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Brian Froud's World of Faerie
Drawing inspiration from the gnarled shrubbery of England's windswept moorlands, Brian Froud is best known for being the mad genius behind Jim Henson's film The Dark Crystal and illustrating such best-sellers as Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book. In this volume, a long-awaited sequel to his international best-sellers Faeries and Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, Froud returns to the world of faerie with a wealth of new, never-before-seen paintings, watercolors, and drawings. Brian Froud's World of Faerie offers us a startling new vision of the magical realm, enhanced by Froud's own words about his experiences and insights. This lavish, full-color book opens the door to Brian Froud's wondrous imagination as never before. It presents beautiful portrayals of faeries that have touched hearts and minds for generations. World of Faerie is by far Froud's most personal book, and represents this visionary artist and creator of fantasy worlds at the pinnacle of his powers. This encompassing volume is a must-have for faerie and fantasy fans of all ages, the world over.
168 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2007
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2689 people want to read
About the author
Brian Froud
76 books916 followersBrian Froud is an award-winning illustrator, author, and faery authority. His books include the international best-sellers Faeries, Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book, Lady Cottington's Fairy Album, and The Faeries' Oracle. He also served as the conceptual designer on Jim Henson's films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Froud lives in Devon, England.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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"I paint the spirit and soul of what I see." - Brian Froud
For over 35 years, Brian Froud has been regarded as the pre-eminent faerie artist in the world and an authority on faeries and faerie lore. His international best-selling book, FAERIES with fantasy and Tolkien illustrator Alan Lee is considered a modern classic. His landmark work with Jim Henson as conceptual designer on feature films THE DARK CRYSTAL, LABYRINTH and other Henson projects set new standards for design, puppeteering and animatronics in film and are considered landmarks in the evolution of modern day special effects and attract an international cult following . With over 8 million books sold to date, Brian's international best sellers include LADY COTTINGTON'S PRESSED FAIRY BOOK, GOOD FAERIES / BAD FAERIES and THE FAERIES' ORACLE and LADY COTTINGTON'S FAIRY ALBUM. Other works with text by Ari Berk include GOBLINS!, RUNES OF ELFLAND, LADY COTTINGTON PRESSED FAIRY LETTERS and BRIAN FROUD'S WORLD OF FAERIE. His latest books are THE HEART OF FAERIE ORACLE, authored by his wife, Wendy and HOW TO SEE FAERIES, with New York Times best-selling author, John Matthews are published by Abrams Books. He and Wendy are now working on their forthcoming book, TROLLS, to be published by Abrams in 2012.
Brian's work has been licensed by numerous licensing companies internationally. His work inspires Faerieworlds and FaerieCon, festival events that attract over 30,000 guests annually. Brian created concept designs for a sequel to THE DARK CRYSTAL, produced by the Jim Henson Company and is developing concept designs for feature film projects now in development. He and Wendy created the story concept for a graphic novel series based on THE DARK CRYSTAL to be published by Archaia Comics in 2011. His work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the world and his paintings reside in many private and public collections. Brian lives in Devon, England with his wife, internationally acclaimed doll maker Wendy Froud.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 29, 2022
Nice art book with some very unusual interpretations of the Fae World. Recommended
January 9, 2008
Brian Froud has truly outdone himself with this book. All of his art books are a delight to read, but this book gives the "Froudian" something we have been wanting for the last 20-some years or more...a glimpse into his process. Although the "peek into his studio" was mildly disappointing (I was expecting to see more than just a single desktop with books and knick knacks...as wonderful as these objects were), the essay on the next page from Wendy Froud, describing what it's like to live with Brian when he's creating, almost made up for the disappointment.
The best parts of the book were the full-page descriptions beside some of Froud's art, describing in detail their symbolism, origin of props, and compositional intent. THIS is what I've wanted to see. Froud very clearly knows what he's talking about...backward and forward. I pride myself on knowing quite a bit of folklore and myth, and he taught me numerous things in these passing commentaries next to the artworks.
Not to mention the gorgeous presentation of this oversized book, with its beautiful fey slip cover, and lovely modern-medieval art design on the hardcover binding, the miniature booklets found on certain pages, and the inclusion of the illustrated Gaiman poem poster in the back of the book.
This is Froud at his finest, and it shows why he's not simply some British hippie faerie-lover who helped Jim Henson design a couple of movies (Labyrinth, Dark Crystal). He is instead a brilliant mind of our time, and a contributor to the world of imagination and myth whose name should be spoken of in the same sentence as Rackham, Goble, and Joseph Campbell.
The best parts of the book were the full-page descriptions beside some of Froud's art, describing in detail their symbolism, origin of props, and compositional intent. THIS is what I've wanted to see. Froud very clearly knows what he's talking about...backward and forward. I pride myself on knowing quite a bit of folklore and myth, and he taught me numerous things in these passing commentaries next to the artworks.
Not to mention the gorgeous presentation of this oversized book, with its beautiful fey slip cover, and lovely modern-medieval art design on the hardcover binding, the miniature booklets found on certain pages, and the inclusion of the illustrated Gaiman poem poster in the back of the book.
This is Froud at his finest, and it shows why he's not simply some British hippie faerie-lover who helped Jim Henson design a couple of movies (Labyrinth, Dark Crystal). He is instead a brilliant mind of our time, and a contributor to the world of imagination and myth whose name should be spoken of in the same sentence as Rackham, Goble, and Joseph Campbell.
January 14, 2022
I've always been in love with Faeries (as you can tell by my username so when I saw this book sitting on the shelves of a bookstore, I knew I needed it. Brian Froud's artwork is some of the best I have seen. It's truly inspiring to see his portrayals of the fae. The Artwork alone is worth 5 stars but I loved the little tidbit of information he threw in as well. All in all, it's gorgeous.
August 16, 2023
While I was (and still am) impressed by Froud's art and traditional descriptions of the Fae in his 1978 FAERIES, I was not a fan of this (self indulgent) discussion of his process and how he thinks that faeries are real. Some of the art was still well done and the discussion of folkloric themes decently written, but as to the rest, not so much. A certain amount of artwork in this edition is either repeated from earlier books, or repeated from earlier pages in this book. 2.5 stars.
December 5, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
Brian Froud has illustrated several books on faeries but Brian Froud's World of Faerie is the most lavish art book yet.
The book is beautifully constructed and filled with masterful paintings and sketches printed on low gloss paper. Just like other books published by Insight Editions, there are also several little booklets pasted onto the pages. At the end of the book in an envelope is a poster of a poem by Neil Gaiman.
He paints as if he's beside the faeries themselves. His commentary introduces us to the world and secrets of faeries, showing us the many disguises and types of faeries. He even has his own interpretation for classic stories like Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan.
There are not just faeries but other mysterious creatures like unicorns, trolls, green women and phyllomantic men. Phyllomancy is the art of divination by listening to the rustling of leaves. Interesting details like such accompany the paintings.
This is a nice book for fantasy art lovers or fans of Brian Froud.
March 28, 2010
Brian Froud has done it again with another beautifully illustrated book about Faeries! I truly enjoyed reading it; I love the humor that he puts into his books as well. Absolutely brilliant! :D He even added little smaller picture books inside, which were a really nice surprise. :) I highly recommend this book for anyone who is a fan of Brian Froud’s work. It will not disappoint any fantasy art lover. :D
May 13, 2012
Unlike the brillaint Good Faeries/ Bad Faeries and Goblins a lot of this book is rehashed artwork from other volumes.
January 16, 2023
A recommended book given to its fantasy content. Although not having intimately explored Brian Froud before I have a feeling that I have probably seen some of his works but never knew the name of the artist nor was ever inclined to seek him out. And looking at the included pieces I can most definitely tell why.
First of all the book isn't just a profile of his artwork in the hopes of gaining new fans or providing explanations to anyone who chooses to follow in his step. Instead it starts off with a Foreword in which his one-in-a-lifetime imagination and the magic of his works are touted by someone who has worked with him. To me it just felt like a bit more grandstanding before getting into the work and not actually a section that would provide me with more information on this artist I have never heard of before.
From there the reader is taken into the book with a quote and led into a foldable pullout of a section of his studio. This was probably the most interesting to me since I really wanted to see if I knew any of the books that were included before noticing this his own books had a notable space on the shelf. The reader is then kicked out of the studio to listen to his wife as she explains what it is like when he gets artist block or as she puts it the Faerie people run off with his creativity.
The writing then whirls to all kinds of rabbit trails where there are quotes given, symbolism into reading his pieces of works, history of Faerie lore and his own private history thrown all together in a madness that can only be considered Alice's rabbit hole. He waxes on how all women are part faerie in another section then explains in their world the tables are turned so even if they are feminine they replace the male thus stacking both traits on each other. Why couldn't we have just left off the text or used captions that just explained parts of the symbolism used in his work?
The artwork tends to veer to mostly dark colors and with the exception of a few pieces were mostly crowded so much that it was hard to figure out where to focus your actual eyes on. Both human models and faerie creatures were commonly reused such as the faerie with the frog legs, the dandelion fluff creature or even some of the background trolls. Other characters were quite fantastical and as such had really very disproportionate bodies that were really painful to look at.
Furthermore a few favorites of Brian Froud's seems to be an obsession with red hair and the portrayal of female nudes with the lower genitalia creatively covered up. He explains the latter as being his way of showing the innocent honesty of his faerie creatures who have nothing to cover up but as such this would be a book I wouldn't recommend for children whose guardians don't want them to see any of that.
To offset his portfolio he does also include a coupe of mini-books in the pages that gather like artwork together for the reader to peruse, pencil drawings, his paints and also a few photographic shots in which he added components to them to make them into art. As such the reader who is a bit more open than me may end up discovering something they like.
Furthermore was it just me or did this feel like a last bid to try to curry more fans for artwork than what he has? Anyway in the end although it was okay it just wasn't the type of art book that interested me thus may Brian Froud have his fans appear to him just as his Fay subjects appear when they want to be painted.
First of all the book isn't just a profile of his artwork in the hopes of gaining new fans or providing explanations to anyone who chooses to follow in his step. Instead it starts off with a Foreword in which his one-in-a-lifetime imagination and the magic of his works are touted by someone who has worked with him. To me it just felt like a bit more grandstanding before getting into the work and not actually a section that would provide me with more information on this artist I have never heard of before.
From there the reader is taken into the book with a quote and led into a foldable pullout of a section of his studio. This was probably the most interesting to me since I really wanted to see if I knew any of the books that were included before noticing this his own books had a notable space on the shelf. The reader is then kicked out of the studio to listen to his wife as she explains what it is like when he gets artist block or as she puts it the Faerie people run off with his creativity.
The writing then whirls to all kinds of rabbit trails where there are quotes given, symbolism into reading his pieces of works, history of Faerie lore and his own private history thrown all together in a madness that can only be considered Alice's rabbit hole. He waxes on how all women are part faerie in another section then explains in their world the tables are turned so even if they are feminine they replace the male thus stacking both traits on each other. Why couldn't we have just left off the text or used captions that just explained parts of the symbolism used in his work?
The artwork tends to veer to mostly dark colors and with the exception of a few pieces were mostly crowded so much that it was hard to figure out where to focus your actual eyes on. Both human models and faerie creatures were commonly reused such as the faerie with the frog legs, the dandelion fluff creature or even some of the background trolls. Other characters were quite fantastical and as such had really very disproportionate bodies that were really painful to look at.
Furthermore a few favorites of Brian Froud's seems to be an obsession with red hair and the portrayal of female nudes with the lower genitalia creatively covered up. He explains the latter as being his way of showing the innocent honesty of his faerie creatures who have nothing to cover up but as such this would be a book I wouldn't recommend for children whose guardians don't want them to see any of that.
To offset his portfolio he does also include a coupe of mini-books in the pages that gather like artwork together for the reader to peruse, pencil drawings, his paints and also a few photographic shots in which he added components to them to make them into art. As such the reader who is a bit more open than me may end up discovering something they like.
Furthermore was it just me or did this feel like a last bid to try to curry more fans for artwork than what he has? Anyway in the end although it was okay it just wasn't the type of art book that interested me thus may Brian Froud have his fans appear to him just as his Fay subjects appear when they want to be painted.
March 14, 2019
WOW! What an amazing experience. I still remember discovering Brian Froud's work and now I have this little window into his world. I have had this book for ages, but was being really precious about it (along with the rest of my Froud library). I wanted the conditions to be perfect. The perfect chair, the perfect lighting, the perfect cup of tea. But as we all know, nothing is perfect and we miss out on so much by trying to make it so.
So I just decided that it was time to stop being so precious and start enjoying my books. I popped this into my bookbag, took it with me for the day, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was inspiring to me not only as a person, but as a writer.
So I just decided that it was time to stop being so precious and start enjoying my books. I popped this into my bookbag, took it with me for the day, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was inspiring to me not only as a person, but as a writer.
July 10, 2019
One of my favorite artists. Looking at his paintings and then then reading the descriptions feels like you literally entered a new world. You'll never look at a tree or a pond the same way again. Each image is full of mystery and wonder. Very inspiring artwork! He is our modern-day Rackham
November 29, 2019
This was even more art than the last one I read and I probably appreciated it more because of that. There was more poetry than historical accounts. But overall I think I enjoy Froud’s trolls more than his fairies.
November 8, 2018
The paintings and sketches are impossibly lovely and Froud's meditations on art, creation and his spiritual connection to Faerie are profound and moving.
August 5, 2019
Some very nice drawings. I like his studio. It looks like he uses a lot of models for his art.
December 8, 2019
Seriously! For the art alone! But it doesn't end there, does it? The words ... the feels ... beautifully rendered in every way.
October 12, 2022
Well, that was...odd.
January 7, 2023
The art in this book is unique and different from what I would normally enjoy. There were a few things in a few paintings I liked but overall I wouldn't say I'm a fan.
January 22, 2020
The art in here is so inspiring and so is the writing.
October 2, 2019
Can I be a little disappointed in this?
I've waited years to buy my own Brian Froud book. I would obsess over my friends copy of Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book when I was a teen but owning my own copy was never within my financial reach at the time. I was however gifted a beautiful Tarot Card set of Brian Frouds art that I have treasured to this day. I also feel like I need to say that I was never into The Labyrinth or the Dark Crystal, so maybe I was never really as big of a fan as I thought I was?
Froud's art continues to be beautiful but viewing it from a more adult perspective, I'm not as enchanted as I used to be. The accompanying text drifts into hokey too much to leave much of an impression so it's the art that has to do all the talking. According to Froud's own text, fairy tends toward the feminine so there is a lot of female bodies here. And I guess a little bit of credit is due that for drawing and painting from a male gaze there is a wide variety of different bodies here and not always ones that would be considered traditionally beautiful for women. They do seem to be of anglo appliance though but I guess the myths and legends the artist takes inspiration from are those of an anglo origin.
Anyway. This would be a great book for a coffee table. It's huge and yet fascinating enough for a lingering flick through. It is NOT a read in bed book, as I learned. Too heavy and too big. It, also, doesn't live up to my memories of Lady Cottington's.
I've waited years to buy my own Brian Froud book. I would obsess over my friends copy of Lady Cottington's Pressed Fairy Book when I was a teen but owning my own copy was never within my financial reach at the time. I was however gifted a beautiful Tarot Card set of Brian Frouds art that I have treasured to this day. I also feel like I need to say that I was never into The Labyrinth or the Dark Crystal, so maybe I was never really as big of a fan as I thought I was?
Froud's art continues to be beautiful but viewing it from a more adult perspective, I'm not as enchanted as I used to be. The accompanying text drifts into hokey too much to leave much of an impression so it's the art that has to do all the talking. According to Froud's own text, fairy tends toward the feminine so there is a lot of female bodies here. And I guess a little bit of credit is due that for drawing and painting from a male gaze there is a wide variety of different bodies here and not always ones that would be considered traditionally beautiful for women. They do seem to be of anglo appliance though but I guess the myths and legends the artist takes inspiration from are those of an anglo origin.
Anyway. This would be a great book for a coffee table. It's huge and yet fascinating enough for a lingering flick through. It is NOT a read in bed book, as I learned. Too heavy and too big. It, also, doesn't live up to my memories of Lady Cottington's.
December 18, 2016
Sometimes Mr. Froud comes off as a little sappy and perhaps leans a little towards making brown-nosing generalizations about women, but there's no denying his art is beautiful and can make you believe in magic.
August 23, 2008
Once again Brian Froud acts as an interpreter into the world of the fey. No one captures faery quite like Mr Froud and this book shows some of his most amazing drawings. Throughout his book he talks of his inspiration, the fey themselves and how he strives to correctly capture the forever changing creatures.
An excellent look into the mind of a wonderful artist.
An excellent look into the mind of a wonderful artist.
February 28, 2007
This is another one that I had to pay through the nose for as it's out of print and has been for several years. I managed to track down a brand new copy that had been in a warehouse since like the late 70's. I don't ever take it out of the protective jacket that it is in, so don't ask me to. :)
February 28, 2009
Anything and everything Brian Froud EVER does I LOVE!!! He is my hero. He did the puppets for the movie The Labyrinth and his son, Toby played the baby Toby, and he and his wife did Yoda for Star Wars. Basically he is a BA and I want to live in his world. :)
March 23, 2011
Brian Froud out does himself in this one ! There's the wonderful drawings from his other books. Plus, he does the text by himself this time. I liked getting a glimpse of his paints and sketch books. I don't doubt that he has seen the faeries and communicated with them !
May 7, 2012
One of my favorite artists. Looking at his paintings and then then reading the descriptions feels like you literally entered a new world. You'll never look at a tree or a pond the same way again. Each image is full of mystery and wonder. Very inspiring artwork! He is our modern-day Rackham.
March 7, 2013
All I have to say is how incredibly brilliant Brian Froud is. He obviously has made quite an impact on countless people. The Dark Crystal, The Labyrinth, and so many fascinating books full of aesthetic wonder are the reasons he's one of my favorite artists.
January 10, 2008
A great gift for any fan of Froud's work or the like, but it seems a bit padded if you will.
January 15, 2008
If only Brian Froud didn't write in his art books. His earnest treatises on the validity and magic of faeries only serves to sap some magic out of his paintings.
January 19, 2008
Many of these illustrations can be found in other of Brian Froud's books, but never have they been collected with such fun accoutrements, and the volume itself is beautiful.
March 25, 2009
I live, eat, and breathe Brian Froud, so for me there is nothing better than this latest addition to his faery collection. Truly awe-inspiring work.
May 11, 2010
Brian Froud is a visionary and inspiration and an absolutely stunning artist. I adore him!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews