Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells: Based on Quentin Cottington's Journal of Faery Research

Customer Reviews:

great and strange english humour.......2004-11-11

I have bought this book as a gift for friends ever since I owned my first copy. It is funny, beautifully illlustrated and guarenteed to appeal to all artistic types with an affiliation for Monty Python, Black Adder and all things English and comedic! Not for children, even though they love the picture. It stands alone although is really best enjoyed along with the other Lady Coddington fairy books.
I am currently buying a copy for my graphic deisgner and his illustrator wife. I have no doubt he will add it to his collection of published weirdness!

Scotch-guard your wardrobe and prepare to be amused...........2003-03-01

...because Strange Stains and Mysterious Smells is, aside from nicely done art (by Brian Froud) and brilliant satire (by Terry Jones), a fairly good glimpse into the sort of creatures that are around even if you don't want them to be, even if you aren't the sort to have pixies and goblins about because you don't believe in them or believe in them so much it creeps the little creatures out. Check under your VCR or underneath the layer of papers covering a desk to see what I mean, as you've probably got Doggitus Mucilagus sticking some loose change to the wood.
Extremely funny and far from fiction, get it for yourself and as a gift for your favourite neat-freak.

Rather inventive.......2001-07-03

Hilarious and all-together head-scratching, as you find yourself realizing they're talking about something you've been wondering about all along. You may have thought you were the only one undergoing the cruel and unusual punishment of these noxious fumes and stains, but here you find you are not alone... If you're going to read this aloud as a bed-time book or as a book of quotations, you are required by law to read it aloud with an English accent. If you cannot speak with an English accent or if it is terrible beyond measure, please read silently. Don't even mouth the words as you read. If by chance, you meet someone who is talking about smells and stains in a bad English accent, smack him. If he's bigger than you, you may let him off with a warning...or politely kick him and run, because big guys take longer to build up the inertia to accelerate than little guys. If he doesn't catch you and is breathing heavily, then run up to him and smack him. That should get the point across.

Not just funny..........2000-12-12

...but also a bit disarming! Some of the stains and "odor" illustrations in the book look... well, "fresh". I'm not altogether sure that I want to know how the book publisher achieved this effect, but it definately adds bonus points in my mind.

So, the authors of the book claim to have found a gadget that allows them to communicate with smells and stains. Odd, to think that such things are sentient, but nonetheless, their commentary is, of course, hilarious.

Not that I mean to give anything away, but my personal favorite is "The Great Stain of the Apocalypse" and the theory surrounding it. You'll have to get the book (which I recommend) to find out more!

Have been looking for uncle Quentin.......2000-06-20

So nice that you all found uncle Quentin. I do need to talk with him. Can't believe everything that you read. What he is not telling you about is all the fairies that escaped from London and landed in (of all places) Des Moines, Iowa. I need to know where to get in touch with uncle.

Average customer rating:

A satisfying merging of two great story lines
Just as good as Tithe, only a little different feel to it
Excellent book!
Really great
Good .. but somthing was missing for me.

Ironside: A Modern Faery's Tale
Holly Black
Manufacturer: Margaret K. McElderry
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0689868200

Book Description

In the realm of Faerie, the time has come for Roiben's coronation. Uneasy in the midst of the malevolent Unseelie Court, pixie Kaye is sure of only one thing -- her love for Roiben. But when Kaye, drunk on faerie wine, declares herself to Roiben, he sends her on a seemingly impossible quest. Now Kaye can't see or speak to Roiben unless she can find the one thing she knows doesn't exist: a faerie who can tell a lie.

Miserable and convinced she belongs nowhere, Kaye decides to tell her mother the truth -- that she is a changeling left in place of the human daughter stolen long ago. Her mother's shock and horror sends Kaye back to the world of Faerie to find her human counterpart and return her to Ironside. But once back in the faerie courts, Kaye finds herself a pawn in the games of Silarial, queen of the Seelie Court. Silarial wants Roiben's throne, and she will use Kaye, and any means necessary, to get it. In this game of wits and weapons, can a pixie outplay a queen?

Holly Black spins a seductive tale at once achingly real and chillingly enchanted, set in a dangerous world where pleasure mingles with pain and nothing is exactly as it appears.

Customer Reviews:

A satisfying merging of two great story lines.......2007-09-15

Wow! Holly Black strikes again! This was a really good book - perhaps not as great as Tithe or Valiant, but satisfying nonetheless. With Tithe, you're introduced to Black's faery world - rich, dark, and creepy as all hell (which, I suppose, is her point). I loved it, and Kay is a wonderful charater in and of herself. When I bought Valiant, I was expecting more of the same, but the book delivered an alternate view of the same world, contributing to the exceedingly multi-dimensional aspects of the gritty, urban existence Black so exactingly creates. So, having read about Kay and then about Val, I wasn't sure what I would be gettin with Ironside: one or the other? Getting both was very fun. The world of Ironside is, as a result of the first two books, extremely detailed and complex - as are the characters - and, once again, a wonderful place to read about. Black's faeries aren't gossamer or wispy, but that's what makes them so fabulous. Those who have read Tithe may feel a little let down by Roiben's distance: he is both cold and inaccessible in Ironside, especially when one yearns for his love like Kay does. While Ironside can get convoluted at times - the blending of the two storylines can result in some confusion, and no one should read Ironside without having at least read Tithe first, and preferably both Tithe and Valiant - the result is, overall, an extremely pleasing, dark, and tangible faery tale that I highly recommend.

Just as good as Tithe, only a little different feel to it.......2007-08-04

I loved this book as much as I loved the first ( Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale ), even though this book was written quite a bit before Tithe (October 1, 2002) it was just as good a read. Although, it does seem a little less "dark" than Tithe had, even less so than Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie for that matter. For those of you who care, Ironside also has less swearing than Tithe ( it's still there, just not on every page ). I'm not going to say anything about the storyline because I'm actually really bad at doing that, but I will say that a few characters from Valiant: A Modern Tale of Faerie make an appearance here (including Luis, who moves up to be a main character for Ironside). Well i hope you enjoy this book as much as i did.
oh also i want to put in (I only like buying books if the author is a nice person ) that i met Holly Black, and she IS a nice lady.

Excellent book!.......2007-08-03

Holly Black is an awesome writer. Couldn't put the book down -- easy read and loved the story. Anxiously awaiting her next book!

Really great.......2007-07-25

I really love this book.

I'm 18- I read everything, mostly adult fantasy and science fiction, but once in a while I simply can't resist the urge to sneak back into the teen section and find something great. Holly Black is just one of those great things. It doesn't take long to read, because it is a teen book and pretty easy reading at that, but you're going to want to read it all in one sitting anyway. Holly Black will remind you of Emma Bull, and in fact it seems like she may have read a lot of her stuff, but she definitely has ideas and a voice of her own. Ironside is interesting, exciting, and captivating. It picks up where she left off with Tithe, and also includes some of the great characters from Valiant.

Ironside continues the story of the changeling pixie Kaye and her love interest Roiben. Their story and quests are, of course, the main plot line- very thrilling, filled with riddles and dangerous intrigue. However, what I really adored about this book was that it took some time to focus on Corny, a character who I was a little afraid of in Tithe, but who I came to absolutely love as I read this. I really appreciate the way Holly Black makes all of her characters come to life, and how she's sure to give all of them a really decent storyline.

I couldn't put this book down while I was reading it, and I was really pleased with the way it ended, too, tying up all the loose ends. I'd really recommend this to anyone who's interested in a beautiful urban fantasy story.

Good .. but somthing was missing for me........2007-06-11

I liked this book, I did but honestly I thought I would like it more. not that I didn't enjoy it, hard not to like Holly's work really. It's just that I felt it didn' carry quite the same weight as the other two. It's possible that because I liked Valiant so much that going back to Kaye's story interesting as it was, was like backsliding a little. Another reviewer pointed out that perhaps the reason Ironside is a slight let down is because we don't find out why Kaye was switched in the first place. I thought of that while I was reading, but I came to the conclusion some where along the way that there was no real reason that Kaye was switched, at least in the Kaye is secretly someone uber special, who's destiny will alter Faerie forever kind of way. I think it had more to do with the fact that Chibi-Kaye (I love that) was exotic looking and as such would have atracted the notice of the Fey, like an unusual piece of art, they wanted to collect her. Of course that doesn't reall account for why The Brite Queen wanted her looked after, but the books don't say that that is an unusual thing, or maybe I missed it. After all such a big thing is made of Pixies being low born it just doesn't make sense the the Seelie Gentry would single Kaye out. another thing is, I would have liked to know Kaye's true name, though I can see why Kaye herself woudn't want to know it.

But mostly the thing I found odd was that Ironside seems to be an ending. If this is the end why write Valiant at all, yes there are cameos on all sides through the three books but it's still off. Unless Valiant's purpose was to introduce Luis and Dave, but if it was why have Val as the center of the story instead of Luis and Dave themselves. I don't know, Guess I'm hoping there will be more books. it would suck to have all these questions go unanswered. And because these are some seriously good reading.

Average customer rating:

Faery Fantastic!
Pure Glamour
A wonderous journey . . . .
Faeries Forever
Fair Faeries

Faeries (25th Anniversary Edition)

Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0810932741

Book Description

It has been 25 years since Brian Froud and Alan Lee created the delightful, imaginative, and surprising Faeries-a book that quickly became a massive international bestseller and went on to sell more than a million copies. Readers continue to offer praise: "This is the most influential book I have ever read." "This book is-where are the words to describe it? Magnificent / Fabulous / Beautiful / Moving / Terrifying / Fantastic. . . ."

In celebration of Faeries' 25th anniversary, Abrams is delighted to publish a special edition featuring eight new pages and 20 new pieces of art by Froud and Lee. The artists have also contributed new introductions. Since Faeries first appeared, both men have become tremendously successful and respected figures in the worlds of film, art, and publishing. But Faeries remains perhaps their most enduring work, a superb exploration of the myths, legends, folklore, and fantasy of the world of the faeries.

Customer Reviews:

Faery Fantastic!.......2007-04-26

I ordered this book from amazon not to long ago, I also enjoy the work of Brian Froud's enchanting but bewitching faeries. This book by Brian Froud and Allan Lee is wonderful, not only does it contain Brian Froud's strange yet wonderful art work, but it also contains Folk Lore, Myth, and Fantasy stories along with the art work to keep you entertained.

Pure Glamour.......2007-04-05

Each and every page positively shimmers with magic. This is the book that made Brian Froud famous and has yet to be surpassed. Alan Lee's ethereal watercolors are just as breathtaking and provide a lovely counterpoint to Froud's more dramatic drawings. But don't let the glowing images fool you into thinking this is just another "art" book. The folklore contained therein is just as sound. The flora and fauna sections are especially worthwhile. There is also a dangerous aspect to this work, which adds a fascinating spicyness. Not all faeries are the shining winged beings that the Victorians were so fond of. Some are sharp toothed and clawed monsters that come creeping out of the shadows and muck to drag the unsuspecting to their dooms.

One of the previous reviewers wrote that this book isn't for adults but not quite suitable for children either. I agree. IMHO it is a book for the inbetween people: young adults, serious children, and adults who have maintained some of their childhood innocence.

Regardless how you look at it FAERIES is a classic.

A wonderous journey . . . ........2007-02-27

As you progress through the pages of this peek into the lore of this mystical land, let your imagination run free while you allow Brian Froud and Alan Lee to weave a mystical spell of enchanted wonder, enveloping you with a sense of surreal, fantastical imaginings. This is the most fun I've had between the pages of a book in a long time!

A word to the wise for anyone expecting a sketch book full of dainty little girls with gossamer wings: the nightmares are not relegated to the back of a dusty shelf here. From Faerie Flora to the hideous Jenny Greenteeth, all the Fae folk are portrayed, both good and bad, pretty and ugly, helpful and mischievous. The stunning artwork is visionary in capturing the intrinsic mystery of this egnimatic, unseen world and its phantasmic population. The handwritten notes add to the captivating essence of the stories in an informal and comfortable way.

If I could change anything at all, I would wish that the pages were numbered and included a table of contents, so I could more easily flip to my favorites.

I would recommend this book to anyone who still wants to believe in magic, and to anyone who wants to reconnect with their childlike sense of wonder. You may be left with the belief that anything is possible . . . .

Faeries Forever.......2006-09-20

If I could give this book 10 stars I would! Brian Frouds'"Faeries" is the most amazing book I have ever read. I found this book when I was young and fell in love with faeries instantly. The illustrations are astonishing for a lack of better word. Alan Lee and Brian Froud not only draw the most realistic and imaginitive faeries, but the stories included in the pagess really makes you believe that faeries are real. Brian Froud is the original faerie author and has influenced an whole new genre with his artwork.

Fair Faeries.......2006-03-11

This was a gift for a dear friend who is quite Faery-like herself. I've given several of Mr. Froud's faery books to people, and they are inevitably very pleased. Mr. Froud is a sensitive artist and captures the "Shining Folk" or "Lords and Ladies" very impressively, almost as though he were in touch with the Elemental Kingdoms himself, consciously or unconciously. These are splendid gifts for the imaginative, whether child or adult, and I recommend them very highly.

Average customer rating:

Nice.
World of Magic
Cover art is nice but look inside
The Perfect Gift For Any Lover of the Fae
Beautiful pictures!

The Art of Faery
David Riche
Manufacturer: Paper Tiger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1843400952

Book Description

From the gothic fantasies of Amy Brown to Myrea Pettit’s gentle, playful creatures, this breathtaking collection of superbly reproduced paintings celebrates the finest in fairy art. Each illustrator has chosen his or her favorite pieces, and all the artists reveal their inspiration, preferred techniques, and working methods. Every medium is repre-sented in images by Jasmine Becket, Linda Biggs, James Browne, Ryu Takeuchi, Paulina Stuckey, Linda Ravenscroft, and others.

Customer Reviews:

Nice........2007-08-11

A good book to compare different Faery artists styles. But not necessarily one that you would refer to over and over, as you may only find a few artworks that you really like.

If you like Faery art, a book featuring an artist whose work you really love would be money better spent. Just to see other artists's work only once you can search the net.

World of Magic.......2006-10-02

This book was what first inspired me to begin a collection of fairy art books and what deepened my connection with the beauty of faery. All the artwork in here is magnificent and some of the pictures are the most strikingly gorgeous and evocative images I've ever seen. It never fails to impress me or move me when I enter its pages. Some of the very best and well-known fairy artists share their work in these pages and the variety is one of the strongest points. However, just because these fairies are beautiful doesn't mean they're nothing more than posing women with wings stuck on. They are fey in every sense of the word and there are plenty of images in this book that capture the fierce, wild nature that fairies have; Jasmine Beckett-Griffith, Maxine Gadd, and Jessica Galbreth all showed fairies that definetly had more than beauty in their gazes and were as far from mundane and super-model as you could get. I actually love the fact that this book presented fairies that were dark without being necessarily evil; I think it wonderfully represents the fact that not all darkness is evil and that such mixed natures are in all of us. The spectrum of fairy nature is a large one and this book happens to focus more on the beautiful side of the fey. If you want a book of fairy nature that's equal parts light and dark (with dark and hideous fairies as well as the lovely sort), try Froud's brilliant "Good Fairies, Bad Fairies". If you want a great variety of beautiful fairy art, this is the book for you; I also highly recommend its brilliant sequel. What this book offers is a journey into a world that is as wild and daring as it is beautiful; you may never want to return.

Cover art is nice but look inside.......2006-09-24

If you like people with wings this book will be perfect for you. If you like faeries in the truest sense, maybe you should reconsider.

Though a book with pleasant visuals, offered in bite-sized showcase of several artists, I wasn't entirely satisfied with how faerys are portrayed, all I recall is the seemingly overuse of portrait poses with wings slapped onto the backs of curvy women. I dunno if that's good, might be attractive to some, but it makes me wonder if that's all to faery art: a pair of wings, a dash of florals and some stars thrown in. I am not a faery artist or too familiar with the genre, but I was expecting to have a sense of luminence and tranquility and probably folk-ness (the coverart is one example) or hauntingly majestic or macabre for evil faeries from the book, unfortunately not all the artists featured carry that standard (a couple of them do seem to be amateur artists from the lack of proportion and painting techniques). Some artists offer an alternative take on faery art with sprites and pixies which are pretty but not too memorable. I give this 2.5 stars.

The Perfect Gift For Any Lover of the Fae.......2005-09-30

I was so excited when I received The Art Of Faery. I did a little happy dance in my front room. It is funny how faeries bring out the child in you. I have been a believer of the Fae since I was a little girl. I couldn't imagine my life without them.

This is a wonderful book on faery artists and their works. The many wonderful artists include Brian Froud, Amy Brown, David Delamare, Jasmine Becket-Griffith, Maxine Gadd, Myrea Pettit, Linda Ravenscroft, Stephanie Pui-Mun Law, and many others. There are a few artists I did not see such as Nene Tina Thomas, Josephine Wall, Selina Fenech, and Mary Baxter St Clair. But perhaps they will come out with a second book. That would be great.

In the back of the book there is a list of the artists and their websites. It even gives you a picture of what the artists look like. So not only can you read the BIOS of your favorite artist but also get to see what they look like.

If you love the Fae and love fantasy, you are sure to love this book. So what are you waiting for? Get it now before it goes out of stock! *wink*

Beautiful pictures!.......2005-04-10

Beautiful faery pictures, I especially like the section with the drawings of David Delamare and Maxine Gadd: great artists!

The World of Faery: An Inspirational Collection of Art for Faery Lovers

Average customer rating:

Beautiful
I Love this book
Pretty but...
A stunning insight of contemporary Fairy Artists

The World of Faery: An Inspirational Collection of Art for Faery Lovers

Manufacturer: Paper Tiger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1843402823

Book Description

Following the huge success of The Art of Faery (2003), the collaborators have once again come together to create another astonishing collection. These are the most imaginative and beautiful images produced by the best fairy artists working today, all superbly reproduced for fans and connoisseurs. New contributors have joined some of those showcased in the last anthology, and their pieces use every form of media in a rich and magical mix: watercolor, pen and ink, oil, and pastel. Among those represented: Amy Brown, Linda Ravenscroft, Myrea Pettit, and Stephanie Pui-Mun Law. From Josephine Wall's gentle Caught by a Sunbeam, with its sweetly sleeping fairy, to Marc Potts' slightly sinister The Changeling, each one depicts a world of fantasy.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2006-09-21

I just wish id not waited a whole year before ordering this book..Ive had it saved in my file for that long and just finaly took the plunge..Boy am glad I did..its a nice book..beautiful...and lists many faery artists...so one can easly follow up on what strikes your fancy....B.W.

I Love this book.......2006-03-01

I really love this book. There are so many pictures that inspire me to create new art. I like that this book has featured so many different artists, as now I have been introduced to some new artists that I didn't know before. Also, from this book I have discovered several different art forms. I love looking at the pictures and reading about the aritsts.

Pretty but..........2006-02-21

Ok, it's a nice coffee table book but other than that, I think I'll be happier viewing the images online and ordering the prints of the ones I really like.

A stunning insight of contemporary Fairy Artists .......2005-10-11

Its here `The World of Faery' a companion to the wonderful `Art of Faery Book' (2003)where I first became aquainted with the new wave of 21st century Faery Artists so aptly introduced to us by Brian Froud that master illustrator who with Alan Lee penned their best seller Faeries way back twenty seven years ago. After reading `The Art of Faery' I was intrigued, hooked and wanted more and was able to find delightful websites from the information in the index which I have been able to follow the work and careers of those artists. This book is a real WOW of the Faery World, introduced to us by no less than Alan Lee that master of middle earth and now acclaimed conceptual designer and Academy award winner of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings film. That both Froud and Lee have chosen to mentor the artists within these books is no surprise when you see the glorious creative imagination and varied display and interpretation in the new volume `The World of Faery'.

My mother, bless her, introduced me to fairies as a child with a wonderful very large book called a `Day in Fairyland', how wonderful to discover that the artist Ann Mari Sjogren is still alive and at 87 has contributed her work and her life story into this book, it somehow brings back all the magic of my childhood a sort of Fairy Godmother amongst today's greats and surely tomorrows as well. `The World of Faery' is a feast of talent, this book takes us forward with the work and lives of the artists I was introduced to in `The Art of Faery' and if that wasn't exciting enough introduces ten new exciting artists, who expand the horizons further.

From the Gothic vision of an Amy Brown front jacket ( Luna Sprite) inviting us to an outstanding foreword and images by Alan Lee are captured within the covers of this colorful edition, the cherubic and whimsy of Myrea Pettit and James Brown, the variety to be found is seemingly endless, and has been comprised of all mediums: watercolor, ink, oil, and pastel and now a small use of digital work has been added to show the possibilities of 21st century mediums but used only by artists whose background skills using other media is accepted, here Renee Biertempfel shows how she excels, John Arthur (his colourful drawing a tribute for his wife Maureen sadly ill with cancer), Jasmine Becket-Griffith ( those eyes fascinate), Linda Biggs ( I've seen her twice now on TV with her art), Hazel Brown (I would love to walk in a wood with her just to see the amazing images in pen and ink evolve), Jacqueline Collen-Tarrolly( beginning now to develop her own style), Jessica Galbreth (introduces us to her fairy visions, she is such a creative artist) , Natalia Pierandrei,( stylish Italian and colourful), Stephanie Pui-Mun Law (imaginative detailed but always graceful), Linda Ravenscroft (Stunning , rich and very moving, just look at that Goblin Tree), Paulina Stuckey-Cassidy (whimsical delight), Ryu Takeuchi ( A Japanese fairy force really going places) Kim Turner (shows bold colourful Australian fairies) Maria J. William ( beautiful drawing). What is so pleasing is that so many new male artists are introduced painting the fairy genre, Corey Randall, Scott Grimando, Jeff Spackman and Marc Potts are all recognised for their talents here, but for me it is the widening of the interests in this book of mind, body, and soul, and the spiritual enlightenment to mother earth that held me spellbound ,Virginia Lee ( where did she get that creative imagination?) and Josephine Wall ( a contribution so detailed her imagination excels). The use of double page spreads in this book Flight of the Lynx ( Josephine Wall), Mystic Garden (Linda Ravenscroft ) and Swan Lake (Scott Grimando) add to the excitement and detail that here indeed are the crème de la crème of fairy artists of this part the 21st century. This coffee table book is a delight for all ages to appreciate the genre and become involved and deserving of six stars if that were possible.

Average customer rating:

ANOTHER GREAT RESOURCE AND TOOL. VERY HELPFUL!
Wrong Title
Idea Book
Beautifully Illustrated
A Good Starting Point

Drawing Faeries: A Believer's Guide
Christopher Hart
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0823014037

Book Description

This is a whimsical guide to drawing faeries from best-selling art instruction author Christopher Hart. Included are all the popular ingredients of the faerie kingdom-faerie personalities, faeries at work, faeries at play, faerie expressions, faeries in flight, faerie magic, faeries facing predatory household pets, and the secret faerie rituals of birth, courtship, and marriage. Step-by-step instructions for drawing faeries are revealed through a captivating story of a man-now grown up-who as a youth gained secret knowledge of where the faeries live and play, and having done so, was able to capture on paper the elusive creatures in their unguarded moments. The overall design and presentation of the book will enchant and envelop artists in a magical world of faeries.

Customer Reviews:

ANOTHER GREAT RESOURCE AND TOOL. VERY HELPFUL!.......2007-09-14

I have owned a copy of this work for a couple of years now and I enjoy it now as much as the day I bought it. I am strictly an amature sketcher. I have had some formal training, but nothing to get up and shout about. My sketches would probably rate about a C+ from my old teachers, and truth be told, the + would be added simply because I never missed a class. Be that as it me, I have found this work to be useful. I love drawing insects, delicate flowers and plants, and yes, faeries! Now I will say that this book is probably not the best for the beginner as is is a bit beyond basic. Now that being said, kids sometimes surprise you and with a book like this can pick it up almost instantly. The author does cover detailed color, faces, body, life, customs and traditons of the fairy folk, friends and foes. The narrative is quite well done and easy to understand. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and very detailed. This is not a step by step book, but one of those books that I classify as "inspirational," i.e. if I practice long enough, maybe, just maybe, I can turn something like this out. I have dozens and dozens of art books in my library and use all of them. No single book can fill all of your needs but each book can add to your knowledge. This is one of those books. Now, as to the argument going on here whether or not faries are real....I have spent a large amount of my life living and working in various extremely isolated places around the world. Late in the evening, deep in the forest and in open glades....well, it may be that it is just wishful thinking on my part. Do recommend this work highly and recommend you add it to your own collection.

Wrong Title.......2007-08-11

Nice enough drawing book, but NOT A FAERY BELIEVER'S GUIDE.
This book is about fairytales drawings, NOT FAERIES!

Again, a dissapointed purchase about misleading information on the description or title. The book is all about fairytale characters, not about Faery art, and certainly not for believers. It's only for childrens story books. And even then, just a small reference book with several drawings for each character, not a serious drawing learning book.

Idea Book.......2007-05-31

More of an idea book that a how to guide... but still great!

Beautifully Illustrated.......2007-04-27

Bought this for my son who is learning to draw. Gorgeous artistry, if you love fairies, you will want this book!

A Good Starting Point.......2007-03-24

I have to agree with most other reviewers on this book, it is a wonderful starting point, but lacks some of the depth contained in other books such as Watercolor Fairies and HOw to Draw and Paint Fairies. As a beginning artist, the sections on fairy anatomy and drawing wings will be very helpful.

Keep in mind, this book is intended for beginners it seems, anyone beyond that level need not apply and would be better off reading one or both of the two books I mentioned above.

Average customer rating:

You'll become adicted!
My favorite deck
An exquisite deck that is both beautiful and insightful
a personal oracle deck
Mixed feelings, but optimistic

The Faeries' Oracle
Brian Froud , and Jessica Macbeth
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0743201116

Amazon.com

Author and illustrator Brian Froud offers believers a chance to consult with the magical wee folks. Using a deck of 66 "oracle cards," believers conduct readings as if interpreting Tarot cards. Each of the cards features Froud's signature faery pictures. Some of the cards have specific faeries, like the naked leaping "Spirit Lancer"--a feminine card that represents "self-expression, freedom, and exploration," according to the accompanying text written by Jessica Macbeth. Others are more abstract, like the "Guardian of the Gate," a blue- tinted card with splaying silver-white streaks that look like tendrils of faery hair.

This fascinating deck will keep Froud fans delighted for hours. Once seekers are ready to actually start communicating with faeries, they will also be delighted with Macbeth's whimsical, yet highly informative, guidebook. She is quick to sympathize with the self-consciousness that comes with talking to faeries, yet she also has the ability to jolly people out of their embarrassment. Macbeth is at her wisest when discussing how to ask for guidance and interpret specific layouts of oracle cards. But if you find yourself succumbing to giggles in the midst of all this faery woo-woo, take heart. Writes Macbeth, "Giggles are the grace notes of faery music." --Gail Hudson

Book Description

BRING THE INSIGHT, WISDOM, AND JOY OF THE FAERIES INTO YOUR LIFE

Using the enchanted art of Brian Froud as your guide, enter into the wise and wonderful world of the faeries. The Faeries' Oracle calls on sylphs, pans, gnomes -- and, of course, faeries -- to lead you on a delightful journey of adventure, discovery, and enlightenment that will illuminate the future and heal the heart and soul. This beautifully designed divination set contains everything you will need to explore this mysterious realm, including:

A complete deck of 66 radiant cards by Brian Froud featuring goblins, moon dancers, pixies, boggarts, and other faery folk we first met in Good Faeries/Bad Faeries
208-page illustrated book with text by Jessica Macbeth, which will show you how to read the cards of The Faeries' Oracle, with particular instruction on personally connecting to and communicating with the faeries

Customer Reviews:

You'll become adicted!.......2007-08-12

I bought this FaeryOracle card set simply because of my love of Faeries. Little did I know that it would become my inseparable companion.

The cards themselves are stunning, featuring Brian Froud's outstanding Faery artworks. But they are not your everyday pretty Faeries, they are serious and sometimes a bit scary, following in his 'Good Faery/Bad Faery' book's footsteps.

However, what really makes this set of cards incredible and addicting is Jessica MacBeth's book that comes with it. She is absolutely inspiring, bringing these cards to life with an insight into their meaning that will astonish you.

Unless you already have some psychic or clairvoyant type experience, read the book before you start using the cards. And even then, when you analyze them as suggested, follow this by reading Jesa's interpretation of each card. You will find that even the cards that seem dark and scary have a brighter and hopeful side to them.

But be warned, if you are a believer and get into them, you will get completely hooked!
I never even had a card reading before, or seen an Oracle Card set of any kind, and I had many doubts that I could follow or interpret them. I joined Jesa's online FaeryOracle Group, and I have found it a great help in getting over my doubts.

Today, only several months since buying this set, my life has completely changed, and my ability to work with the cards is incredible. I use it together with Doreen Virtue's "Healing with the Fairies" oracle cards in `multiple deck readings', and they complement each other brilliantly.

Wouldn't be without it.

My favorite deck .......2007-08-06

I'm a huge fan of Brian Froud. This deck is amazing. The artwork on both the front and back is just incredible. I read with this deck more than any other. It's always very accurate. The book is extremely helpful in many ways. There's so much magic in this deck.

An exquisite deck that is both beautiful and insightful.......2007-07-07

I am a collector of oracle decks, and I enjoy doing readings from the different decks. This is one of my favorites, and one of the most lovely. The illustrations by Brian Froud are simply amazing, there are those that are depicted as beatiful, some are 'darker', and others plain whimsical. The companion book provides lots of useful and handy information for those keen on doing readings, both for themselves, and for others. There is extensive explanation on the different faerie folk cards, each explained in meticulous detail. Simply put, this is a wonderful oracle deck that will delight, enthrall & enlighten.

a personal oracle deck.......2007-05-11

This oracle deck is consistantly accurate for readings involving one's personal psyche, and personal situations. It will also give you accurate information about the physical ramifications of your life decisions and will hint at what corrections need to be made to improve your situation. the more you use it the more accurate it will be.
It is a deck for personal use and does not mix well with readings for other people, in my opinion.

Mixed feelings, but optimistic.......2007-04-17

I just got this deck, and went through the exercises in the beginning of the book. The book is fun, interesting, well-written, and point-on about the use of the cards, and communicating with the fae in general. However, I am still having mixed feelings about a couple of the cards. Let me say, I'm a huge Froud fan, everything from Good/Bad Fairies to Labrynth, etc. But a couple of these cards really bother me, since (as I noted in an earlier comment to a review), I feel that the females are over-sexualized, and none of the males are sexualized at all. Nudity or their own interesting ecletic choice of clothes make sense for the fae, but when it isn't shared equally, it feels voyeuristic and odd. In particular, the Lady of the Harvest and the Earth Mother cards, I feel like the male sprites, fairies, etc are leering and strange. The Lady of the Harvest seems strangely passive and blank-faced, even slow. Anyway, it seems like at least a couple of others felt something akin to that. I never really noticed that in any of Brian's work before.

Other than that, I really like the cards, and love the book. I am going to stay open to the message that the fae will bring as they will.

Average customer rating:

Stunning

The Art of Amy Brown II
Amy Brown
Manufacturer: Chimera Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0974461261

Product Description

For those who love the work of Amy Brown here is Volume II of her works. July 2005 release

Customer Reviews:

Stunning.......2007-08-12

Don't miss this book if you love Faeries, Amy's art is incredible, inspiring, out of this world.

If you liked The Art of Amy Brown I, you will love this one, where the designs are more colourful. If you don't have any, get the two book set that has just come out.

A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings: Explore the Mystical Realm of the Little People

Average customer rating:

A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings
A good book, lots of information
Tuning in to the World of the Faery
Great Info On The Small Folk!

A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings: Explore the Mystical Realm of the Little People
Cassandra Eason
Manufacturer: Red Wheel/Weiser
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Folklore & Mythology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Paganism | Earth-Based Religions | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1578632676

Book Description

If you have ever believed in a world beyond the everyday, this is the book to help you find it.

A Complete Guide to Faeries and Magical Beings is a wonderful companion for those who wish to tour an enchanted world. Cassandra Eason begins with the myths, legends, and real evidence surrounding the origins and existence of fairies and then takes us on a journey throughout the world to introduce us to the many different varieties of these mysterious beings.

From fairies to viking giants, selkies to gnomes, fey beings abound. In this spritely volume, Eason shares fascinating anecdotes of people who have actually seen them. And if you'd like to meet them yourself, Eason also provides simple techniques, exercises, and rituals to attract, find, and communicate with the little people. Hang silver bells by a window. Keep potted plants in your home. Or sit quietly between two oaks at dusk or dawn.

Fairyland mirrors universal human issues: fortune versus misfortune, fate versus free will, perfection and imperfection, illusion and objective reality, different time scales, the existence of parallel dimensions, and the duality of human nature. Some people even believe that fairies are becoming more visible again, as they were in pre-industrial days, to remind us of the consequences of consumer society — the danger of being seduced by our own versions of fairy gold.

"If you want to be happy, be."
— Henry David Thoreau

Customer Reviews:

A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings.......2007-07-18

The mythology of faeries is extremely rich. So many cultures have stories and legends about faeries, little people, and other such mystical creatures. Moreover, there are probably as many differing descriptions of these beings as there are stories. Some are beautiful and genial. Others are ugly, deceptive, or downright dangerous.

A Complete Guide to Faeries & Magical Beings is a good overview of the subject. The author not only includes the information contained in a myriad of mythological stories but also touches on contemporary beliefs and recorded incidents in modern times. She even includes exercises that bring one closer to various natural forms often associated with the different types of faeries so that the reader may increase the likelihood of having his or her own experiences. A section called the "A-Z of World Fairies" is included at the back of the book for easy reference.

A good book, lots of information.......2006-06-27

I am a begginner in all Fairy information. I believe this was a great book, with lots of information to get started and continue reading.
the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because some parts are the book are difficult to understand, I believe you have to be much more advanced in fairy information, names, etc. to be able to fully understand what she is explaining, other than that, the book is really good.
Thanks Cassandra!!!

Tuning in to the World of the Faery .......2005-05-27

I loved this book, and it is actually one of the first "how to" books I've read in a long time where I sat and read it cover to cover in just a few days.

"A Complete Guide" covers the origins of faeries, who they are, evidence, literature and legend, and the different types of faery. Ms. Eason gives many exercises and rituals throughout the book that help the reader to more deeply connect to the world of the faery. And I personally appreciate that she focuses more on the fact that the faery experience will affect the reader more through their psyche and that it's okay if one doesn't actually "physically" see the faery folk. Their effects are still felt and still working through the consciousness.

This is an excellent book for both the beginning and more advanced student, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in finding out more about the realm of the faery.

Great Info On The Small Folk!.......2004-04-25

This book has great information on the Fae and has interesting facts about them to. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know about the Fae.

Average customer rating:

Faery lover
Bewitching!

The Art of Amy Brown II

Manufacturer: Chimera Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000AYA4XO

Product Description

Vol II Brings you more great works by Northwest Artist Amy Brown (13 Digit ISBN 978-0-9744612-5-0)

Customer Reviews:

Faery lover.......2007-07-19

I love Amy Browns work! Her faeries are beautiful and I'm proud to own a copy of her book.

Bewitching!.......2007-01-02

If you love fairies, Amy Brown's book is for you. Her prints are intriguingly beautiful with seductive fairies, mischievous imps, and a few dragons. Each fairy has a personality that comes alive through the pages to touch you. You won't be disappointed!

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