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Terry Jones
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Brian Froud
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Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book Hardcover – January 1, 2005

by Terry Jones (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 662 ratings
This book claims to be the facsimile edition of the notebook of Lady Angelica Cottington, who, it is said, took the infamous photograph of a group of fairies that was authenticated by Conan Doyle, but later discredited. Lady Cottington was determined to prove the existence of fairies, and began to capture them between the pages of her notebook, in which she had previously pressed wild flowers. In the introduction to the book, it is explained that one of Lady Cottington's notebooks was recently discovered, intact and in good condition, and has been reproduced complete with biographical information about the near-reclusive Lady Cottington, and a photograph of her holding the original book between the pages of which so many fairies, goblins, pixies and elves were unceremoniously flattened and preserved for ever. What Lady Cottington did not realise was that the actual fairies were unharmed; as they are made of astral matter, only their psychic images remained on the pages and the fairies
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  1. Print length
    72 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pavilion Books
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 2005
  5. Dimensions
    9.25 x 0.59 x 12.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1862057001
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1862057005
Next slide of product details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pavilion Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 1, 2005
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd Edition
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 72 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1862057001
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1862057005
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.65 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.25 x 0.59 x 12.2 inches
  • Best Sellers Rank: #7,816,847 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 662 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Terry Jones

    Terry Jones

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Brian Froud

    Brian Froud

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Brian Froud (born 1947) is an English fantasy illustrator. He lives and works in Devon with his wife, Wendy Froud, who is also a fantasy artist. The landscapes in his paintings are frequently inspired by Dartmoor.

    Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Luigi Novi [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
662 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book charming and funny, particularly appreciating its English humor and beautiful illustrations. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its story quality and value, with customers describing it as a real bargain. However, customers disagree on whether it's suitable for children.

Select to learn more

HumorIllustrationsFun bookBeautyStory qualityValue for moneyCharmBook for kids
31 customers mention "Humor"25 positive6 negative

Customers find the book humorous, particularly appreciating its English style and whimsical tone, with one customer noting its wonderfully absurd content.

"I liked it, it was humorous, but a bit tedious...." Read more

"This is a classic, child-like book for any adult with a good sense of humor, not for children even though no actual fairies were harmed in the..." Read more

"...the same recommendation. Overall I found this book fun and whimsical and as a mature reader I added both to my library." Read more

"Very clever and humorous book. My son is going to love it!" Read more

29 customers mention "Illustrations"27 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book, describing them as a piece of art, with one customer noting the classical Brian Froud style.

"...sometimes ugly little faeries came to be the colorful, and wonderful illustrations of this book outlined by her diary entries in varying degrees of..." Read more

"This book is truly a piece of art! The illustrations are beautiful and the story fun and fantastical for a child...or an adult!..." Read more

"What a beautiful book, both in its whimsical illustrations, and in the tale it's very put upon "author" tells. I love it!" Read more

"...Great illustrations too!!" Read more

17 customers mention "Fun book"16 positive1 negative

Customers find the book fun and interesting, with one mentioning they loved reading it together.

"...I think this is SO reminiscent of the Spiderwick Chronicles. What a FUN book! It looks SO MUCH like an old leather journal...." Read more

"...that I give the same recommendation. Overall I found this book fun and whimsical and as a mature reader I added both to my library." Read more

"While the book was enjoyable and the illustrations were funny, the used condition of the book was only good, not very good...." Read more

"An interesting book, the pictures really look like a fairy has been squished/flattened on the pages, the artist did a good job!" Read more

15 customers mention "Beauty"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautiful, with one noting it resembles an old leather journal and another describing it as a handwritten diary.

"What a beautiful book, both in its whimsical illustrations, and in the tale it's very put upon "author" tells. I love it!" Read more

"The best part of this book is the beautiful, odd drawings of 'pressed' fairies (think pressed flowers)...." Read more

"...book one day, and so this collection of smooshed bizarre, charming, cute, and sometimes ugly little faeries came to be the colorful, and wonderful..." Read more

"Oh this book is so original, and adorable!" Read more

14 customers mention "Story quality"12 positive2 negative

Customers love the stories in this fairy book, with one customer particularly appreciating both the tales and illustrations.

"Love the book and the story line. It was missing the sticker." Read more

"...It was a magical tale in spite of that!" Read more

"...I found it used at Amazon and just had to have it. I just love the story and the illustrations." Read more

"...tween or older but would be loved by any grown up with a love for a good story. I gave this to my mother for mother's day and she loved it." Read more

10 customers mention "Value for money"9 positive1 negative

Customers find the book to be a real bargain, with one mentioning it's a welcome addition to their fairy book collection.

"Ah yes, Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book—an absolute treasure and a national delight, if ever there was one...." Read more

"So happy to find a decently priced copy to replace my lost copy." Read more

"...It is worthwhile, but it is a 1 note book unlikely to be re-read." Read more

"...been looking for this book for 2 years, and finally found it at a reasonable price in like new condition...." Read more

7 customers mention "Charm"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book charming, with one customer describing it as absolutely fanciful.

"...pressing book one day, and so this collection of smooshed bizarre, charming, cute, and sometimes ugly little faeries came to be the colorful, and..." Read more

"...The illustrations are simply exquisite—equal parts enchanting and ever-so-slightly disturbing, just like proper folklore should be...." Read more

"The content of this book is just lovely, but I have issues with how small it is and feel like the description was misleading...." Read more

"Charming book!..." Read more

14 customers mention "Book for kids"8 positive6 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's suitability for children, with some finding it a child-like book for adults while others say it's not great for kids.

"...It's a delightful book for kids of all ages." Read more

"...No it's not a book for little kids." Read more

"Aimed at older kids. An old book, but a great book" Read more

"...book does show female breasts and faerie buttocks so may not be suitable for all readers...." Read more

Exactly how I remembered.
5 out of 5 stars
Exactly how I remembered.
This is exactly what I was looking for! Exactly what I wanted! This book is full of cartoon fairies, splattered through the pages, just like I remember reading when I was a little girl. Only one small puncture in the back cover, but the seller had sent a note.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Rachsings77
    5.0 out of 5 stars GORGEOUS book - it is a must have!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This was one of my favorite books when I was younger and recently learned that my friend's 11 year old daughter LOVES fairies and art illustration. I immediately sought out this book and it isn't the easiest to find in condition! It was PERFECT, and wrapped in plastic when it arrived. Not only that, but she loved it so much and it has inspired her to draw more herself. The illustrations are beautiful and unique and the journal style of writing makes it even more amazing. It is just a amazing and fascinating as I remembered!
    Helpful
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  • Fiona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Divine
    Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ah yes, Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book—an absolute treasure and a national delight, if ever there was one. I have adored this peculiar and whimsical tome for years and years, dahling. It’s not merely a book—it’s a portal into a world where fairies are dreadfully naughty, utterly squishable, and somehow still fabulous.

    Being English, of course, I find the entire premise delightfully nostalgic. It evokes fond memories of my childhood traipsing about the countryside—whether it was the lavender fields of Kent, the misty moors of Yorkshire, or that one slightly haunted hedge in Devon—armed with a jam sandwich in one hand and a fairy net in the other. And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t tried to press a fairy between the pages of Aunt Mildred’s gardening almanac?

    The illustrations are simply exquisite—equal parts enchanting and ever-so-slightly disturbing, just like proper folklore should be. I’ve purchased many copies over the years: one for myself, two for godchildren who never truly appreciated the brilliance, and at least one for a neighbour who thought fairies were “a bit twee” (she has since come around, naturally).

    This book is a must-have for anyone with a penchant for magic, mischief, or misbehaving sprites. A true English eccentric masterpiece, and I say that with pride and a spot of Earl Grey.

    Ten out of ten squished fairies. Would recommend.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Di R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique for Fairy Lovers
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    First I must say that this is not a G rated book and more for adult fairy lovers. With English humor and yet it is a totally perfect gift for the right people. I first stumbled on this in Cambria California at one of those unique bookstores that are few and far between due to all of the big box bookstores that have gone in. At the time, I owned a store in Paso Robles CA and paid full price to just have it in my store. And it was a hit! I later found it wholesale and purchased through that source and then when I had a craft show idea creating my own smashed fairies to sell along with the book, I purchased a dozen or so on Amazon and they were a hit. I definitely am not a prude but am pretty conservative and this book is great. Like I said, it takes a certain humor and not for kids under about twelve or so.... but it is definitely one a teenage girl who loves fairies would most likely like. It's centered around the photograph of Lady Cottington and her fairies. And written in the form of a child's diary and then into a woman's journal. The smashing of fairies is a bit crude and some nude fairies are among the cut outs included which can be removed by the more conservative gift giver, but I personally think that would ruin it. But to each his own.
    By the way... shouldn't the reviews of the seller not describing the size of the book or if they received it damaged should be reviewed under the SELLER, and NOT the item? I really feel that the stars should reflect how they felt about the book, not if it was damaged or not. THAT should be a seller's review.
    30 people found this helpful
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  • hagranger
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This book is well illustrated by Brian Froud and is a whimsical tale of fictional character Lady Cottington's lifelong experience with seeing and in some cases trapping fairies, goblins and other magical beings in the pages of her Pressed Fairy Book. There are early encounters and fairies and gremlins continue to influence her life as she matures into a young woman. I must caution moms, however, that this is a book that must be reviewed before giving it to a child. Some of the pressed/mushed fairy images show bare buttocks and breasts. There is also an encounter with Lady Cottington and Lord Crowley in the diary that is a bit risque but tastefully handled. It is a book I would recommend for an older teenager or college student to adult, not for a young child.
    Of note, there is a companion book Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal that I give the same recommendation.
    Overall I found this book fun and whimsical and as a mature reader I added both to my library.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • James J. Bloom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious send-up of the Cottingley Fairy hoax and occultism
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Although it helps to have some background on the Cottingley Fairy hoax of circa 1918-1925, the book's humor can be appreciated even if you aren't up to speed on that bit.
    The Cottingley Fairy mystery/hoax was initiated by some photographs of the young girls with some fairy-like creatures;it's obvious today that these are cleverly arranged cutouts. But at the time the authenticity of the images was hotly debated, with no less than Sherlock Holmes' creator Arthur Conan-Doyle backing the claims. The young girl diarist in this spoof, moving from childhood through adolescence, instead of photographing the little creatures, slams them between the pages of her book as they flitter about. Their agonized, surprised or angry expressions are captured beautifully in the wonderful illustrations. The book's publisher solemnly assures the reader that no fairies were actually squished in the production of the book, but only their psychic images were captured. The diarist's atrocious spelling makes some progress as she matures but not very much. I highly recommend this book not only to Monte Python fans but to anyone who needs a good laugh as comic relief from the doldrums.
    8 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Giselle
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect conversation piece
    Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I have loved this book for years. I was looking for the perfect coffee table book for my new to me 100 year old house. I think this fits!
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  • Shadow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Süßes und außergewöhnliches buch
    Reviewed in Germany on September 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Sehr tolle Buch. Meine Freundin ist total begeistert. Sie liebt Bücher mit Feen und dieses hier ist mal außergewöhnliches. Es ist wie ein Tagebuch geschrieben und mit tollen Bildern drin. Artikel war zwar gebraucht aber das hat man nicht gesehen. Immer wieder gerne.
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  • Chris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Book Jolly Good Value
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Lovely condition and well cared for book, Very entertaining and funny a delightful book, a book you can read time after time, if your feeling a little down this lovely book can bring back your smile, Love It, Great Value, Delivered Pronto, Thank you
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  • Melody O
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tolles Buch für Elfenliebhaber - und Hasser...nicht für Kinder!
    Reviewed in Germany on September 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Sehr böses Buch für alle Liebhaber des Mystischem und des englischen Humors -
    (oder für alle Feenhasser). Mit realem Hintergrund und herrlich gepressten Elfen, Feen
    und was in Britischen geheimnisvollen Gärten noch so rumfleucht und nicht schnell genug war ...

    Allerdings eindeutig nur für Erwachsene
    Report
  • Maryanne Ewing
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful fun art. Good quality. Arrived fast
    Reviewed in Canada on January 15, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Brian Froud is always a fantastic artist. This book is whimsical and fun. Arrived exactly as ordered for Christmas. Very good condition
    Report