I wanted to bring to your attention a book that came my way, The Gnome Lexicon. Readers of this blog will know I am a sucker for quirky books with well done illustrations that touch on folk lore or fairy tales so it is no surprise that I found this volume intriguing.
From the publisher:
The Gnome Lexicon is a comprehensive study on gnome lore. Altogether there are seventy plus gnomes that represent fifty-nine cultures included in the book. They are divided up into twelve chapters according to where they reside, for example, Hearth and Home, Forest and Jungle, and Sea, Stream, and Swamp. Each gnome has at least one page-some have up to four-so the reader can be introduced to each one in detail; what they look like, what corner of the world they live in, and how they interact with people. Some are well-known-such as the brownie and the leprechaun-but also included are more obscure gnomes such as the little-known Egbere (Nigeria) and the Bwbach (Wales). A few have never before been in print; others have received just a mention in passing. The gnomes are a fascinating mix of merry, incurable tricksters; dour, hardworking companions; and shy, elusive loners. There are also three small sections that cover other gnome essentials: ways to see a gnome, their relationship with cats, and why gnomes would rather you not know their names.
The title could have been “everything you wanted to know about Gnomes but were afraid to ask.” It is really incredible to dive into the detail and the breadth of cultures and regions covered.
In addition to the vast amount of information about gnome folklore around the globe the book also has wonderful illustrations on every page and the entire book is wonderfully designed to match the subject matter. A joy to read, to flip through and read those sections that catch your fancy or just enjoy the illustrations.
This would make a great gift for anyone with a love of folklore or gnomes.
