The Great Encyclopedia Of Faeries
by Pierre Dubois
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Description
Rising from the mist long, long ago, the faeries date back to a golden age--well before the creation of gods and humans. In their enchanted fancy, they created the singing grasses and the reflection of springs, the music of legends and the far side of the mirror. From the Valkyries of Valhalla to the Babouchka of Russia, the vast kingdom of faeries populate the imaginations and forests of every culture. The world of the faeries has never been more enthralling and bewitching than in this show more richly detailed, imaginatively illustrated chronicle of its magical denizens and no one is better qualified than renowned French elficologist Pierre Dubois to reveal the extra-ordinary richness of this realm (drawn from pan-European folklore). Filled with legend, surprising fact, and a rich range of literary reference, The Great Encyclopedia of Faeries features hundreds of imaginative and wonderful full-color portraits of famous and unsung faeries, reveals their sacred haunts, and describes the ancient secrets of their elfin souls. Faery popularity is currently at an all-time high, and the millions of enthusiasts around the world will love this beautiful, comprehensive survey. They are known as the Little People, the Beautiful Maidens, the Godmothers, the Blessed, the Ageless Ones...for it is dangerous to say the name "faeries" without good reason. Ruling over earth, air, fire, and water, they protect forests, animals, and children, and in their hands lie the dreamy souls of all creatures. Dubois provides readers with authoritative information detailing the customs, habitat, and activities of these Little People. Faery Godmothers, we discover, were originally tall, distinguished, and rather severe; only recently have they taken up the magic wands and cheerful smiles we know them for today. We learn that the favorite foods of the Arthurian faery Viviane are the blackberries that surround Merlin's tomb. And among the customs and activities of the Bogey Beast, the prime goal is indeed to scare little children, if only for their protection. Dubois's entrancing descriptions are accompanied by Roland and Claudine Sabatier's marvelous illustrations, which depict the appearance of the faeries, the places where they are found, and their familiar objects. Without revealing any faery confidences (which must never be betrayed), Dubois and the Sabatiers have created a comprehensive and utterly enchanting survey of a magical world as old as time. In the bestselling tradition of Brian Froud's "Good Faeries/Bad Faeries" comes an utterly enchanting, sumptuously illustrated, and peerlessly comprehensive catalog of the faeries and their magical kingdom. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
For a book calling itself an encyclopedia, this seemed to be short an index or two. And since the table of contents prides itself more on flowery descriptions, like "Old Shut-Eye" or "The Gianes," instead of plainly stated categories, like "The Sandman and Other Sleep Bringers" or "Benevolent Fairies," I found it impossible to find the types of faeries I was interested in reading about.
A large and beautiful book, informative and gorgeously illustrated. Everything you ever wanted to know about fairies and their ilk.
Almost 200 pages of information and pictures of faeries. See my review of the same authors' book: The Complete Encyclopedia of Elves, Goblins and Other Little Creatures. ( http://www.librarything.com/work/1318208 ) This book is very similar, but has different creatures in this. Also a must-have for faerie fans! Lovely coffee-table book.
Book Description: NYC: Simon & Schuester, 1999. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. 1st. a beautiful coffee table book full of beautiful illustrations.
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title*
- La grande encyclopédie des fées
- Original title
- La grande encyclopédie des fées
- Original publication date
- 1996-11
- Original language
- French
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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- Members
- 304
- Popularity
- 104,979
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (4.26)
- Languages
- English, French
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 8
