While I don’t usually review books like this, I found the premise quite intriguing. And — since it is time for the October tales of banshees, demons, trolls, goblins, vampires, zombies, werewolves and all manner of things that go bump in the night, I thought we could have a little fun with this new book that challenges the preconceived notions of fairies.
While I don’t usually review books like this, I found the premise quite intriguing. And — since it is time for the October tales of banshees, demons, trolls, goblins, vampires, zombies, werewolves and all manner of things that go bump in the night, I thought we could have a little fun with this new book that challenges the preconceived notions of fairies.
When you think of fairies or tales of fairies many times the image that comes to mind is of Tinkerbelle like creatures – beings of small stature with glorious wings that bring us luck and fortune. But seriously, folks, where do you think all these tales and legends came from?
In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. “Fairytales” resembled horror stories, with fairies drinking human blood to survive and snatching children, whisking them off to a demon land. Fairies were seen as often-dangerous creatures of the land that’d steal food out of fields and through folklore were known as creatures that were to be feared rather than trusted.
Join Dr. Bob Curran, author and mythologist, as he explores the not-so-comfortable world of fairies in his new book, Dark Fairies. He investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, exposing fairies as beings much different and far more sinister than they are commonly perceived. Bob’s books are amazing not only filled with tales that keep you on the edge of your seat but beautiful art work that features images of some of the illustrious creatures weaved into his tales.
Bob Curran is a broadcaster, writer, teacher, and researcher he has written a number of books including Vampires, Encyclopedia of the Undead, Walking with the Green Man, Celtic Lore and Legend, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms, all published by New Page Books. Bob was born in a remote area of Northern Ireland and has held a number of jobs — grave-digger, journalist, musician, and hospital porter among them. He travelled in many parts of the world, exploring the cultures and traditions of other peoples before returning to Northern Ireland to take several University degrees.
The book is inventively illustrated by Ian Daniels, a noted illustrator of such things — although printed a bit light for my taste. You can click the examples above for details. Ian Daniels has illustrated book covers for Marion Zimmer Bradley, Orson Scott Card, and Poul Anderson. His illustration book projects for New Page Books include Vampires, Zombies, Werewolves, Dragonlore, and Lost Lands, Forgotten Realms. Visit his portfolio at www.iandanielsart.com
Dark Fairies by Bob Curran SEE: the Intro Page READ: Excerpt Excerpt : Macara Shee
For those with just a little interest in the world of fantasy, fairies and such, this book will be a fresh inspiration; or a wonderful gift as we approach gift-giving season.