From Publishers Weekly
Yolen (Child of Faerie, Child of Earth) heralds the seductive charms of fairyland in this volume of stories and poems, masterfully illustrated with Mackey's (Cat Up a Tree) mystical oil paintings. The selections present a wide range of fairy lore from the British Isles, Greece, Persia, New Zealand and southern Africa and include such classics as W.B. Yeats's "The Stolen Child," William Allingham's "The Fairies" and the Scottish folktale "Thomas the Rhymer." Some of the pieces describe fairyland as an idyllic escape from the rough-and-tumble of everyday life, while others warn against the dangers of fairy kidnappers (Ben Jonson's "Queen Mab," the Maori tale "The Stolen Wife") and fairy kisses ("The Faery Flag" from Scotland). Mackey's work calls to mind Pre-Raphaelite paintings and fairy paintings made popular during the Victorian era. In textured oils, at once earthbound and ethereal, he captures the romance, humor, mystery and drama of the poems and stories. Showcased in full- and single-page illustrations as well as cameo-shaped vignettes, Mackey's artwork shifts as magically as the fairy world itself from dark, brooding landscapes to fairy celebrations to humorous depictions of the fey folk. All ages. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
Fairies, those elusive creatures of folktales and childhood longing, are celebrated here in a lovely, lavishly illustrated collection of stories, poems, and lore.
More than two dozen selections from varied cultures show the many-sided relationship between people and fairies. Sometimes helping, sometimes hurting, and sometimes capturing hearts--fairies' intentions are rarely clear, but their hold over our imaginations is sure. Their allure is beautifully conveyed in romantic paintings by Stephen Mackey and in the rich, evocative, and often funny language of renowned folklorist and writer Jane Yolen. These two talents, who share a long fascination with fairies, have created an enchanting collection worthy of a place in the hearts of children and all those captivated by the Folk.