The Merchant of Marvels: And the Peddler of Dreams

by Frédéric Clément

What to give the person who has everything? This is the dilemma of Frederick Knick-Knack, who surely must have, somewhere in his bags and boxes, his chests and cases, his collection of collections, the ideal gift for his friend Alice. Published in France to considerable acclaim in 1997, and translated into English with more than 30,000 copies sold, The Merchant of Marvels is now available in a new format for readers to rediscover this world of wonders. How will Frederick convey his most perfect love with just one gift? A ticket for a thousand and one flights on a thousand and one nights? Perhaps a marble made by Merlin the Enchanter? Somehow, somewhere he will find the gift like no other, the perfect present. The Merchant of Marvels is an exuberant marriage of word and illustration, its pages rich with finely crafted objets d'art, line drawings, and breathtaking watercolors. Imbued with magic, mystery, and enchant ment, this emerging classic is the quintessential gift book a wonderful story filled with unimaginably beautiful allegory, and a true expression of love and friendship.

Genres: Art, Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Picture Books

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 31, 1995

About the author

Award winning artist whose illustrations have been honored at the Bologna International Children's Book Fair and lauded by critics in the United States.

Reviews

[Pamela Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Merchant of Marvels and the Peddler of Dreams is an amazing journey through a dream world, created by the integration of the story with the text on the page and the illustrations. The story will captivate youngsters and the story married to the design will intrigue adult readers. I highly recommend this book as a worthy addition to any child's bookshelf and to those who collect children's books it is a jewel to enrich your collection. Illustrators, typographers and book designers will find it a source of inspiration and an example of an integrated and holistic approach to the development of an amazing book.

[Justwinter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I collect a sub-genre of books that I call 'visual reads,' a book that contains both a good story and innovative illustrations that in some way contribute to, augment, or are deeply integral to the written component.

This fits the bill.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quirky, whimsical story that breaks and combines the 4th wall of classical tales and folk lore.

[Amandine Despres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magique, tout ce que j’aime

[Gianna Mosser · Rating 3 out of 5]

With beautiful illustrations and lovely typography, I wish the rhyme scheme for this book was more gripping. While the allusion to classical fairy tales are all explicit and easy to catch, the whimsy of it all is lost in moments to the fevered pitch of the salesman's push.

[Ian Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. Positively magical.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will appeal to anyone who likes design, miniatures, and curios. There is, however, no story.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little magical book filled with beautiful pictures and a lovely story.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining bit of whimsy.

[Ruth Govaerts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Als studente illustratie moet ik even zeggen dat ik de vormgeving van dit boekje echt heel mooi vond! De cover vond ik iets minder, maar de binnenkant is echt prachtig opgemaakt. In het boek gaat een onbekend personage op zoek naar het ideale cadeau voor ‘Alice van de Wissewaswinkel’. Er worden allerhande voorstellen gedaan voor vreemde cadeaus zoals bijvoorbeeld een olifant ter grootte van een zandkorrel, krokodillentranen, een engelenbel en een melktand van een kind dat kinders at. Speciaal.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A strange little illustrated book, one that can be read in a few minutes but would take days to fully appreciate. My only critique: the oddities and bright fantasies were layered so thickly, and paced so rapidly, that my sense of wonder dulled as I continued to read. Still, a book worth several trips.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely way to start the New Year, with my favourite little book of whimsy, a gift from my soul mate the year it was published in 1997.
He reads it to me during the holidays every year and we discover something new every time hidden between the pages of The Merchant of Marvels and The Peddler of Dreams.
This little gem is a tonic for the imagination....can I tempt you my dear?

[Marjorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sweet little read. Since I grew up reading fairy tales (of the Grimm variety and others, NOT Disney) I really enjoyed the whimsical, light touch. Very creative and image provoking. Enjoyable.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and dream-like. Difficult to quote from, as the text flows from one image into another.

But how could I resist someone who says in his bio, "since 1994 et cetera takes up a lot of his time."

[MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, magical little book -- a gift for S, perfect for her. Interesting words and word combinations, descriptions of odd little collections, nice visuals, poetry, really. There are adults to whom I want to recommend this book!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how at the end of this book the Merchant of marvels falls in love with you. I also love all the little stories that have to do with the little things the merchant has in his collection. It's a very pretty book.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible Cabinet of curiosities.
A feast for the eyes and ears.
Beautiful illustrations, layout and type setting.
Incredibly original, a wonderful slice of imagination and cup of dreaminess.

[Rosewylder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and beautiful. I read it whenever I need to feel taken away to a world of childhood nonsense. But is it more like poetry than an actual book?

[™yourbeautifulnightmaree™]

i though this book had interesting atr and sayings that are creative a nd fun!

[Blackbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is beautifully illustrated art book. At first, I thought it was a children's book. Not really. A great gift for a dreamer. Fab.

[Sherry · Rating 1 out of 5]

Lots of information poorly organized. Awful.

[Ailil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming little book!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

[lethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prachtig uitgevoerd.

[Ietrio · Rating 2 out of 5]

didn't like the poem, but i have enjoyed the typography very much

[Joan Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very imaginative and magical. The illustrations are as delightful as the words.