The little book of fairies - Anna Franklin

The figure of the fairy continues to intrigue and enchant, even though most people now consider fairies only as bedtime fodder for children. Only a few hundred years ago, though, belief in fairies was absolute. Fairy goodwill had to be kept by the correct methods of address, the right offerings and the keeping of taboos: you should not spy on fairies, swear or whistle in their presence or fall asleep on one of their haunts, or disturb their revels. Stories of the fairies are rooted in an age that shared a world-view very different from ours; one when every tree, rock, hill, meadow, stream or lake contained a spirit in the form of a nymph. The Little Book of Fairies looks at twenty-two of these fairy legends from around the world, from the gentle English water fairy to the dwarfish German Zwerge, by way of the strange vampire fairies called 'Ieles', hobgoblins or hearth spirits, and our mischievous Puck. It will appeal to children of all ages, from nought to ninety. Set to become an enduring classic. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in folklore, magic or nature, and their exquisite, jewel-like illustrations will give pleasure for years.