Brian Froud and Alan Lee present a biological and historical survey of the inhabitants of the British Isles’ invisible realms. The book categorizes various faerie species, including water-dwelling kelpies, domestic brownies, and the aristocratic Tuatha De Danann. The text documents different faerie types according to their physical attributes, environmental habitats, and specific behaviors toward humans. It details the anatomy of wings and claws alongside the magical properties of plants like foxglove and ragwort, which serve as conduits between the mortal and supernatural dimensions.
Artists and lovers of European folklore read this work to move beyond sanitized, Victorian depictions of nature spirits toward a more grounded, earthy mythology. It serves as a visual reference for those who want to understand the morphology and temperaments of forest goblins or subterranean knockers. Readers come away with a structured taxonomy of the Unseelie and Seelie courts, gaining a clear view of the traditional rules that govern interactions with the hidden world.
Balanced in tone; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Curious Generalist. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 1978
- Language
- EN
