Gnomes
Reviews (433)
Delightful
This is a delightful coffee table book, full of tongue in cheek humor. It might even be readable fare for kids. But you will have to skip over a page or two. For instance, I didn't want to say that it has sexual context, because honestly it doesn't. But my mother-in-law would have been terribly insulted by a picture of a naked gnome or two, especially a naked lady with exposed breasts (come where the feeding of infants gnomes and physiology of gnomes is humorously discussed. Everything in this is humorous. If you have friends who into gnomes in their yards decor, then this would be a great gift. The art is on every single page is the book discusses every conceivable subject you could ever think of. My favorite chapter was on relationships with other animals. It's a large and heavy book. I would tell you the number of pages, but the authors didn't bother to number them.
Untruthful description of books condition.
The book content is wonderful. However it was said to be in good condition, I opened it and it fell apart. Buying used is always a risk but, this under no circumstances would be good condition!
Enchanting
I can't remember the last time I actually felt "enchanted" by a book, but that's exactly how I felt reading this and pouring over the many wonderful pictures. The details regarding all aspect's of a gnome's life were so amusing, I found myself transported into their world. Had I sat up and banged my head on a tree root, I would not have been surprised. Surely a lovely gnome family must be living somewhere in my neighborhood. I shall endeavor to be an ever better person in hopes of meeting them one day...
Loved this book since childhood!
I have to admit that this was a book my Mom had when I was growing up, so there is a bit of a nostalgic love of this book that is likely tainting my opinion! Tahat said, we are building a whimsical fairy garden and Gnome forest on our property near our mini free library and we needed ideas. This book's illustrations continue to be one of my favorites and the explanations of the various parts of Gnome existence is still fun. It is a great coffee table book in our timber frame home and we can't wait for our future grandchildren to enjoy this book as much as we do!
Beautiful, Quirky
This book is beautifully and lovingly crafted. I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who said he remember his dad or his uncle having a copy of this and always wanted one of his own. The book arrived quickly and in impeccable condition. The art is exquisite and quirky. It's written as an anthropological study of gnomes as if they were real creatures with unique, complex, expansive little lives. The art included in the back pocket is ready to frame, and we'll likely do just that with a few of them. Again, the craftsmanship is superb. The writing makes me laugh, and my boyfriend enjoys it just as much, if not more.
A classic! Rich language and beautiful gnome artwork.
A classic. I have loved this imagery since I was a child and finally bought if for my daughter. She is fascinated and loving the 'behind the scenes' of how Gnomes live. Very much an encyclopedia, there is no hint that it is fiction. Gorgeous art and wonderfully rich story telling. There is a hint of gnome bum cheek in one and Gnome boobs in another drawing. Not sexualized, just showing the early form of gnomes, very much like a National Geographic or true encyclopedia. Not an issue here, just sharing. A beautiful book, do get the hadcover!
Buy it, it's amazing from cover to cover.
This is my first Amazon review, although I have made countless purchases. I read this book from cover to cover in perhaps 4 hours (I'm a slow methodical reader and the illustrations deserved to be lingered over). But I recommend this book for anyone interested in the fantasy of gnomes, but interestingly, the book ending is more about humanity. It left me with tears in my eyes and made me wish I had a red pointed cap upon my head. "Man's greatest work is to live on a piece of land without spoiling it." Aldo Leopold
A completely "made-up" world set up like an Encyclopedia
When I was 12, I used to babysit for a couple in my neighborhood. They had this book in their living room. I've always been an avid reader and when I saw the cover art, I couldn't resist! I was mesmerized by the art and fascinated by the content. A completely "made-up" world set up like an Encyclopedia...I was hooked! When my daughter announced that she was making me a Grandma this year, I knew I had to find this book for the baby's library.
Not for beginning readers, but cute
The overall condition of the book was good, but it was completely lacking the dustjacket. (I got it used.) So instead of the cute cover I have a plain brown book. It’s very cute but very detailed, and in different fonts, so definitely going to be a while before I and my beginning reader can enjoy it together.
A surprisingly grown up book
This book is really great. I was surprised at the level of depth and detail. It is really fun to look through. I was also a bit surprised to see that it seemed to be a bit mature. I was expecting it to be more for children, and it can be, but it does seem to be written more for an older audience. I am excited to read through it and gain some more inspiration for our crafting and story telling as we like this type of theme. If however you want to avoid nudity in gnomes for your children be aware that there are some drawings of "cave" gnomes that are not dressed. I find it a little amusing myself but also am sure my kids are going to express some curiosity at those illustrations and we shall have to talk about them to a small degree.
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