The enchanting art of Brian Froud takes center stage in a stunning new book from Insight Editions entitled “Brian Froud’s World of Faerie.”  This 176 page, coffee-table book is designed with the collector in mind.  As with every book from Insight Editions, no expense is spared in the design and layout.  As the title suggest, the book spotlights the whimsical world of the faerie, perhaps his favorite subjects.  His art has inspired the look of films such as The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.  This is a much-anticipated sequel to the original “Faeries” first published in 1979. 

As you read through the pages and are transfixed by Froud’s breathtaking art, Froud shares his inspirations with the reader.  From a mere stroll through an idyllic field, and noting details like the moss on a rock or a fallen hazelnut, Froud weaves a tapestry of the subtle and fantastic.  He can imagine these mythical creatures of magic fluttering about or perhaps hiding behind a tree or bush.  You are swept up into Froud’s world and his creations and there’s no way you can’t be awed.  The intricate detail of his art brings each scene to life.  You have to study and admire each piece closely because there is so much there…in the forefront and in the background.  The faeries, imps, sprites and pixies blend into their surroundings and it almost becomes one of those find the hidden picture puzzles you did as a kid.  Froud gives his interpretation of Alice in Wonderland, which can only be described as wonderfully bizarre and hauntingly beautiful.

Like many of the books from Insight Editions there are hidden little treats inside to be discovered.  There are smaller booklets affixed inside, foldout spreads, and a poster.

One such booklet called Peter & Wendy is Froud’s Peter Pan interpretation.  Other creatures of legend are on display such as the Green Man and Green Woman, those representations of nature and rebirth.  There are Unicorn Women, Giants, Trolls, and faeries of pure light.  This is a book of timeless magic.  Most of the art in the book is in full color with a little bit of sketch work as well.

This is Froud’s world.  He may not have created it, but he has perfected it without a doubt.  This is his haven and the creatures there seem only too pleased to be a part of it.  This is, dare I say it, even superior to the original “Faeries” in every way.  Check out the Insight Editions website to see more: Insight Editions

This entry was posted on Monday, October 8th, 2007 at 7:26 pm and is filed under Books, Culture, Tim Janson. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.