The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Fairies, Anna Franklin

For hundreds of years, fairies have enchanted imaginations, inspired awe and fear, and left in their wake a treasure trove of wonderful stories. Legends of fairy creatures--ranging from tiny winged sprites to giants to elves to brownies to tree spirits--can be found in every corner of the world. Filled with hundreds of exquisite illustrations, this comprehensive directory provides a global, multi-ethnic, multicultural overview of fairies. Nearly 3,000 entries, arranged alphabetically offer glimpses into other worlds and times. There are items from Celtic and Scandinavian traditions, Greek and Norse mythology, Native American culture, the Far East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and more. Cross-referencing makes it easy to explore the themes that span the globe. An extensive introduction explores the origins of fairy folklore and provides general background on common beliefs. A Selection of the One Spirit Book Club.