Runes of Elfland: Ali Berk & Brian Froud - Tapa dura

While there are numerous books on the market about faeries and the world of magic, none have presented the reader with the practical history, philosophy, and tools for entering and navigating that land. Through narrative and illustration this ground-breaking book allows readers to discover the gateways to the faerie realm and explore this mysterious landscape and its denizens. Froud's paintings are each inspired by a specific rune, and these richly symbolic and potent icons are open to infinite interpretations. In the hands of the exceptional folklorist and poet Ari Berk, the secret meanings of these runes are teased out and the power they offer us is made manifest. Even a single letter provides the visual key to a host of mythic stories' lands, and adventures. By using the runes and Brian's paintings as tools to explore both the "seen" world and the "unseen" world, The Runes of Elfland will inspire readers to re-imagine their own lives and tell their own tales.

Ari Berk is a folklorist, poet and scholar of literature ethnography, iconography and comparative myth. The author of scholarly studies as well as popular titles for children and adult, Dr. Berk is assistant professor of English at Central Michigan University. Brian Froud is an award-winning illustrator, author, and faery authority. His books include international bestsellers such as Faeries, Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Book and Lady Cottington's Faery Album. He was also the conceptual designer on Jim Henson's films, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Froud lives in Devon with his wife and son.