The Real World of Fairies: A First-Person Account

by Dora van Gelder Kunz, Caitlín Matthews (Foreword)

The Real World of Fairies is a privileged glimpse into a joyous, animated universe. Dora's enchanting vision of her encounters with the fairy realm delights the child in us, while it excites our grown-up imagination, rekindles our creative energy, and deepens our sense of connection with nature. This new edition features a foreword by Celtic folk expert Caitlin Matthews. Caitlin's personal experiences and deep knowledge of the fairy world resonate brilliantly with Dora's, adding a fresh perspective for contemporary readers.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Fairies

204 pages, Paperback

First published December 25, 2014

Reviews

[Ella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. It is an encyclopedia of fairies, not a memoir of someone who interacted with fairies. As "real" as it purports to be, I expected more narrative, more description or explanation of how this person interacted with them, events with fairies, conversations, what her parents and friends thought about her claims, even what she thought about her experience, whether she ever thought it was strange that she could see these creatures when most people can't. There is no introspection, and no story. It reads like a catalog, not (excuse the unavoidable cliche) a fairy story.

Worth it if your are REALLY into any and all information about fairies, as there are some interesting bits and certainly many unique descriptions, but don't be fooled by the "first-person account" subtitle.

[Carla Cilvik · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually quit reading a book midstream, but I just couldn't continue. I got about halfway through. What I didn't enjoy was how the fairies and her experiences of them were portrayed... there was just a bit too much detail for believability. I also didn't like the older style in which the language was written. I have since found some other great books on fairies that I plan on enjoying!

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was certain she was making everything up until I got to the Air Fairies chapter, which was very accurately captured, based on my experiences... so, perhaps she indeed could see everything she claimed.

Nevertheless, I find it hard to believe that so many fairies are humanoid to one degree or another. It seems improbable -- there are so many other species of animals in the world... why would they all resemble us? Also, tree spirits aren't quite like what she wrote and not necessarily humanoid as she described (based on my experience).

Not a super entertaining read. She takes a consistently formulaic approach to descriptions which feels tiresome by the end.

[Glendy Bergdorf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this higher because the concept is so fun and the cover is so retro and cute. It was just wayyy too technical for me. I felt like I was reading a textbook and I took no joy in it. I feel like the author could’ve portrayed the same information in a little bit more of an interesting way, but I get that it was written a long time ago. The writing was just not interesting at all and I really wanted to be interested. Honestly, if you’re interested in the subject just read the glossary at the back of the book.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating and amazing, if you are a believer.

[Sevil Gezer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Çok değişik, anlamlandırması güç ama bir taraftan da acaba dedirten bir kitap. Perileri seviyorum, beni çekiyorlar.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. Everything that anyone or at least I wanted to know about fairies is in this book. What they look like, what they eat, what they wear There are also different fairies all over the world, The new england fairies are emerald green , about 30 inches tall and with an oversized head. the author does not talk about a NJ fairy though!!
Enjoy if you decide to read it . There are no photographs which is just as well.

[Erren Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the version of this book that has the author listed as Dora van Gelder, without the addition of Kunz. She is a rare person who can see the fairies and she describes them in detail in this book. If you want to know what fairies really look like, this is your field guide! I use this as a reference book when describing the unseen world in my saga, Beneath the Surface.

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit dry, reads like it was written in the 1800s despite being a 20th century work. It catalogues a lot of varieties of fairies, and would probably be of interest to a dedicated fairy lover, but not to the casually curious.

[Candy Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this BOOK! a real touch into the fairy world and what they really are. i love it. use your imagination and your creativity and your love for nature with this book!


candy

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love fairies or fairy lore so I loved it.

[Maci Dierking · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED This charming and magic filled book of a womans belief in fairies!! Keep your eyes open for wonder is all around.

[Graisi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, though a bit dry and lacking in detail.