Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

The faeries rose from the mist long, long ago, in the time of the Golden Age -- well before the creation of gods and men. In their magical 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, Banshees, Dryads, Bogey Beasts, Sirens, and their ilk populate the imaginations and the forests of every culture.

In this comprehensive celebration of the world of faery, renowned French elficologist Pierre Dubois describes the extraordinary richness of the faery kingdom, presenting dozens and dozens of lushly illustrated entries on the most powerful and enchanting denizens of this magical world. 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.

Average Customer Rating:

Excellent, but not for children

Customer Rating:

I was looking for a good reference book on faeries for some research I am conducting on a book. I was not interested in the sugary, victorian faerie-types you commonly find in children's books and Walt Disney films. I was more interested in how faeries have evolved historically from ancient myth as elemental and fate spirits. This book truly captures the essence of faerie lore, adopting a global, world spanning view of faeries, not merely a western European one (herein you'll find faeries from China, India, Japan, South and Central America as well as Europe). If you are a fan of Brian Froud then you may not like this book. These are the true faeries and faerie tale legends of old, the ones the brothers Grimm wrote about. Some are benevolent (but strange), some are vengeful and destructive. I was reticent to buy this book because other reviewers were critical of the art used to illustrate this book. Let me say that I am not disappointed. If you are looking for something similar (again) to Brian Froud then you not going to be satisfied. The style of illustrations is colorful and done in a line art/ink style. It is not caricaturish or cartoonish, as some have written, however. Overall I think this book is now my favorite reference book on the subject of faeries and faerie tales and I am extremely happy I purchased this.

great encyclopedia faeries	Customer Rating:
I'VE REALLY ENJOY THIS BOOK. IT'S SO GOOD.I CAN'T HARDLY PUT IT DOWN. THANK YOU PEGGY BOND

Disappointed

Customer Rating:

I purchased this book for my daughter in hope that it would turn out a bit better than reviews i had read but I am sad to say it wasn't. It has a beautiful cover but that is it. The information is good but the pictures are absolutely terrible. They are so basic and look like they have been drawn by a child or teenager not an artist. Looking at the pictures didn't even make me want to read the book because i was so disappointed.

Many layered	Customer Rating:
Not a faeries book for kids - but very interesting. There is a fundamental notion here, not really addressed in the book, that fairy-tales are some form of "code" carrying very old folk tales and mythology through the dark ages and into the modern age. Could go with a lot more exegesis and color, but if you are interested in folk tales, this is useful.

Fascinating and unique!!

Customer Rating:

If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to the fairy world, you will be hard-pressed to find a better book than this. An encyclopedia is exactly what this book is- an artistic encyclopedia. It provides a thorough description of each mythical being, including its history, characteristics, magical powers, habitat, and even dietary preferences. And all the descriptions are surrounded by beautiful illustrations. If you are looking for a fairy art book, you'll probably want to look elsewhere. The illustrations are wonderful, but they are not the primary focus of the book- the information is.