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The Goblin Companion : A Field Guide to Goblins
Earthy, enigmatic, and--until now--elusive, the goblin is little known and even less well understood. Thanks to Brian Froud's discovery of the notebooks of Dashe, a goblin portraitist, this rare breed is now an open book. This is a definitive, profusely illustrated field guide to the goblin world, annotated by Terry Jones, Monty Python professor emeritus of Obscure, Absurd and Truly Hilarious Arts. Full-color illustrations.
96 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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1418 people want to read
About the author
Brian Froud
76 books917 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 39 reviews
March 19, 2017
I have always been fond of fantasy and science fiction artwork and especially sketch books the sheer creativity of these people is astounding.
So here we have Brian Froud - a master of goblin kind part way responsible for the creation of Labyrinth and long time collaborator of Jim Henson.
Much can be said of Mr Froud - reading tales of the making of Labyrinth makes it sound almost as impossible and fantastic as the film itself.
Any one of the things it spawned was the association of Brain Froud with all thing Goblin, this book a perfect point in case. What you have is the tale of a number of impossible journals coming in to his possession charting and documenting the various types of Goblins, their histories and legends.
In short you have a sketch book with very entertaining and funny anecdotes all of which are loosely related to the Labyrinth. In fact the book itself also acknowledges Terry Jones who helped write the original story and who I suspect had a hand in some of the entries.
So if you enjoy fantasy artwork sketchbooks and enjoy the anarchic world of Labyrinth then this book is a must, not bad for a random find at a local second hand store.
So here we have Brian Froud - a master of goblin kind part way responsible for the creation of Labyrinth and long time collaborator of Jim Henson.
Much can be said of Mr Froud - reading tales of the making of Labyrinth makes it sound almost as impossible and fantastic as the film itself.
Any one of the things it spawned was the association of Brain Froud with all thing Goblin, this book a perfect point in case. What you have is the tale of a number of impossible journals coming in to his possession charting and documenting the various types of Goblins, their histories and legends.
In short you have a sketch book with very entertaining and funny anecdotes all of which are loosely related to the Labyrinth. In fact the book itself also acknowledges Terry Jones who helped write the original story and who I suspect had a hand in some of the entries.
So if you enjoy fantasy artwork sketchbooks and enjoy the anarchic world of Labyrinth then this book is a must, not bad for a random find at a local second hand store.
February 4, 2018
Listen! Do you hear that? It's coming from above. It sounds like something squawking, "Damm you gravity!"
Quick! Duck! Hit the decks!
The Amom Pherriginus didn't hit you, did it? Good. It's a type of bird that doesn't have feathers, so it glues feathers on. Sometimes, though, its wings get stuck together. You know how it is with Crazy Glue.
It's really heavy. See that hole?
Froud and Jones' guide to goblins is a very handy resource. You learn a great many thing about goblins. A list, by no means complete or even accurate:
1. Tallow Goblins do mean things to thier grannies.
2. Never, ever try to steal a Tallow Goblins purse.
3. Loch Ness does exist.
4. Ladies, watch out for detachable members (yes, those types of members! There was even a picture. You would think it would hurt.)
5. Never hear the story of Luerk.
6. Knitting can be fatal.
7. Twark's are good kissers, though why you would want to kiss one is beyond me.
8. You can tame worms.
9. Beware of Agnes.
10. The Sacred Bone of Whence
11. Goblins have a law aganist sex:
As well as many other useful facts that I forgot because I was laughing too hard.
The only drawback to the book, if drawback it be, is that you find yourself humming David Bowie music inbetween laugh riots. (Make sure you go the WC before reading. Consider yourself warned!)
Quick! Duck! Hit the decks!
The Amom Pherriginus didn't hit you, did it? Good. It's a type of bird that doesn't have feathers, so it glues feathers on. Sometimes, though, its wings get stuck together. You know how it is with Crazy Glue.
It's really heavy. See that hole?
Froud and Jones' guide to goblins is a very handy resource. You learn a great many thing about goblins. A list, by no means complete or even accurate:
1. Tallow Goblins do mean things to thier grannies.
2. Never, ever try to steal a Tallow Goblins purse.
3. Loch Ness does exist.
4. Ladies, watch out for detachable members (yes, those types of members! There was even a picture. You would think it would hurt.)
5. Never hear the story of Luerk.
6. Knitting can be fatal.
7. Twark's are good kissers, though why you would want to kiss one is beyond me.
8. You can tame worms.
9. Beware of Agnes.
10. The Sacred Bone of Whence
11. Goblins have a law aganist sex:
(a) They don't follow it
(b) They smell during the act. I mean really smell.
As well as many other useful facts that I forgot because I was laughing too hard.
The only drawback to the book, if drawback it be, is that you find yourself humming David Bowie music inbetween laugh riots. (Make sure you go the WC before reading. Consider yourself warned!)
You remind of the babe.
What babe?
The babe with the power.
What power?
The power of voodoo.
Who do?
You do.
Do what?
Remind me of the babe.
June 27, 2007
This is a smaller volume of a larger book for the art of Labyrinth by Brian Froud. Terry Jones has compiled here a field guide for the goblins of Labyrinth. I love this book. The size of the book and its soft cover, besides the great artwork, make this a great find.
Froud has been one of my art heroes ever since I saw The Dark Crystal, as a kid. The writing is great and I was very pleased to see this book released. My university had a copy of the larger volume, but there were only so many times I could check it out without getting depressed.
I love the coffee stains on some of the pictures. Some were made into creatures/faces. This is a favorite of my collection.
Froud has been one of my art heroes ever since I saw The Dark Crystal, as a kid. The writing is great and I was very pleased to see this book released. My university had a copy of the larger volume, but there were only so many times I could check it out without getting depressed.
I love the coffee stains on some of the pictures. Some were made into creatures/faces. This is a favorite of my collection.
January 26, 2022
A Field Guide to Goblins is a delightful little sketchbook of goblins inspired by Labyrinth, but it can be enjoyed without knowing anything about the film. If you are into concept art, especially of fantastical creatures, it is one of the better books I have seen. The illustrations are fantastic and manifold, and the accompanying text is a lot of fun. Together, they do a lot to spark the imagination.
October 7, 2017
Brian Froud's amusing goblins are fun to look at and the writing was reasonable. As with any book by Mr Froud it's the artwork that they invariably get purchased for not the writing.
Fun as always.
Fun as always.
March 7, 2010
Another brilliant illustrated Goblin book by Brian Froud and told by Terry Jones. There are so many little wicked cool little critters in this book that little boys would love! They are creepy little guys with humorous stories that go along with each of them. I love the imagination that goes into each of the characters he creates. They are just brilliant! It is a worthwhile read for anyone who enjoys dark humor.
April 18, 2022
The illustrations are 4-5 stars, however the text was not for me. I would of preferred that any description should be on the same page as the image annoying otherwise and I don’t like footnotes especially when I feel I need a magnifying glass to read. So yes text not for me but enjoyed the illustrations.
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May 28, 2025Amo a Brian Froud. Mientras la mayoría de los fanáticos de la película "Laberinto" lo son por Davvid Bowie, y algunos por Jim Henson, yo formo parte del grupo que la ama por ser dibujos de Brian Froud Hechos "reales" en una película. Y siendo este libro una recopilación de diseños que se hicieron para la Ciudad Goblin, se puede decir que es una joya para tener. Al punto de que me lo han robado, y por lo tanto lo he comprado dos veces (la primera en inglés, la segunda en español).
Así y todo, cuando se me dio por leerlo, me ha resultado deprimente, a pesar de que la intención era que fuese gracioso. Si bien se que los escritos fueron puestos para acompañar los dibujos hechos previamente (cosa que suele pasar con este, mi ilustrador favorito), y que seguro habrán sido aprobados por él, da la impresión de haber sido escrito sin pensar demasiado.
La introducción si, me parece magistral. Y algunos seres muy atractivos en sus historias. Me ha pintado mucho de la Ciudad Goblin dándole todo un trasfondo que no conocía... pero que por alguna razón me ha reforzado las razones por las que Sarah DEBÍA escapar del Laberinto con Toby. No es un lugar en donde quisiera vivir, exactamente...
Así y todo, cuando se me dio por leerlo, me ha resultado deprimente, a pesar de que la intención era que fuese gracioso. Si bien se que los escritos fueron puestos para acompañar los dibujos hechos previamente (cosa que suele pasar con este, mi ilustrador favorito), y que seguro habrán sido aprobados por él, da la impresión de haber sido escrito sin pensar demasiado.
La introducción si, me parece magistral. Y algunos seres muy atractivos en sus historias. Me ha pintado mucho de la Ciudad Goblin dándole todo un trasfondo que no conocía... pero que por alguna razón me ha reforzado las razones por las que Sarah DEBÍA escapar del Laberinto con Toby. No es un lugar en donde quisiera vivir, exactamente...
May 22, 2018
Froud's artwork is amazing, and I enjoyed the look at the denizens of the Labyrinth. The accompanying stories ranged from amusing to just meh; I may have had higher expectations from Terry Jones, as a fan of his work in film.
March 8, 2019
Fans of the film "Labyrinth" will adore this book. The names are a fantastic play on words and the descriptions are... well... as descriptive as you can get when one considers how uncooperative goblins can be.
April 21, 2020
Beautifully drawn and bound book. The sketches are so good. Its the only book I've ever read where the Footnotes at the bottom of the page is worth reading because even they are funny.
Book front and back have padding, gives a real luxurious feel?
Book front and back have padding, gives a real luxurious feel?
December 30, 2025
Genuinely one of my favorite books of all time. When I told my fiancé about it, he found out it was connected to The Labyrinth, a movie I have never seen. But I still love this and I'm sure I'll love it even more when I someday see that movie lmao.
May 3, 2019
amazing.
July 31, 2019
Completely bonkers, and amazing art.
July 8, 2021
As a fan of Froud’s art, I greatly enjoyed seeing these illustrations and reading the humorous stories that were created for each of them. An easy and fun read that I will likely return to.
December 8, 2021
A superb art book....
June 21, 2023
Great fun. Made me laugh out loud.
August 8, 2023
this was such a fun, silly book. Genuinely made me laugh out loud multiple times, and the quick sketches are wonderful!
January 1, 2026
jolly fun time. looove Brian Froud's artwork.
December 5, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
Here's a pretty fun book on goblins.
Brian Froud takes the role as an eminent part-time goblinologist — what? — who discovers forty-three notebooks in a 60-million-year old vase. On these notebooks are stories of goblins and legends. Together with his colleague, Terry Jones, they reconstructed this, The Goblin Companion.
Terry Jones is a member of the Monty Python comedy team. He introduces the different interesting goblin characters and his writeup often humorous. The combination of witty commentary and delightful goblin sketches make this a wonderful book.
It's a little book that's slightly larger than a DVD cover.
January 4, 2015
Having read Trolls earlier this year, it is clear that Froud was trying out a new format presentation with the Goblin Companion., as it was a big departure from the Lady Cottington series and the Runes of Elfland. Froud presents us with a compendium (compact of course to reflect his small subject matter) that introduces a variety of the goblins of the labyrinth. Each has their own unique personality and story, even though there is a certain stylistic unity among the creatures. As per usual, the illustrations were top-notch, as Froud clearly found a lot of interest among his goblin variations, bu I would hae enjoyed slightly more robust textual content, as many of the creatures barely got an introduction!
January 23, 2012
This is sort of like a visual companion to the movie The Labryinth. Goblinland and it's inhabitants are laid out for you in true Brian Froud and Terry Jones style. It's fully enjoyable and reminds you why the joining up of Froud, Jim Hensen and David Bowie for the movie was so magical in the first place.
The art is superb, the layout is amazing, much like a field journal. It all comes together in a volume that any Froud, Hensen or Labryinth enthusiast will want to have.
The art is superb, the layout is amazing, much like a field journal. It all comes together in a volume that any Froud, Hensen or Labryinth enthusiast will want to have.
December 8, 2007
Copyright 1986. This book is a wonderful reconstruction of 43 Goblin artist notebooks found in an archaeological dig in Tanzania. Sir Brian Froud has sketched the goblin portraits, and a Mr. Terry Jones has translated the nonsensical and pointless bios of each Goblin. A must read for any connoisseur of fine French wine!
December 11, 2015
Los que tenéis, como yo, la obra de Brian Froud en el corazón por haberle descubierto en películas como "Labyrinth", disfrutaréis enormemente con este libro. De formato grande y generoso, los dibujos se expanden a todo color y se añaden también deliciosos bocetos de personajes sin entintar. Una obra llena de magia.
July 26, 2014
This book makes fora great light read. Every Goblin has it's own short story of origin, or just a few paragraphs of tidbits about the creature. The illustrations are delightful, making this the easiest way to kill an hour on Earth. Highly recommended for fans of either Jim Henson, or simply the Labyrinth :)
October 9, 2016
After Rackham, Froud is one of my favourite illustrators of imaginary worlds and fantastic creatures. This doesn't disappoint - the sublime and the ridiculous are perfectly combined as Froud's endearing and daft goblin creatures meet Terry Jones' absurd and wacky description. I laughed, I wailed, I grunted. I gnashed my tusks and rooted around in my armpits for edible fungi.
November 11, 2016
What a charming little illustrated Goblin book!! I stumbled across this at a book stand for just 65p.... what a bargain and so worth every penny!
I love how each Goblin character has their own little story told in a very humourous way and detailed sketches of each.
Brian Frouds imagination is superb and his humour is fantastic, a very enjoyable read for all ages!
I love how each Goblin character has their own little story told in a very humourous way and detailed sketches of each.
Brian Frouds imagination is superb and his humour is fantastic, a very enjoyable read for all ages!
March 2, 2012
My sister gave me this book. She said I should like a book about goblins since I was one! To my everlasting chagrin, she was right! (I mean the part about me liking the book, not the part about me being a goblin. At least I think so).
December 7, 2016
My landlady found four copies of this when she was cleaning out the basement. Sure, why not?
I guess it was supposed to be a children's book? The words were pretty ambitious, and there were a whole lot of references to weird goblin sex.
I guess it was supposed to be a children's book? The words were pretty ambitious, and there were a whole lot of references to weird goblin sex.
August 6, 2011
Amazing, just amazing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews