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來自精靈世界的人類奇幻百科
「請問，你曾經到過人類世界旅行嗎？」
——克哈夫特(Кхафт)
智者，占夢者，月光下的第72號舞者，同時也是本書作者。
這原來是一本在噴泉池塘的睡蓮裡發現的迷你小書，
小到必須在顯微鏡下才能閱讀。
書上記載著關於人類的種種，
由來自閃光熠熠的精靈國度——「瑪爾王國」的居民們，
包括小矮人、精靈、仙女、食人魔、巨人和女巫等，
根據旅居人類世界期間的回憶，所編撰而成的人類奇幻百科。
瑪爾王國的居民從不相信人類的存在，因為人類只不過是民間故事裡流傳的一個角色，或者也有精靈認為人是巫師用蜂蠟和黏土捏塑出來的傀儡。多年以前，我也一直不相信人類的存在，直到某日，當我看著在睡蓮葉上嬉戲的藍蜻蜓，迷茫中打起了瞌睡，一覺醒來卻來到了陌生的人類世界，從此便展開了一段奇幻又不可思議的人間旅程。
瑪爾王國中偶爾會有其他精靈跟我一樣，莫名其妙地落入了人間。於是在我回到瑪爾王國後，便四處探聽那些曾來到人類世界遊歷的精靈們。我記錄下他們講述的任何隻字片語，不管是思考多年的結論、任何曇花一現的想法、觀察或插曲等所有可以闡明人類本質的一切跦絲馬跡；我還收集了一些插圖、便條紙、信件，集結編纂成這麼一本圖文並茂的人類觀察百科全書，希望其他精靈們能藉由本書具體想像出，並且相信那個光怪陸離的人類世界真的存在。
在精靈們的眼中——
◎人類的心臟是紅寶石做的，所以可以被打碎；
◎當人類感到喜悅或聽到喜歡的音樂時，一種叫做「疙瘩」的東西就會在人的背上和手臂上跑來跑去；
◎人類會花費很長的時間看著發出閃光的各種箱子或盒子；
◎絕大多數的人類一生都被擁有魔法的巫師畫像所奴役；
◎人類發明各種可以坐在肚子裡被載著到處奔跑的鐵甲蟲，與有著長鼻子、被人在家裡拖著到處走的吃灰塵工具等等……。
被精靈們視為珍寶的樹葉和石頭，到了人類世界卻成了最不起眼的垃圾——所有人類早就習以為常的生活與種種的一切，都帶給我們莫大的衝擊。因此我在書中鉅細靡遺地紀錄下，許許多多在人類自以為正常、但卻令我們感到千奇百怪與不解的事。
你是否也有興趣聽一聽，我們在人類世界中所經歷的故事？
* * *
這是一部以精靈視角觀察人類的記述百科，
但人類世界中也有一位奇妙的女子，小心翼翼地觀察著這些意外落入人間的精靈。
究竟，誰才是那個用蜂蠟和黏土捏塑傀儡的巫師？
本書「真正」的作者，是才華洋溢的俄國藝術家與作家——斯薇塔．多羅謝娃。一如精靈認為巫師用蜂蠟和黏土創造了人類，斯薇塔．多羅謝娃也以她以充滿哲學意境的文字與瑰麗魔幻的插圖，為我們構築出一個精靈與人類相遇的奇境。
作者將人們對於經典童話故事的印象，在本書中賦予令人耳目一新的諷刺轉變。看似新奇無害、童言童語的描述背後，其實埋藏著作者審視現今人類社會中諸多矛盾和荒謬行為的批判。本書就像是精靈世界的魔法鏡，透過這面鏡子，作者將引導讀者進入一個充滿幻想和寓言的世界，並巧妙揭示了許多關於人們隱而未顯、值得省思的真理。
所以，這不只是一本寫給兒童看的奇幻繪本，
更是獻給每一位不想長大，與自認為已經長大的成人的寓言故事。
——克哈夫特(Кхафт)
智者，占夢者，月光下的第72號舞者，同時也是本書作者。
這原來是一本在噴泉池塘的睡蓮裡發現的迷你小書，
小到必須在顯微鏡下才能閱讀。
書上記載著關於人類的種種，
由來自閃光熠熠的精靈國度——「瑪爾王國」的居民們，
包括小矮人、精靈、仙女、食人魔、巨人和女巫等，
根據旅居人類世界期間的回憶，所編撰而成的人類奇幻百科。
瑪爾王國的居民從不相信人類的存在，因為人類只不過是民間故事裡流傳的一個角色，或者也有精靈認為人是巫師用蜂蠟和黏土捏塑出來的傀儡。多年以前，我也一直不相信人類的存在，直到某日，當我看著在睡蓮葉上嬉戲的藍蜻蜓，迷茫中打起了瞌睡，一覺醒來卻來到了陌生的人類世界，從此便展開了一段奇幻又不可思議的人間旅程。
瑪爾王國中偶爾會有其他精靈跟我一樣，莫名其妙地落入了人間。於是在我回到瑪爾王國後，便四處探聽那些曾來到人類世界遊歷的精靈們。我記錄下他們講述的任何隻字片語，不管是思考多年的結論、任何曇花一現的想法、觀察或插曲等所有可以闡明人類本質的一切跦絲馬跡；我還收集了一些插圖、便條紙、信件，集結編纂成這麼一本圖文並茂的人類觀察百科全書，希望其他精靈們能藉由本書具體想像出，並且相信那個光怪陸離的人類世界真的存在。
在精靈們的眼中——
◎人類的心臟是紅寶石做的，所以可以被打碎；
◎當人類感到喜悅或聽到喜歡的音樂時，一種叫做「疙瘩」的東西就會在人的背上和手臂上跑來跑去；
◎人類會花費很長的時間看著發出閃光的各種箱子或盒子；
◎絕大多數的人類一生都被擁有魔法的巫師畫像所奴役；
◎人類發明各種可以坐在肚子裡被載著到處奔跑的鐵甲蟲，與有著長鼻子、被人在家裡拖著到處走的吃灰塵工具等等……。
被精靈們視為珍寶的樹葉和石頭，到了人類世界卻成了最不起眼的垃圾——所有人類早就習以為常的生活與種種的一切，都帶給我們莫大的衝擊。因此我在書中鉅細靡遺地紀錄下，許許多多在人類自以為正常、但卻令我們感到千奇百怪與不解的事。
你是否也有興趣聽一聽，我們在人類世界中所經歷的故事？
* * *
這是一部以精靈視角觀察人類的記述百科，
但人類世界中也有一位奇妙的女子，小心翼翼地觀察著這些意外落入人間的精靈。
究竟，誰才是那個用蜂蠟和黏土捏塑傀儡的巫師？
本書「真正」的作者，是才華洋溢的俄國藝術家與作家——斯薇塔．多羅謝娃。一如精靈認為巫師用蜂蠟和黏土創造了人類，斯薇塔．多羅謝娃也以她以充滿哲學意境的文字與瑰麗魔幻的插圖，為我們構築出一個精靈與人類相遇的奇境。
作者將人們對於經典童話故事的印象，在本書中賦予令人耳目一新的諷刺轉變。看似新奇無害、童言童語的描述背後，其實埋藏著作者審視現今人類社會中諸多矛盾和荒謬行為的批判。本書就像是精靈世界的魔法鏡，透過這面鏡子，作者將引導讀者進入一個充滿幻想和寓言的世界，並巧妙揭示了許多關於人們隱而未顯、值得省思的真理。
所以，這不只是一本寫給兒童看的奇幻繪本，
更是獻給每一位不想長大，與自認為已經長大的成人的寓言故事。
216 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
34 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Svetlana Dorosheva
11 books17 followersaka. Sveta Dorosheva
Originally from Ukraine and currently based in Israel, Sveta is a freelance illustrator working in the areas of narrative illustration and art for books.
Sveta enjoys traditional drawing by hand, most of her illustrations are works in paper. Her anachronistic style of illustration and symbolic imagery take strong influence from fairy tales, folklore and mythologies.
She considers golden age book illustration to be a huge influence on her work, particularly the illustrations of Edmund Dulac, Kay Nielsen and Harry Clarke. Her research into medieval illuminated manuscripts further informs her visual narrative. Sveta's intricate compositions reflect her fascination with medieval emblemata and bizarre grotesques. She uses a combination of manuscript decoration and modern day typography to create beautiful lettering and intricate handwritten illustrations. Her detailed illustrations are executed using pen, ink and watercolor or acrylics.
Originally from Ukraine and currently based in Israel, Sveta is a freelance illustrator working in the areas of narrative illustration and art for books.
Sveta enjoys traditional drawing by hand, most of her illustrations are works in paper. Her anachronistic style of illustration and symbolic imagery take strong influence from fairy tales, folklore and mythologies.
She considers golden age book illustration to be a huge influence on her work, particularly the illustrations of Edmund Dulac, Kay Nielsen and Harry Clarke. Her research into medieval illuminated manuscripts further informs her visual narrative. Sveta's intricate compositions reflect her fascination with medieval emblemata and bizarre grotesques. She uses a combination of manuscript decoration and modern day typography to create beautiful lettering and intricate handwritten illustrations. Her detailed illustrations are executed using pen, ink and watercolor or acrylics.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 3, 2018
The Land of Stone Flowers is a riot of whimsy and wonder, of sensuality and splendor. The human encounters, imparted here by such creatures as the Goddess of Constellations, the Overseer of snail races, and the royal court's bewitcher of morning dew, are a philosophical comedy of errors embellished with marvelous illustrations that enchant one's imagination.
Moreover, they insist that humans are comprised of a large number of internal organs (not to be confused with the musical instrument): tinsels, a diagram (of what, not specified), one long on either side of the heart (a long what?!), a lever, pan grease, small and large investments, two kid's knees (even in adult humans?), and a bunch of other nonsense.
January 14, 2021
Tekstovi magičnih stvorenja koja su se lično uverila da ljudi nisu bića iz bajki kako svi u Svetlucavoj zemlji veruju. Od ljudske anatomije sve sa „krovnim” sudovima (posuđa sa krovom umesto poklopca) pa do ljudskog jezika zaljubljenih i tumačenja njihovog snevanja na javi.
Satirična bajka za odrasle, ukratko - prezanimljivo i predivno ilustrovano.
Odlomak iz poglavlja: „Rituali i običaji ljudi”
Praviti od muve slona – Pravljenje slona od muve vrlo je složen alhemijski proces. Čovek pribegava toj drevnoj ceremonijalnoj čaroliji kada želi da skrene pažnju na sebe. Čovek s muvom često je neprimetan, dok čoveka sa slonom primaćuju svi.
Odlomak iz poglavlja: „Jezik odeće”
Kad smo kod jezika koje vile ne razumeju, i ljudi su izmislili nekoliko samo njima znanih dijalekata. Na primer, jezik odeće. Gobl Vipauč, vrstan lingvista i prevodilac s jezika vetrova, fontana i grana, dvanaest godina je proučavao ljudski govor. Tako iz njegove monografije Šta te briga šta nosim u žaketu? saznajemo da naočare sa četvrtastim ramom i otrcani somotski sako „govore” da je čovek pročitao mnogo debelih knjiga bez slika.
Satirična bajka za odrasle, ukratko - prezanimljivo i predivno ilustrovano.
Odlomak iz poglavlja: „Rituali i običaji ljudi”
Praviti od muve slona – Pravljenje slona od muve vrlo je složen alhemijski proces. Čovek pribegava toj drevnoj ceremonijalnoj čaroliji kada želi da skrene pažnju na sebe. Čovek s muvom često je neprimetan, dok čoveka sa slonom primaćuju svi.
Odlomak iz poglavlja: „Jezik odeće”
Kad smo kod jezika koje vile ne razumeju, i ljudi su izmislili nekoliko samo njima znanih dijalekata. Na primer, jezik odeće. Gobl Vipauč, vrstan lingvista i prevodilac s jezika vetrova, fontana i grana, dvanaest godina je proučavao ljudski govor. Tako iz njegove monografije Šta te briga šta nosim u žaketu? saznajemo da naočare sa četvrtastim ramom i otrcani somotski sako „govore” da je čovek pročitao mnogo debelih knjiga bez slika.
April 7, 2021
Genul de carte care-si ratează grupul-țintă sau pur si simplu nu îl are. Cartea din nufăr e un soi de sociologie a oamenilor scrisă din prisma zânelor, gnomilor, elfilor si altor creaturi fabuloase, dar sigur nu-i o carte pentru copii (desi ai fi tentat să crezi asta la început). Dacă nu e pentru copii, atunci e pentru adulți, dar adulților mă tem că li se va părea cam puerilă.
Reteta: câteva generalităti, câteva banalităti, cateva stereotipuri plus niscaiva citate si textu-i gata. Marele plus e, cu sigurantă, grafica. Deci dacă vă doriți o carte “frumoasă”, cu ilustrații minunate, yessss she’s the one (ca mai toate de la aceasta editură), dar nu-i taman o fabuloasă viziune asupra umanității ( cel mai probabil nici nu-și propunea să fie).
Reteta: câteva generalităti, câteva banalităti, cateva stereotipuri plus niscaiva citate si textu-i gata. Marele plus e, cu sigurantă, grafica. Deci dacă vă doriți o carte “frumoasă”, cu ilustrații minunate, yessss she’s the one (ca mai toate de la aceasta editură), dar nu-i taman o fabuloasă viziune asupra umanității ( cel mai probabil nici nu-și propunea să fie).
December 29, 2018
I’m surprised this book has so few reviews on here! It feels almost as if this book’s magic has kept it from the public eye? It’s whimsical and fun with beautiful illustrations and style. It’s a book where fairies and pixies and gnomes try to unravel the mystery of human beings. The art style alone was enough to draw my eye and I’m glad I was able to find a copy!
May 4, 2019
A Fairy Guide to the Mythical Human Being...wonderful! The pictures alone are reason enough to check out this book, the artwork is absolutely stunning.
October 31, 2018
You can check my review here.
I want to thank Chronicle Books for sending me a copy of this book, this hadn’t influenced my review, nor my rating in any way.
The Land of Stone Flowers intrigued me in so many ways, it was original and creative, the illustrations were breathtaking and the words stole my heart entirely.
This book’s written like an anthology of stories told by fairies, trolls and dwarves to prove that humans do, in fact, exist. Yes, you’ve read that right. In this book, humans are mythical creatures, their existence is questionable, their world is called The Land of Stone Flowers and fairies, dwarves, trolls only ever get there through very peculiar events and usually when they get back to their world, their experiences aren’t believed.
I really loved how every part of the book was dedicated to very different aspects from the human world, for example, the book started with anatomy details on humans beings, then it got into our customs, what dreams and languages are, how we socialize.
The illustrations are hands-down the best part of the book, they are very detailed and stunning, Sveta Dorosheva has such a great talent and I love how she mixed her illustrations with the story she was building. They were fitting and absolutely glorious. This book is probably the most beautiful book I own.
I loved how the book noted the differences in perception between children and adults, how as we grow up, we start to lose our connection to magic, to our imagination, to things that made us so happy during our childhood, while in our adulthood, we lose ourselves in routine and jobs and earning success and forget about magic. I think this discussion will always touch me and remind me not to lose my inner child and always keep it alive through books and kindness.
My only issue with this book was the fact that it didn’t seem very inclusive, there was a chapter on dancing and all the couples depicted were heterosexual and dancing was described as “an activity between a man and a woman”, erm. I would have probably let it go as a not-very-thoughtful unintended comment if the book was diverse in any other way. But that wasn’t the case, so a star goes.
All in all, I think this is a very clever story, it definitely resembles a fairy-tale and will probably be a huge hit for anyone looking for a beautiful, original story.
I want to thank Chronicle Books for sending me a copy of this book, this hadn’t influenced my review, nor my rating in any way.
The Land of Stone Flowers intrigued me in so many ways, it was original and creative, the illustrations were breathtaking and the words stole my heart entirely.
This book’s written like an anthology of stories told by fairies, trolls and dwarves to prove that humans do, in fact, exist. Yes, you’ve read that right. In this book, humans are mythical creatures, their existence is questionable, their world is called The Land of Stone Flowers and fairies, dwarves, trolls only ever get there through very peculiar events and usually when they get back to their world, their experiences aren’t believed.
I really loved how every part of the book was dedicated to very different aspects from the human world, for example, the book started with anatomy details on humans beings, then it got into our customs, what dreams and languages are, how we socialize.
The illustrations are hands-down the best part of the book, they are very detailed and stunning, Sveta Dorosheva has such a great talent and I love how she mixed her illustrations with the story she was building. They were fitting and absolutely glorious. This book is probably the most beautiful book I own.
I loved how the book noted the differences in perception between children and adults, how as we grow up, we start to lose our connection to magic, to our imagination, to things that made us so happy during our childhood, while in our adulthood, we lose ourselves in routine and jobs and earning success and forget about magic. I think this discussion will always touch me and remind me not to lose my inner child and always keep it alive through books and kindness.
My only issue with this book was the fact that it didn’t seem very inclusive, there was a chapter on dancing and all the couples depicted were heterosexual and dancing was described as “an activity between a man and a woman”, erm. I would have probably let it go as a not-very-thoughtful unintended comment if the book was diverse in any other way. But that wasn’t the case, so a star goes.
All in all, I think this is a very clever story, it definitely resembles a fairy-tale and will probably be a huge hit for anyone looking for a beautiful, original story.
January 31, 2021
LOVE IT, SIMPLY LOVE IT! Fairies, gnomes, pixies, elves all gather to explain the world's greatest mystery: Do humans exist? Contains quotes from philosophers (human and fairy), beautiful pictures and ironic remarks on human nature - I could read it forevermore and it'll never get boring! Take this, for example, it's a fairy explanation of human customs:
"Gift Horse
Every year, humans celebrate their birthdays. Lots of guest gather to eat cake, sing a special song, and give presents - one of which is often a horse. It's considered bad luck to look in the mouth of the gift horse. whoever looks into the mouth and is reflected in the horse's teeth will disappear into thin air and remain forever invisible."
"Gift Horse
Every year, humans celebrate their birthdays. Lots of guest gather to eat cake, sing a special song, and give presents - one of which is often a horse. It's considered bad luck to look in the mouth of the gift horse. whoever looks into the mouth and is reflected in the horse's teeth will disappear into thin air and remain forever invisible."
November 14, 2018
A funny exploration of how the fairies view the mythical humans. It discusses such things as the human anatomy, language, and religion, getting much of it entertainingly wrong.
There's plenty of illustrations, from simple black and white sketches to gloriously colorful full page spreads. Much of the text is typed, but some is meant to look handwritten, and a thankfully few pages are so elaborately decorated with curliques as to be difficult to read. Beautiful, and interesting.
There's plenty of illustrations, from simple black and white sketches to gloriously colorful full page spreads. Much of the text is typed, but some is meant to look handwritten, and a thankfully few pages are so elaborately decorated with curliques as to be difficult to read. Beautiful, and interesting.
January 21, 2020
So wonderful and imaginative, I loved every part. Sometimes the writing is a bit hard to read but when your eyes adjust it's totally worth it. Love this! Definitely going to read it to my kids one day!
December 3, 2018
Beautiful illustrations, whimsical and elegant. The tales show how absurd some of the things people do. Imagination are wonderful things to keep alive, you have to grow up but not necessarily grow old.
March 17, 2021
Brilliant satire. Magnificent artwork. One of the wittiest and best illustrated books I have ever read. The humor is not necessarily aimed at children. Highly recommended for lovers of brilliant comedy writing and superb illustration.
June 16, 2019
This book is goooorgeous. It's whimsical and funny and has the most beautiful art.
February 2, 2020
This is a beautiful book with amazing art and hilarious texts. I would recommend this for any lover of magic and satire.
January 28, 2021
This book is cute, funny, whimsical and has some beautiful art. It's the most unusual fairy book I've ever read and well worth it.
October 25, 2020
Cute concept of fairies writing about the mystical land of humans. I liked the twist, but honestly it got a bit repetitive and a tad boring after a while.
November 23, 2023
4.5 just because the fun slows down a bit before the end, but this was so great, I need my own copy!
June 25, 2023
this is the most gorgeous book i’ve ever read. the art nouveau illustrations are so decadent i can’t even explain it.
basically, a publishing company was sent a matchbox that contained this book and a note requesting it be published in a normal human size. it is a book about humans written by gnomes, fairies, pixies, elves, hobgoblins, and other magical creatures from the glimmering land of maar. most of these creatures don’t believe in humans, but this book is comprised of knowledge gathered by those who have managed to mysteriously travel to the human world, which they call the land of stone flowers.
this book is rare and not in lots of libraries, but if you can get your hands on it, you will not regret it. it is utterly enchanting
basically, a publishing company was sent a matchbox that contained this book and a note requesting it be published in a normal human size. it is a book about humans written by gnomes, fairies, pixies, elves, hobgoblins, and other magical creatures from the glimmering land of maar. most of these creatures don’t believe in humans, but this book is comprised of knowledge gathered by those who have managed to mysteriously travel to the human world, which they call the land of stone flowers.
this book is rare and not in lots of libraries, but if you can get your hands on it, you will not regret it. it is utterly enchanting
January 24, 2018
Надзвичайна книга для візуалів, і, хоча мені не все філософське начиння сподобалося, але не можна не визнати, що книжка шедевральна. На кожен розворот можна дивитися вічно, тільки от занадто тягне подивитися ще й на наступний, а потім ще й на наступний. Крильця фей, пелюстки квіток, ніжні пастелі і чіткі чорні силуети - усе це залягає шарами у серці, тамує усі види естетичної спраги, надихає на власні кольорові звершення. Мабуть, саме тому не відразу прочитала текст книжки, бо у якийсь момент читання раптом перетворюєшся на дитину, для якої найголовніше у книжці - то ілюстрації, і далі вже просто зачаровано гортаєш і гортаєш.
December 28, 2018
It still puzzles me why I found this book in two different countries under the "children's books" section. Despite featuring elves, fairies etc, it's really not a book for kids.
The illustrations and visual effects of the book are mind-blowing. I also really enjoyed the concept. I found most of the reflections on humanity and us humans quite thought provoking. But in some point it does feel the author doesn't really have something genuinely interesting to say and the 'story' is actually a pretext for the drawings. The world and characters she creates seem to lack depth, substance and coherence.
It remains, however, a visually enchanting book.
The illustrations and visual effects of the book are mind-blowing. I also really enjoyed the concept. I found most of the reflections on humanity and us humans quite thought provoking. But in some point it does feel the author doesn't really have something genuinely interesting to say and the 'story' is actually a pretext for the drawings. The world and characters she creates seem to lack depth, substance and coherence.
It remains, however, a visually enchanting book.
March 5, 2024
The copy I checked out of the library has the title: "The Land of Stone Flowers: a Fairy Guide to the Mythical Human Being." I don't know where the title above came from. This book was translated from Russian. The concept is clever and it is amusing in places, and I really liked the artwork. It is altogether whimsical and quirky.
February 27, 2019
Though I wished there was a bit more “meat” to the text, the concept was adorable & creative. The gorgeous illustrations were definitely the highlight for me, lush and reminiscent of Aubrey Beardsley.
March 21, 2021
O carte atat pentru cei mici cat si pentru cei mari :)
O carte minunat ilustrata, plina de magie, amuzanta dar si cu cateva concluzii triste.
O carte despre oameni si obiceiurile lor, scrisa din perspectiva fiintelor fantasfice (elfi, gnomi, zane, vrajitoare etc).
O carte minunat ilustrata, plina de magie, amuzanta dar si cu cateva concluzii triste.
O carte despre oameni si obiceiurile lor, scrisa din perspectiva fiintelor fantasfice (elfi, gnomi, zane, vrajitoare etc).
May 20, 2015
MARVELOUS!!!
September 26, 2018
Interview with Sveta Dorosheva, author of The Land of Stone Flowers
http://www.raincoast.com/blog/details...
http://www.raincoast.com/blog/details...
September 27, 2019
Este o bijuterie de carte
May 17, 2020
This is the most beautifully illustrated book I've owned!
October 29, 2020
A visual masterpiece.
February 18, 2025
🧚♀️💚 Absolutely WONDERFUL! Magical, whimsical, funny, brimming with imagination and creativity! And the illustrations...oh, sweet Lord of Faires! This book is like a treasure that you have mysteriously stumbled upon in an old attic. Thank you, gnomes and other magical beings, for writing about these strange creatures called Humans!
Much love, Teodorissa G, pre-middle-aged fairy from the Enchanted Hollows (the Invisible Book district).
p.s. 1. On a more human(esque) note, I am curious...in what language was this written originally? Russian? I read it in Romanian (my native tongue) but I also have it in English (in pdf). It’s fascinating to notice the differences and similarities between languages/translations...There are a few small drawings that are missing from the English version, as well as totally different illustrations + texts replacing the ones from the English version (the funny idioms chapter). Certain phrases/jokes/ puns are untranslatable I’d say and unfortunately don’t really make sense in Romanian. The translation could have been better in a few places (so that the joke/play-upon words is not lost), but overall it’s a good one.
The author must have collaborated and signed a contract with Baroque Books (Romanian publishing house) in order to create certain specific illustrations (such as the capital letters that start paragraphs and are different for each language, as well as the above-mentioned idioms).
p.s. 2. This literary gem certainly deserves more reviews and recognition from the human world.
p.s. 3. NOT suitable for small kids. Despite the sweet innocence of most magical beings, the book does include some PG-13 elements (mature themes) plus irony, cultural, religious, and philosophical references, etc
Much love, Teodorissa G, pre-middle-aged fairy from the Enchanted Hollows (the Invisible Book district).
p.s. 1. On a more human(esque) note, I am curious...in what language was this written originally? Russian? I read it in Romanian (my native tongue) but I also have it in English (in pdf). It’s fascinating to notice the differences and similarities between languages/translations...There are a few small drawings that are missing from the English version, as well as totally different illustrations + texts replacing the ones from the English version (the funny idioms chapter). Certain phrases/jokes/ puns are untranslatable I’d say and unfortunately don’t really make sense in Romanian. The translation could have been better in a few places (so that the joke/play-upon words is not lost), but overall it’s a good one.
The author must have collaborated and signed a contract with Baroque Books (Romanian publishing house) in order to create certain specific illustrations (such as the capital letters that start paragraphs and are different for each language, as well as the above-mentioned idioms).
p.s. 2. This literary gem certainly deserves more reviews and recognition from the human world.
p.s. 3. NOT suitable for small kids. Despite the sweet innocence of most magical beings, the book does include some PG-13 elements (mature themes) plus irony, cultural, religious, and philosophical references, etc
October 30, 2019
I'm giving a three star review to the kindle edition. I'm sure the print version would be better in terms of being able to look at the full sized pictures, and being able to read the lettering.
The book is charming, humorous, and very pretty. The illustrations are gorgeous. The story telling is the weak point, especially the parts that were written as a part of the illustrations. In print format, it would probably be easier to read the tiny text in a cool, but hard to read font.
The parts of the book written in normal font was fun, and I would have loved more. Many of the observations made by the different narrators were amusing. But again, I would have liked more.
If the description of the book appeals to you, get the print version. I also think it might make a good gift for someone who like fairies, elves etc.
The book is charming, humorous, and very pretty. The illustrations are gorgeous. The story telling is the weak point, especially the parts that were written as a part of the illustrations. In print format, it would probably be easier to read the tiny text in a cool, but hard to read font.
The parts of the book written in normal font was fun, and I would have loved more. Many of the observations made by the different narrators were amusing. But again, I would have liked more.
If the description of the book appeals to you, get the print version. I also think it might make a good gift for someone who like fairies, elves etc.
November 3, 2021
A whimsical, enchanted slice of splendor, splashed with gorgeous illustrations and clever wordplay. This would make the perfect coffee table book, one I would leaf through again and again. Do be careful about reading it around particularly small pixies or chillings… it insists upon the silly idea that humans are real, living creatures. While I am not opposed yo entertaining the idea that they may have once existed long ago… I think it unwise to fill childlings’ heads with fear when grown-fae know humans are nothing but a folktale, a running joke, a cautionary story to convince little ones to behave.
Aside from the nonsensical way it talks of humans as non-fiction… this book is quite a fun way to spend an hour or so.
Aside from the nonsensical way it talks of humans as non-fiction… this book is quite a fun way to spend an hour or so.
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