Faeryland

Faeryland by John Matthews

illustrated by Matt Dangler

'The Secret World Of The Hidden Ones'
   

Here is a door, enter if you dare to discover a world both familiar and new, a world full of beings found both on the land and under the sea. These fanciful beings have many names and hide many secrets, but with this book to guide you, you can uncover their hidden places and discover their magical ways.

Faeryland opens the door to these elusive and enchanting beings that have long fascinated and frightened people the world over. With this personal invitation to Faeryland you will learn the secret faerie spells and charms, as well as own your very own personal map of Faeryland. A beautifully presented book any faery lover will treasure.

@ Thames & Hudson

John Matthews @ Abrams Books

On sale: 01 April 2013
Price (AU): $30.50
ISBN: 9781419706738
Recommended age: 6+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Trolls

Trolls by Brian & Wendy Froud

'A Tail of Tales'
   

One of the most important things a troll possesses is his, or her, tail. It is where they store their tales, the stories that tell of the nature of things, their world, their history, themselves. It is in the remembering, the telling and the sharing of these tales that trolls are able to pass on the knowledge and wisdom that has been learnt over the long, long years. But not all trolls are born to carry these tails, some are hunters, some are fighters, some live under bridges and others on very rare occasions have been known to eat small children.

Trolls leads us into a world where few humans have been before. The Otherworld is a place where every stone, every bone, every feather and every twig tells a story. Trolls are everywhere if you would only open your eyes to see. Although not all trolls are wise or intelligent, all are ancient beings of nature and time, majestic and complex, they are diverse as they are elusive. This beautiful and breathtaking tail reveals soulful and delicate beings who are greatly misunderstood. A stunning and skilfully illustrated guide into the land of Trolls.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

On sale: 01 October 2012
Price (AU): $43.95
ISBN: 9781419704383
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Trolls
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Fantasy Art Journal

Fantasy Art Journal

"My Mind Is My Weapon... And A Mind Needs Books"

A place where dragons are rescuers, where trees talk, rings are all powerful and where anything you can believe in can become reality. This is a world where anything you can imagine can be unleashed with more then enough space to give home to all those creative ideas, thoughts, dreams and wishes.

Fantasy Art Journal is a charming and inspiring journal filled with a number of fantasy quotes that will stir your imagination. Comprising of blank, lined an graph pages, this journal will support you in any creative endeavour whether that is through writing, sketching, planning or any other form of creative expression you could think of. This is a special journal you should treat yourself to or buy for that someone special.

@ Thames & Hudson

On sale: 01 March 2012
Price (AU): $19.95
ISBN: 9781908150516
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Journal
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal by Brian Froud

A Place Where Dreams Are Stored And Fairies Are Squashed!

When Angelica Cottington shocked the world with her fairy squashing ways, not to mention her proving once and for all that fairies exist, she did it through a dairy not too dissimilar from this journal. As one of the greatest fairy related finds in history, Lady Cottington's story has entertained, enchanted and engaged all who have been lucky enough to read it. Now with this journal is an opportunity to create some magic of your own.

Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Journal is beautifully bound with a ribbon page marker and antiqued pages. Pre-lined and littered with squashed fairies throughout, this is the perfect home to store your dreams, wishes, stories, random thoughts, or anything you care to jot down. Filled with the promise of endless possibilities this exquisite book would make a perfect gift for that someone special, or a charming treat for yourself.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

On sale: 01 July 2003
Price (AU): $20.86
ISBN: 9780810985438
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Fairies
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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How To See Faeries

How To See Faeries by Brian Froud and John Matthews

I Can See A Faerie!

It's not hard to see faeries, not really if you try. Though you may only see them if your looking, it may not be with your eyes. There are many ways and means to Faerie, through games and rhyme and art. But the best way to spot a faerie is to use your own true heart. So keep your mind open and taken time to listen, for if you're very lucky you may see a faerie too.

But a warning to all who venture here, for time is not the same. And with each page a lifetimes lived, treasured moments to be relived again. Watch for the symbols and follow the clues, be ready to step through the gate. Just remember, though they are tricksters, meeting faeries is up to fate. When strolling through Faerie, slow down and take your time, after all you're just a visitor and you're only passing through.

How To See Faeries is more then just a beautiful guide book to the fey, this is a portal to another world not all that far away. Here you are guided by the hand, into a strange and wondrous Faerie Land. A place of hidden messages and magical devices, staying close to your heart it more then suffices. But just remember, although you may seek to see a faerie, it may just be a faerie that is seeking to see you.

John Matthews Webpage

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

On sale: 01 April 2011
Price (AU): $44.95
ISBN: 9780810997509
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Gnomes

Gnomes: Deluxe Collector's Edition
by Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet

Who Is This Little Man?

For hundreds of years gnomes have watched, listened, advised, assisted and inspired us. Known for their wisdom, patience and kindness to small animals, gnomes have always been there as an essential part of nature. At times they have even been known to assist those in need, council those with difficulties and on occasion teach the unpleasant among us a hard lesson.

Elusive and cunning, these happy little men with their affinity for animals and knowledge of plant life run about the night on their secret duties, while at home the females are busy tending the children and completing domestic chores. Their sworn enemies, besides animals of prey, are trolls who are disliked for their foul odour and general badness; in turn trolls detest gnomes for their beguiling ways and quick feet.

Gnomes is a charming and comprehensive guide into the world of these amazing and astonishing little people. Known mostly for their full beards, rosy cheeks and nose rubbing ways, within these pages you will discover just what it is to be a gnome. Which according to any gnome would be his cap, for a gnome is just not a gnome without his pointy red cap. With physiology, remedies, courtship, legends, songs and personal accounts, Gnomes is a book for anyone with a inquisitive mind and an open heart.

Wil Huygen @ Thames & Hudson

Wil Huygen @ Abrams Books

(includes 8 Frameable Prints)
On sale: 01 May 2011
Price (AU): $49.95
ISBN: 9780810998469
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Gnomes
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Goblins Of Labyrinth

The Goblins Of Labyrinth by Brian Froud
captured and cataloged by Terry Jones

'Stranger! If You Would Know The Goblins Of The Labyrinth, Seek...'

When a small, impossibly ancient, earthenware pot was first discovered in remote Olduvai Gorge its significance was such that it was promptly ignored and abandoned. Luckily it was later discovered and destroyed by Brian Froud. However before its destruction Mr Froud was able to discover a message hidden within this pot. And when that message was eventually deciphered he began a journey that would lead to the greatest goblin related discovery in history.

The Labyrinth, created by a goblin king, was built as a refuge to goblins from those in the world not of goblinkind. Over the years the Labyrinth has become one of the only places in the world where goblins can be found, however until now little has ever been known of their daily lives let alone their appearances. But when one goblin artist decided to thrown down his images of goblins, images that were later enhanced or butchered depending on who you talk to, finally the world was introduced to the goblins of Labyrinth.

The Goblins Of Labyrinth is a unique look at a species that has eluded, beguiled, teased, tormented and terrorised many a human over the course of history, a time honoured goblin pastime that is still alive and well today. There is much to read, see and ponder within these pages, the least of which not being the story, and goblins, behind the well known movie Labyrinth. Aside from this however there are plenty of legends, tales and poems, not to mention recipes, games, philosophies and sacred days to uncover. All in all a very beautifully presented book of not so beautiful beasts.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

On sale: 1 October 2006
Price (AU): $49.95
ISBN: 9780810970557
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Goblins
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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The Chronicles of Faerie Book 1

THE CHRONICLES OF FAERIE:
The Hunter's Moon by O. R. Melling

The Hunt Has Begun!

Throughout their separate childhoods Gwen and Findabhair have always shared a love of everything magical, whether it be wrapped up in songs, stories or on the big screen. They had always dreamed of faraway places, impossible beings and magical love. On turning sixteen these two cousins decided to travel around Ireland, one of the most magical countries there is, in search of adventure, love and magic. But what they find is not your usual faeries at the bottom of the garden.

Although their journey turns out to be more adventurous then either girl could have predicted the danger for both is very real and very magical. Faeries have whisked away Findabhair and Gwen is left alone to battle for her cousin's life as well as that of her own. But there is more at stake then just their mortal lives. The Land of Faerie is at risk and if Gwen fails she will lose not only her life and her cousin's but also the magic that is the Faeries from the world.

The Huner's Moon is a dangerous time for all where the hunted is also the sacrifice, but is the sacrifice to great to bear even to save all of Faerie? An exciting journey across Ireland becomes a captivating journey to find inner strength, courage, friendship, hope and magic. Insecure and unsure, Gwen is not used to taking the lead and making decisions however her journey across Ireland will see her doing just that, for if she fails lives will be lost, magic will die and all hope will be gone.

O. R. Melling Webpage

O. R. Melling @ Thames & Hudson

O. R. Melling @ Abrams Books

On sale: 26 May 2006
Price (AU): $14.95
ISBN: 9780810992146
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Hunted
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Faeries

Faeries: Deluxe Collector's Edition
by Brian Froud and Alan Lee

Do You Believe In Faeries?

Whether we are aware of it or not faeries have, for as long as can be remembered, always played a part in the daily lives of men, women and especially children. For as far back as can be remembered there have been stories, ballads and legends of faeries and their ability to connect with the nature on the planet and the nature of man. Though not always with the most desired of results, for as many stories as there are of faeries bringing messages of love and friendship there are also stories of torment and death.

It is perhaps the dualistic nature of these elusive beings that has drawn so many to them and their kind over the years. Within these pages the history, wisdom and playfulness of faeries can be explored, and hidden within each image beauty and inspiration are found. But whether your seeking wisdom, inspiration, or just a simplistic beauty in their existence, Fairies is a guide to the impossible made possible, the magic in wonder, and to a race of beings who, having always existed, are seen not through the eyes but through the heart and mind.

Faeries, thirty years after the original, has been done up all new and golden, but there is more to this book then just a new cover. Inside this deluxe edition you will find more images, more stories and more faeries to take you deeper into the world of faery then you have ever been before. This magical book has so much to offer whether you are just curious about faeries, whether you are an avid faery lover, or whether you are seeking guidance from those elusive and captivating creatures. Not only a must for Brian Froud and Alan Lee fans but also for those with a passion for the faeries and for beautiful art.

Brian Froud - World Of Froud

Brian Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian Froud @ Abrams Books

(includes 1 Poster + 8 Frameable Prints)
On sale: 15 November 2010
Price (AU): $49.95
ISBN: 9780810995864
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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Anxious Hearts

Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw

Home Is Where The Heart Is!

Gabriel and Evangeline, Eva and Gabe; two couples living more then one hundred years apart sacrifice everything to find what it means to love and be loved. Despite their differences both couples experience similar hardships and separation through distance, time, grief and death only to discover true love in the end.

Ever since that day under the docks when Gabe and Eva lost their shoes Eva knew that no matter what was to happen in the future, she would follow Gabe anywhere. But that was years ago, and although neither have talked to each other since that day, although years later Gabe disappears without a trace, she knows she would follow him still.

As children Gabriel and Evangeline played together but it was as they grew older that they realised their true feelings for each other. Even when on their wedding day when Gabriel and Evangeline were torn apart, neither would give up on the love they felt for each other, even if it meant they would lose each other in the end.

Anxious Hearts is a love story caught somewhere between dreaming, imagining and memories of a past life. It is a tale of longing, losing and finding love, but not all endings are happy ones. The alternate perspectives are the heart of this story with both Eva and Gabriel searching for the one person in their lives who make them feel complete.

Tucker Shaw @ Thames & Hudson

Tucker Shaw @ Abrams Books

On sale: 06 July 2010
Price (AU): $24.95
ISBN: 9780810987180
Recommended age: 14+
In a word: Love
Re-read it: yes
Recommend: yes
Star rating: four out of five
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The Heart of Faerie Oracle

The Heart of Faerie Oracle by Brian & Wendy Froud

Pick A Card, Any Card, And Enter The World Of Faerie!

When you enter the world of Faerie you enter another world, a world of magic and love that is opened to you through your imagination and is guided by the wisdom and beauty of faeries. Each faerie encountered along the way is a unique being fully thought-out with their own personalities and intriguing quirks. Each faerie encountered is there to guide you on your way.

But the world of Faerie is not at all times giggles and sunshine; there is a deep and complex side to Faerie that is not always easily navigated. However, through each individual faerie and their corresponding card you will find a meaning for each faerie that appears to you on your journey into their magical world.

Each card in the set offers an image that tells its own story as it draws you in, a story that is interpreted and added to by the reader. There are many familiar faces that have returned once again to share their knowledge, but there are also many new faces who have for the first time presented themselves in this charming set.

The Heart of Faerie Oracle showcases the masterful and stunningly beautiful artwork of Brian Froud in such a way as to involve the reader in the enchanting story as narrated by the faeries through Wendy Froud. This is officially the first work the couple have collaborated on together and an interview with Brian and Wendy Froud about this is included.

There is something about Brian Froud's art that is both inspiring and emotional, a raw beauty that looks deep inside and captures the very heart of a thing. That same essence is captured here in this set. Below is my first reading with these lovely cards using the three wishes reading, more about that and the faeries meanings can be found inside The Heart of Faerie Oracle.

The Heart of Faerie Oracle - three wishes reading

Brian & Wendy Froud - World Of Froud

Brian & Wendy Froud @ Thames & Hudson

Brian & Wendy Froud @ Abrams Books

(includes 68 Cards + 160p Hardcover book)
On sale: 1 April 2010
Price (AU): $39.95
ISBN: 9780810988231
Recommended age: 16+
In a word: Faeries
Re-read it: yes, many times
Recommend: yes
Star rating: five out of five
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