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Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk
In Ireland, the frightening leannán sídhe suck the life from artists and poets in exchange for muse-like inspiration. Japanese nikusui are known for their troublesome habit of blowing out the flames of lanterns--as well as consuming the flesh of human men. From the domovoy of Russia to the vampiric, bird-like bruxa of Portugal, from Malaysia's hantu tetek to English brownies and the tomte of Sweden, the world is full of mystical creatures who, the authors of Fairylore argue, are part of the world of the fae.
In this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia, Drs. Brittany Warman and Sara Cleto, founders of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, explore the myths and history behind these awe-inspiring, sometimes-frightening, always alluring beings. By emphasizing the connection between fae folk in every culture and throughout time, they uncover the ways in which storytellers have seen magic animate the unexplained for millennia. Sections dedicated to fairies of the home, of nature, of love and romance, and more emphasize the variety of fairies, each bookended by a classic piece of lore broken down by the authors' expert analysis. This is a enchanting and fascinating reference for any reader who has ever wanted to learn more about the stories behind the beings that animate their favorite novels, movies, and games.
In this beautifully illustrated encyclopedia, Drs. Brittany Warman and Sara Cleto, founders of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, explore the myths and history behind these awe-inspiring, sometimes-frightening, always alluring beings. By emphasizing the connection between fae folk in every culture and throughout time, they uncover the ways in which storytellers have seen magic animate the unexplained for millennia. Sections dedicated to fairies of the home, of nature, of love and romance, and more emphasize the variety of fairies, each bookended by a classic piece of lore broken down by the authors' expert analysis. This is a enchanting and fascinating reference for any reader who has ever wanted to learn more about the stories behind the beings that animate their favorite novels, movies, and games.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published February 10, 2026
13 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 9, 2026
Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is an absolute treasure of a book — the kind you want to own in physical form, keep on your shelf, and return to again and again. 🧚♀️✨
Warman and Cleto present the fae as they truly are across global folklore: helpful, dangerous, mischievous, seductive, terrifying, and deeply tied to the cultures that imagined them. I loved how expansive and inclusive this compendium is, moving far beyond Western European traditions to explore fae folk from Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. 🌍
The illustrations are stunning. Truly stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful. I found myself lingering on pages just to take in the artwork, which perfectly complements the text rather than overwhelming it. This would make an exceptional coffee-table book, reference text, or gift for folklore lovers.
What really sets this apart is the scholarship. The authors thoughtfully address issues of colonial influence, translation gaps, and cultural context without ever becoming dry or inaccessible. It’s informative, respectful, and clearly a labour of love.
Highly recommended for readers interested in folklore, mythology, witchcraft, fairy studies, or anyone who’s ever felt drawn to the fae. This book is pure magic. ✨📚
Warman and Cleto present the fae as they truly are across global folklore: helpful, dangerous, mischievous, seductive, terrifying, and deeply tied to the cultures that imagined them. I loved how expansive and inclusive this compendium is, moving far beyond Western European traditions to explore fae folk from Asia, Africa, South America, and beyond. 🌍
The illustrations are stunning. Truly stop-you-in-your-tracks beautiful. I found myself lingering on pages just to take in the artwork, which perfectly complements the text rather than overwhelming it. This would make an exceptional coffee-table book, reference text, or gift for folklore lovers.
What really sets this apart is the scholarship. The authors thoughtfully address issues of colonial influence, translation gaps, and cultural context without ever becoming dry or inaccessible. It’s informative, respectful, and clearly a labour of love.
Highly recommended for readers interested in folklore, mythology, witchcraft, fairy studies, or anyone who’s ever felt drawn to the fae. This book is pure magic. ✨📚
February 17, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Sterling Ethos for the ARC.
I really liked this. It went into enough detail to be satisfying, with mentions of other folklore scholars to look into if you want to dig deeper. It went beyond European and Western folklore to include stuff from Africa, Asia, South America and Austrailia. It also didn't sugarcoat some of the unsavory bits of folklore; they explained where and how some parts can be racist or sexist, which I appreciated. The illustrations were very beautiful as well.
I really liked this. It went into enough detail to be satisfying, with mentions of other folklore scholars to look into if you want to dig deeper. It went beyond European and Western folklore to include stuff from Africa, Asia, South America and Austrailia. It also didn't sugarcoat some of the unsavory bits of folklore; they explained where and how some parts can be racist or sexist, which I appreciated. The illustrations were very beautiful as well.
February 13, 2026
This book is BEAUTIFUL, everything I hoped it would be!!! I think it's in some ways a cross between the two fairy encyclopedias I was obsessed with as a child: the scholarship of Katharine Briggs' "An Encyclopedia of Fairies," combined with the beautiful illustrations of Brian Froud's "Faeries." But lest I diminish by comparison, it is also different from those two—it is much more expansive, encompassing fairies worldwide, not just European. I hope Lia steals this from me some day.
February 10, 2026
Big thanks to Union Sware & Co., Sterling Publishing, and NetGalley for sharing their new incredible collection Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk by Dr. Brittany Warman and Dr. Sara Cleto. It’s kind of fortuitous that I was able to find this book since I just read Donald Quill’s Living the Irish Wheel of the Year, in which he references sidhes, who are like a form of fairies and magical beings in Irish folklore. I imagined that this book would be more focused on Celtic folklore from Ireland, Scotland and Wales, but I was amazed to find that this is a fairly (or fairy?) comprehensive compendium that incorporates folklore figures from various cultures from around the world. While I’ve never been too interested in fairies, I love mythological creatures and cryptids, and the organization of this book allows for the inclusion of creatures and figures that interact with the human world in interesting and unique ways. I actually love this kind of compendium that presents background stories and information about creatures, their strengths and interests in humans, and that is what this book is—a collection of interesting creatures, organized according to how they interact with the human world.
The authors, who are scholars of folklore, present some useful information about what fairies are and how they differ from other creatures, especially those of legends and mythology. Furthermore, they posit 5 different ideas that help to further classify and differentiate fairies from these other creatures. I loved the way the authors presented their rubric for inclusion into fairy classification. It’s an insightful presentation and it helps them also organize the 5 categories they’ve used to organize fairies: Home, Seduction, Terror (my favorite), Nature, and Neighbors. Furthermore, these ideas about how to classify fairies and how they interact with the human world also help to further their thesis that fairies end up revealing a lot about culture, beliefs, and philosophies. These kinds of stories about fairies serve as a way to explain events and phenomena that are typically beyond knowledge, a way to maintain harmony in society by explaining deviant behavior or avoiding blame of others, and also as a means of social control, to indicate what behaviors, actions and beliefs are approved for society and which ones are forbidden or punished. We still may use stories to highlight these beliefs and values today, but often they involve more realism and less magic, so it’s interesting to see how folklore incorporates these kinds of fantastic elements into their stories to serve as methods of instruction and passing down cultural values and beliefs to different generations.
Throughout the book, Dr. Warman and Dr. Cleto identify fairies from around the world, presenting references from both folklore and scholarly work that identifies stories, examples, or explanations of these fairies. I felt like this was one of the many strengths of the book. It features fairy stories from expected cultures like those of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, but also includes instances of fairies from other cultures and regions including the Apache, the Inca, South Africa, Newfoundland, Japan, China, Korea, and Australia. Furthermore, in their commentary and analysis of these fairies, the authors raise questions about whether some of these fairies existed prior to colonial contact, or whether they possible served as a means to explore colonialism and the encroaching loss of indigenous ways. In addition, they note that many of the first recorded instances of these fairies rely on translations, which may or may not be completely accurate or represent the full understanding of the fairies. It’s an important consideration, and I appreciate their ability to raise questions about sources and cultural interpretations and understandings of these fairies. In fact, this was one of those rare books where I couldn’t wait to peruse the bibliography to see how accessible some of their sources are. While they primarily rely on a few sources that are mentioned throughout the book (Briggs, Purkiss), it seems like Dr. Warman and Dr. Cleto consulted a wide array of different sources that were available to them to create a diverse and inclusive compendium of fairies and other creatures. In addition, the authors included a folklore tale at the end of each section that exemplifies or provides an instance of a fairy mentioned in the section. This was also really cool to read the specific references from their sources, since it provides a clear example and shows how the fairies interact. Furthermore, the authors explain how different modes of storytelling (first person accounts, re-tellings, and third-person accounts) all reflect different ways of conveying elements of the culture.
This is a great reference book to have, and I imagine using it both in the classroom and with my kids. It’s also a great starting point to learn more about these fascinating creatures to further understand their relationship with humans and as a means of explaining cultural beliefs, values, and events. As the authors mentioned in the conclusion, fairies have been a part of art, literature, and culture for nearly 500 years with references in Chaucer and Shakespeare, and more recently in Disney films, anime, and even horror films. I was surprised to find references to certain creatures like banshees, oni, and kitsune, but also excited to learn about so many more creatures that appear in different cultures throughout the world. I also have to mention that the illustrations in this book are another fantastic aspect of the book. Most of the fairies have incredible illustrations that help readers better understand conceptions of these fae folk. This is a great book to read and revisit if you are interested in folklore, culture, and creatures. The entries are brief and succinct, giving readers an insightful understanding of these creatures, how they interact with humans, and the possible morals, values, and behaviors they convey to people. This is a book that I would share with my kids, a classroom, or even just read for my own enjoyment. It’s a wonderful compendium where readers are guaranteed to learn a lot. Highly recommended!
The authors, who are scholars of folklore, present some useful information about what fairies are and how they differ from other creatures, especially those of legends and mythology. Furthermore, they posit 5 different ideas that help to further classify and differentiate fairies from these other creatures. I loved the way the authors presented their rubric for inclusion into fairy classification. It’s an insightful presentation and it helps them also organize the 5 categories they’ve used to organize fairies: Home, Seduction, Terror (my favorite), Nature, and Neighbors. Furthermore, these ideas about how to classify fairies and how they interact with the human world also help to further their thesis that fairies end up revealing a lot about culture, beliefs, and philosophies. These kinds of stories about fairies serve as a way to explain events and phenomena that are typically beyond knowledge, a way to maintain harmony in society by explaining deviant behavior or avoiding blame of others, and also as a means of social control, to indicate what behaviors, actions and beliefs are approved for society and which ones are forbidden or punished. We still may use stories to highlight these beliefs and values today, but often they involve more realism and less magic, so it’s interesting to see how folklore incorporates these kinds of fantastic elements into their stories to serve as methods of instruction and passing down cultural values and beliefs to different generations.
Throughout the book, Dr. Warman and Dr. Cleto identify fairies from around the world, presenting references from both folklore and scholarly work that identifies stories, examples, or explanations of these fairies. I felt like this was one of the many strengths of the book. It features fairy stories from expected cultures like those of Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, but also includes instances of fairies from other cultures and regions including the Apache, the Inca, South Africa, Newfoundland, Japan, China, Korea, and Australia. Furthermore, in their commentary and analysis of these fairies, the authors raise questions about whether some of these fairies existed prior to colonial contact, or whether they possible served as a means to explore colonialism and the encroaching loss of indigenous ways. In addition, they note that many of the first recorded instances of these fairies rely on translations, which may or may not be completely accurate or represent the full understanding of the fairies. It’s an important consideration, and I appreciate their ability to raise questions about sources and cultural interpretations and understandings of these fairies. In fact, this was one of those rare books where I couldn’t wait to peruse the bibliography to see how accessible some of their sources are. While they primarily rely on a few sources that are mentioned throughout the book (Briggs, Purkiss), it seems like Dr. Warman and Dr. Cleto consulted a wide array of different sources that were available to them to create a diverse and inclusive compendium of fairies and other creatures. In addition, the authors included a folklore tale at the end of each section that exemplifies or provides an instance of a fairy mentioned in the section. This was also really cool to read the specific references from their sources, since it provides a clear example and shows how the fairies interact. Furthermore, the authors explain how different modes of storytelling (first person accounts, re-tellings, and third-person accounts) all reflect different ways of conveying elements of the culture.
This is a great reference book to have, and I imagine using it both in the classroom and with my kids. It’s also a great starting point to learn more about these fascinating creatures to further understand their relationship with humans and as a means of explaining cultural beliefs, values, and events. As the authors mentioned in the conclusion, fairies have been a part of art, literature, and culture for nearly 500 years with references in Chaucer and Shakespeare, and more recently in Disney films, anime, and even horror films. I was surprised to find references to certain creatures like banshees, oni, and kitsune, but also excited to learn about so many more creatures that appear in different cultures throughout the world. I also have to mention that the illustrations in this book are another fantastic aspect of the book. Most of the fairies have incredible illustrations that help readers better understand conceptions of these fae folk. This is a great book to read and revisit if you are interested in folklore, culture, and creatures. The entries are brief and succinct, giving readers an insightful understanding of these creatures, how they interact with humans, and the possible morals, values, and behaviors they convey to people. This is a book that I would share with my kids, a classroom, or even just read for my own enjoyment. It’s a wonderful compendium where readers are guaranteed to learn a lot. Highly recommended!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is a beautifully illustrated encyclopedia of fairy lore that belongs on every library shelf. Collaboratively written by Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman, the professors behind the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, Fairylore features an incredible depth and breadth of research presented with engaging and accessible prose. The cover art and chapter paintings by Annie Stegg Gerard, and the interior drawings by Kristen Kwan, blend seamlessly with narrative explorations of otherworldly creatures, creating a multifaceted experience which invites readers into a fairy circle of magic and delight.
Fairylore, which is dedicated to “all Carterhaugh students of the past, present, and future,” begins with an introduction that addresses the slippery nature of fairies themselves. After discussing the roots of the word “fairy,” Cleto and Warman investigate several theories regarding where fairies come from and how they live, grounding readers in an academic study of the fairy world even as they draw them deeper into the realm of enchantment. Unlike less-researched sources of fairy lore which often collapse the notion of “fairy” into one universal idea, Fairylore deftly explores distinct cultural depictions of fairies while also allowing transcendent similarities in the functions of fairies to resonate. The introduction establishes an endearing and lighthearted tone supported by a framework of vast scholarly knowledge, helping readers recognize that fairies are often “a reflection of the people who tell stories about them.” Cleto and Warman expertly pose and answer questions about fairies as they open a space for continued contemplation.
Rather than use an alphabetical or geographical method of organization, Cleto and Warman structure their chapters around types of fairies, which forces readers to think about what the creatures mean to the people who spin stories about them. Chapters include Fairies of the Home, Fairies of Seduction, Fairies of Terror, Fairies of Nature, and Fairy Neighbors (all of which feature entries on fairies from cultures around the globe). The final chapter, Our Fairies, Ourselves, blurs the boundaries between the fairy and human realms, exploring topics like changelings, the cunning folk, and fairy midwives. Each chapter is punctuated with reprintings of stories told by famous fairy tale writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Lafcadio Hearn. The unique structure of Fairylore allows both those new to fairy study and those who already have knowledge in the field to contemplate fairy lore in innovative ways.
In a beautiful forward to the compendium, Terri Windling speaks of fairies as “prickly” creatures who exist in the dangerous but exhilarating spaces “betwixt and between.” She invites readers to “turn the page” and “cross over the threshold,” ensuring them they are safe in the capable hands of Cleto and Warman, scholars who have meticulously studied the fairy world without losing hold of its magic. Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is a necessary book for all those who seek the rare blend of intellectual contemplation and fairy enchantment that Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman provide. It is both a valuable academic resource and a work of art that I will cherish and return to often as I continue to explore the fairy magic that beckons from “betwixt and between.”
Thank you to the authors for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
Fairylore, which is dedicated to “all Carterhaugh students of the past, present, and future,” begins with an introduction that addresses the slippery nature of fairies themselves. After discussing the roots of the word “fairy,” Cleto and Warman investigate several theories regarding where fairies come from and how they live, grounding readers in an academic study of the fairy world even as they draw them deeper into the realm of enchantment. Unlike less-researched sources of fairy lore which often collapse the notion of “fairy” into one universal idea, Fairylore deftly explores distinct cultural depictions of fairies while also allowing transcendent similarities in the functions of fairies to resonate. The introduction establishes an endearing and lighthearted tone supported by a framework of vast scholarly knowledge, helping readers recognize that fairies are often “a reflection of the people who tell stories about them.” Cleto and Warman expertly pose and answer questions about fairies as they open a space for continued contemplation.
Rather than use an alphabetical or geographical method of organization, Cleto and Warman structure their chapters around types of fairies, which forces readers to think about what the creatures mean to the people who spin stories about them. Chapters include Fairies of the Home, Fairies of Seduction, Fairies of Terror, Fairies of Nature, and Fairy Neighbors (all of which feature entries on fairies from cultures around the globe). The final chapter, Our Fairies, Ourselves, blurs the boundaries between the fairy and human realms, exploring topics like changelings, the cunning folk, and fairy midwives. Each chapter is punctuated with reprintings of stories told by famous fairy tale writers like Hans Christian Andersen and Lafcadio Hearn. The unique structure of Fairylore allows both those new to fairy study and those who already have knowledge in the field to contemplate fairy lore in innovative ways.
In a beautiful forward to the compendium, Terri Windling speaks of fairies as “prickly” creatures who exist in the dangerous but exhilarating spaces “betwixt and between.” She invites readers to “turn the page” and “cross over the threshold,” ensuring them they are safe in the capable hands of Cleto and Warman, scholars who have meticulously studied the fairy world without losing hold of its magic. Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is a necessary book for all those who seek the rare blend of intellectual contemplation and fairy enchantment that Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman provide. It is both a valuable academic resource and a work of art that I will cherish and return to often as I continue to explore the fairy magic that beckons from “betwixt and between.”
Thank you to the authors for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a fair review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Review: Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk by Brittany Warman & Sara Cleto
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you’ve ever been captivated by fairy tales or the mystique of folklore, Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is a treasure trove worth exploring. This book offers a richly illustrated journey into the enchanting and sometimes eerie world of fae creatures from cultures across the globe.
What immediately grabbed me was the stunning cover art by Annie Stegg Gerard, which perfectly sets the tone for the magical pages within. Alongside Gerard’s evocative chapter paintings and Kristen Kwan’s delicate interior illustrations, the visuals complement the text beautifully, making it feel like you’re stepping into a living fairy circle.
The book is divided into thematic chapters like Fairies of the Home, Fairies of Seduction, Fairies of Terror, Fairies of Nature, and Fairy Neighbors. Each section delves into different fairy types—from Ireland’s leannán sídhe, who inspire but drain artists, to Japan’s zashiki-warashi, mischievous spirits who bring good fortune to households. You’ll also encounter lesser-known beings from Russia’s dvorovoi to Brazil’s curupira, Malaysia’s orang bunian, and England’s brownies. The global scope is impressive and gives a deep sense of how fairy lore has been used to explain human experiences and the natural world.
One of my favorite parts was the final chapter, Our Fairies, Ourselves, which intriguingly explores how fairy stories intersect with human lives—touching on changelings, cunning folk, and even fairy midwives. This blending of myth and reality adds thoughtful nuance to the collection.
The prose throughout is engaging and accessible, striking a nice balance between scholarly research and storytelling. Interspersed are classic fairy tales from authors like Hans Christian Andersen, grounding the lore in familiar narratives that many readers will recognize.
All in all, Fairylore is not just an encyclopedia but an invitation to immerse yourself in the wonder and complexity of fae folk traditions. It would make a gorgeous coffee table book for any folklore enthusiast or anyone simply enchanted by the magical realms hidden just beyond our own. Highly recommended for those who love to get lost in fairy magic!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you’ve ever been captivated by fairy tales or the mystique of folklore, Fairylore: A Compendium of the Fae Folk is a treasure trove worth exploring. This book offers a richly illustrated journey into the enchanting and sometimes eerie world of fae creatures from cultures across the globe.
What immediately grabbed me was the stunning cover art by Annie Stegg Gerard, which perfectly sets the tone for the magical pages within. Alongside Gerard’s evocative chapter paintings and Kristen Kwan’s delicate interior illustrations, the visuals complement the text beautifully, making it feel like you’re stepping into a living fairy circle.
The book is divided into thematic chapters like Fairies of the Home, Fairies of Seduction, Fairies of Terror, Fairies of Nature, and Fairy Neighbors. Each section delves into different fairy types—from Ireland’s leannán sídhe, who inspire but drain artists, to Japan’s zashiki-warashi, mischievous spirits who bring good fortune to households. You’ll also encounter lesser-known beings from Russia’s dvorovoi to Brazil’s curupira, Malaysia’s orang bunian, and England’s brownies. The global scope is impressive and gives a deep sense of how fairy lore has been used to explain human experiences and the natural world.
One of my favorite parts was the final chapter, Our Fairies, Ourselves, which intriguingly explores how fairy stories intersect with human lives—touching on changelings, cunning folk, and even fairy midwives. This blending of myth and reality adds thoughtful nuance to the collection.
The prose throughout is engaging and accessible, striking a nice balance between scholarly research and storytelling. Interspersed are classic fairy tales from authors like Hans Christian Andersen, grounding the lore in familiar narratives that many readers will recognize.
All in all, Fairylore is not just an encyclopedia but an invitation to immerse yourself in the wonder and complexity of fae folk traditions. It would make a gorgeous coffee table book for any folklore enthusiast or anyone simply enchanted by the magical realms hidden just beyond our own. Highly recommended for those who love to get lost in fairy magic!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
March 9, 2026
Dr. Sara Cleto and Dr. Brittany Warman have done remarkable work with their compendium of faefolk, "Fairylore." It is divine to see a thoroughly researched collection that not only details different folk, but addresses their role in story-telling and legends while also adding in a tale at the end of each section. I especially loved "The Anar Fairy" or the "Pomegranate Fairy" as I love fruit fairies!
The gorgeous artwork ties it all together and a lovely, detailed introduction by Terri Windling that promises and (delivers) magic ahead. Also, the ending was brilliant in closing up what fairies really mean in scholarship and the modern world. They are misunderstood, misused and misrepresented at times, but a source of wonder and joy for humans throughout the centuries.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for a review copy!
The gorgeous artwork ties it all together and a lovely, detailed introduction by Terri Windling that promises and (delivers) magic ahead. Also, the ending was brilliant in closing up what fairies really mean in scholarship and the modern world. They are misunderstood, misused and misrepresented at times, but a source of wonder and joy for humans throughout the centuries.
Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for a review copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As someone who has always been obsessed with fae and folklore, this book immediately called to me.
I wrote down about 20 different fairy names to look up and research, also Robert Kirk's name as well as a few songs and different folklore titles. The art on top of that was STUNNING. Absolutely gorgeous sketches of all the different types of fae species. I sometimes spent five or six minutes on one page just staring at the sketch or the two page full-color art.
It was written in a way that was easy to follow and understand for beginners. It's a great place to start if you've ever been curious!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
I wrote down about 20 different fairy names to look up and research, also Robert Kirk's name as well as a few songs and different folklore titles. The art on top of that was STUNNING. Absolutely gorgeous sketches of all the different types of fae species. I sometimes spent five or six minutes on one page just staring at the sketch or the two page full-color art.
It was written in a way that was easy to follow and understand for beginners. It's a great place to start if you've ever been curious!
Thank you to NetGalley for the E-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am in awe of how comprehensive this guide is. It contains gorgeous illustrations, ample information about each fairy included, and a huge reference list. It is so obviously a labor of love, and that made it even more of a joy to read. I also greatly appreciated the author's acknowledgement about where information may be missing or where colonizers may have influenced how certain fairies are perceived or recorded. Sometimes those kinds of caveats are missing, so to see them included is refreshing.
I am in awe of how comprehensive this guide is. It contains gorgeous illustrations, ample information about each fairy included, and a huge reference list. It is so obviously a labor of love, and that made it even more of a joy to read. I also greatly appreciated the author's acknowledgement about where information may be missing or where colonizers may have influenced how certain fairies are perceived or recorded. Sometimes those kinds of caveats are missing, so to see them included is refreshing.
March 12, 2026
This is a very nice book about fay.
The introduction is very interesting, with lots of information about what fay could be and how things have changed or not changed over time.
The writing style for the intro is very chatty, whilst the rest of the book is more typical informative in style.
The images are beautifully done drawings and paintings.
This is a good book if you want to get to know some interesting information about some more popular and not so popular fay.
The book is a great as a head start if you wish to do further study on the topics. It is not an all-in-one encyclopaedia on the topic. It is a good dip in the pool type of book.
quite a good read overall.
The introduction is very interesting, with lots of information about what fay could be and how things have changed or not changed over time.
The writing style for the intro is very chatty, whilst the rest of the book is more typical informative in style.
The images are beautifully done drawings and paintings.
This is a good book if you want to get to know some interesting information about some more popular and not so popular fay.
The book is a great as a head start if you wish to do further study on the topics. It is not an all-in-one encyclopaedia on the topic. It is a good dip in the pool type of book.
quite a good read overall.
February 18, 2026
What an absolute treat!
This book is a gorgeous physical object - the pages are lovely to turn, with a wealth of line illustrations and a good amount of colour plates all in Annie Stegg's characteristically beautiful style. The text strikes an excellent balance: it's wide-ranging and obviously well-researched while also being readable and accessible whether you're a newcomer to fairy lore or comfortably familiar. Really it's just an absolute gem of a book, total pleasure from first cover to last. Highly recommended!
This book is a gorgeous physical object - the pages are lovely to turn, with a wealth of line illustrations and a good amount of colour plates all in Annie Stegg's characteristically beautiful style. The text strikes an excellent balance: it's wide-ranging and obviously well-researched while also being readable and accessible whether you're a newcomer to fairy lore or comfortably familiar. Really it's just an absolute gem of a book, total pleasure from first cover to last. Highly recommended!
March 13, 2026
This book is a feast for the eyes as well as the mind and soul. Dr. Cleto and Dr. Warman bring their vast expertise on the folklore of fairies and similar entities from around the world and weave stories among beautiful illustrations as well as the larger historical and literary context. This is a book that anyone can get lost in (in the best way) for hours, and one that parents and grandparents can make memories exploring with kids. It’s like having your own folklore museum and art gallery at your fingertips. A real treasure.
February 24, 2026
This is such a lush and fascinating book. I love the fun conversational tone of the authors. It feels like I could speak with them and ask questions without it being snobby and academic. Categorizing the Beings by type (Nature, Seduction, Terror, Etc.) is brilliant. I love comparing and contrasting fairies from all over the world. The bibliography is a delicious reading list. When's the next one coming out?
February 15, 2026
This book is absolutely beautiful in every way. It's one of those books that just feels good in your hands -- the design, the paper, the art, it's all such wonderful quality. It also contains a wealth of stories and information about fairies around the world with accompanying illustrations for each entry. This truly is a book like no other. A magical treasure.
February 14, 2026
This book is the perfect blend of solid research and accessibility. Drs. Cleto and Warman bring their fun and charming style of research-based storytelling to this beautifully illustrated book. Perfect for academic scholars and curious dabblers alike!
February 23, 2026
Review to come!
March 11, 2026
This is a fun and informative compendium of the Fae as a whole, sharing not only tales and legends but also where we began believing and so on. I enjoyed this a lot!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Reference | Mythology | Folklore
Thank you to Union Square & Co. (a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Fairylore is a compendium that explores fae folklore across cultures, paired with line art that enhances its reference-style format. One of the most interesting aspects of this book I found is how it challenges the modern, whimsical idea of fairies. Historically, fairies were often viewed as demons in disguise and believed to be in league with witches. One striking belief discussed is that fairies were said to pay tithes to Hell every seven years, a dark contrast to today’s fairy imagery.
The book also explores how folklore shifts across regions and time. For example, in the Brothers Grimm version of Rapunzel, the witch functions more like a fairy, and in the 1857 version, she is explicitly called a fairy. This distinction is explained as part of Germany’s effort to establish its own folklore identity separate from French influence.
Also, what stood out most to me was the book’s broader definition of “fae folk.” Rather than limiting fae to European fairies, Fairylore frames them as supernatural, magical, or nature-linked beings across cultures. The inclusion of the Japanese kappa was especially compelling. Once feared as a yokai that drowned travelers who ventured too close to rivers, the kappa has evolved into a symbol of unspoiled nature and environmental protection, often depicted warning people not to litter near waterways.
Another highlight was the Aziza, depicted with butterfly wings. I liked the lineart drawing for this one the most. These fae are described as souls of trees, reinforcing the book’s recurring theme of nature-bound spirits. Fairylore is informative, thoughtfully researched, strong reference for anyone interested in folklore, mythology, and how cultural perspectives shape supernatural beings.
Thank you to Union Square & Co. (a subsidiary of Sterling Publishing) for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Fairylore is a compendium that explores fae folklore across cultures, paired with line art that enhances its reference-style format. One of the most interesting aspects of this book I found is how it challenges the modern, whimsical idea of fairies. Historically, fairies were often viewed as demons in disguise and believed to be in league with witches. One striking belief discussed is that fairies were said to pay tithes to Hell every seven years, a dark contrast to today’s fairy imagery.
The book also explores how folklore shifts across regions and time. For example, in the Brothers Grimm version of Rapunzel, the witch functions more like a fairy, and in the 1857 version, she is explicitly called a fairy. This distinction is explained as part of Germany’s effort to establish its own folklore identity separate from French influence.
Also, what stood out most to me was the book’s broader definition of “fae folk.” Rather than limiting fae to European fairies, Fairylore frames them as supernatural, magical, or nature-linked beings across cultures. The inclusion of the Japanese kappa was especially compelling. Once feared as a yokai that drowned travelers who ventured too close to rivers, the kappa has evolved into a symbol of unspoiled nature and environmental protection, often depicted warning people not to litter near waterways.
Another highlight was the Aziza, depicted with butterfly wings. I liked the lineart drawing for this one the most. These fae are described as souls of trees, reinforcing the book’s recurring theme of nature-bound spirits. Fairylore is informative, thoughtfully researched, strong reference for anyone interested in folklore, mythology, and how cultural perspectives shape supernatural beings.
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