Faeries, by Brian Froud & Alan Lee

Faeries, by Brian Froud & Alan Lee. 1978 softcover. 200 pages, nice condition.

A landmark 1978 book that redefined the popular image of faeries by presenting them as complex, often wild, and sometimes dangerous beings from folklore, rather than just sweet sprites. It's a richly illustrated guide to faery lore, history, and habitats, featuring Froud's detailed paintings and Lee's classic watercolors, and has become a foundational text for fantasy art and literature, influencing generations of artists and writers. Explores faery mythology, history, customs, and ecology, covering creatures like goblins, pixies, trolls, and dwarves. Presents faeries as they appear in folklore—not always benevolent, but mischievous, powerful, and connected to the natural world. Features hundreds of detailed, imaginative drawings and paintings by both artists, often inspired by the British landscape.

Brian Froud (born 1947) is an English fantasy illustrator and conceptual designer. He is most widely known for his 1978 book Faeries with Alan Lee, and as the conceptual designer of the Jim Henson films The Dark Crystal (1982) and Labyrinth (1986). Froud is "one of the most pre-eminent visualizers of the world of faerie and folktale.” Froud is a legend.