and hours poring over each illustration and reading about the origins of all the creatures. It has a Jim Henson-like quality in its imaginative spirit (echoed by one of the jacket covers which features Froud with a little puppet faery mannikin posed in a tree). Alan Lee is responsible for those gorgeous watercolors, while Brian Froud does the kinetic sketches (Froud was also the illustrator of Lady Cottingtons Book of Pressed Faeries--a funny and darkly humored picture book). Sidenote: Brian Froud's wife, Wendy, was one of the artists responsible for the very beautiful (if slightly dated) Dark Crystal and, I did not know this--YODA!! Who knew?! Wonderful news, too, the 25th edition of this book contains 20 new pieces by Froud and Lee.

As for the nakedness: When I was six I thought everyone's body was beautiful and nakedness definitely didn't put me off. The only times it was disturbing was when adults made a big deal of it. That and finding a discarded copy of Penthouse behind an abandoned building both fascinated and freaked me out. But Froud's book is nothing like that. I'd no more be upset by the nudity in this then I would by the nudity in Renaissance paintings. I'm guessing adults must read more eroticism into it than any child would. If you're really worried, check out Brian Froud's website--it has some of the illustrations from Faeries and will give you a better sense of it. Personally, I think it's a wonderful book for children. Not to harp on, but I don't think un-erotic and un-sensationalized exposure to nudity is a bad thing (and I don't mean that in a let's all be nudists manner...just a hey, we all got skin underneath our clothes recognition).

If there's someone in your life who has a fly-away imagination and appreciation for art or myth, this is a terrific choice.

38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantasically frightening, October 18, 1999

By	Daena Ortego "Cat mum" (Baldwin, LA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I first saw this book when I was 7 when my dad, knowing I loved both art and faeries, brought it home for me from the library. Needless to say, I loved it but several of the more intense drawings scared me! I dog-eared the scariest pages so I could skip over them easily... many years later I came across a copy of it and simply had to buy it. Not only is the art and text inspiring, but it's the kind of book that sticks in your mind over time...

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I can't find the words to describe it..., September 1, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Faeries (Hardcover)

If you thought you liked Lady C's Pressed Fairy Book (now out of print), then you'll LOVE this one!! It is the best faerie book i have ever seen, and read. It not only tells you the history of faeries, but it also gives you an idea where Faerie -the land of faeries- is, it gives you detailed information about all the wee folk! If you thought faeries were the pretty winged Tinkerbell likes, think again, and read this book! You'll get surprised on how many faerie types there is!!

The book is beautifully illustrated, and a must for every one interested in faeries, and art! This one should be in the bookshelf in every home! Buy it for yourself, for your mom, your kid and for your best friend!! It makes a great present!

Definately worth the money, i'd pay the double price if i had to, it's that great!