Publication History |
If anyone is qualified to create a book as audaciously titled as “The Goblin
Companion: A Field Guide to Goblins,” it is Brian Froud and Terry Jones.
Froud is long-time collaborator of innovator Jim Henson (creator of the
Muppets) on beloved projects such as “The Dark Crystal,” “The Labyrinth,”
and “Jim Henson’s Storyteller.” Jones is an alumnus of “Monty Python” and
the scriptwriter for “The Labyrinth.” Together, they created book that seems
familiar from the first page.
“Familiar,” in this case, is not a bad thing. The artwork varies from minimalist
stretches such as might be found in a naturalist’s textbook to full color
portraiture. In all cases, the reader has the disturbing sense that Froud is
drawing from living models. The art is detailed, life-like, and full of personality,
and the goblins’ joy of their capricious lives is clear.
The text in “The Goblin Companion” is given second-billing and it’s not hard to
see why. There is precious little text compared to the volume of artwork and its
quality is not as immediately evident. Do take the time, however, to read
through what sparse text there is. It’s well-worth it. Jones has peppered the
guide with real gems. There are subtle jokes that can make the reader smile
slyly as well as satirical jabs that can make the reader laugh out loud. Even the
goblins’ names are fair game for jokes. Consider Bec & Caul, Pug (pronounced,
according to the guide, as “guppie”), Spue, and Hywr & Lowr.
One of this reader’s favorite goblins is Anges, who “is capable of collecting and
carrying seventy times her own weight in discarded economic theories and
abandoned political objectives. The empty promises, hollow opinions, and
worthless public statements that litter the Wide Tract are all snapped up by this
voracious creature. She then delivers them to Gurdy the Burnisher, who
polishes them up as good as new, if not better, and resells them to the ambitious
and unscrupulous of all ages.”
There are a few other surprises, particularly those expecting family-friendly
fare. There are, for example, the Boing—“feared by goblin maidens… for their
detachable members.” Froud has kindly provided illustrations of the Boing’s
talent. The entry might be, depending upon perspective, shockingly funny or
crass.
All in all, a fine coffee-table book that will always be ready to provide a smile. I
rate it an 8.
Companion: A Field Guide to Goblins,” it is Brian Froud and Terry Jones.
Froud is long-time collaborator of innovator Jim Henson (creator of the
Muppets) on beloved projects such as “The Dark Crystal,” “The Labyrinth,”
and “Jim Henson’s Storyteller.” Jones is an alumnus of “Monty Python” and
the scriptwriter for “The Labyrinth.” Together, they created book that seems
familiar from the first page.
“Familiar,” in this case, is not a bad thing. The artwork varies from minimalist
stretches such as might be found in a naturalist’s textbook to full color
portraiture. In all cases, the reader has the disturbing sense that Froud is
drawing from living models. The art is detailed, life-like, and full of personality,
and the goblins’ joy of their capricious lives is clear.
The text in “The Goblin Companion” is given second-billing and it’s not hard to
see why. There is precious little text compared to the volume of artwork and its
quality is not as immediately evident. Do take the time, however, to read
through what sparse text there is. It’s well-worth it. Jones has peppered the
guide with real gems. There are subtle jokes that can make the reader smile
slyly as well as satirical jabs that can make the reader laugh out loud. Even the
goblins’ names are fair game for jokes. Consider Bec & Caul, Pug (pronounced,
according to the guide, as “guppie”), Spue, and Hywr & Lowr.
One of this reader’s favorite goblins is Anges, who “is capable of collecting and
carrying seventy times her own weight in discarded economic theories and
abandoned political objectives. The empty promises, hollow opinions, and
worthless public statements that litter the Wide Tract are all snapped up by this
voracious creature. She then delivers them to Gurdy the Burnisher, who
polishes them up as good as new, if not better, and resells them to the ambitious
and unscrupulous of all ages.”
There are a few other surprises, particularly those expecting family-friendly
fare. There are, for example, the Boing—“feared by goblin maidens… for their
detachable members.” Froud has kindly provided illustrations of the Boing’s
talent. The entry might be, depending upon perspective, shockingly funny or
crass.
All in all, a fine coffee-table book that will always be ready to provide a smile. I
rate it an 8.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Goblin Companion: A Field Guide to Goblins (Brian Froud and Terry Jones) By SC Bryce |
First Printing:
FantasyBookSpot.com (May 1, 2006).
FantasyBookSpot.com (May 1, 2006).
Second Printing:
SCBryce.com (Dec. 22, 2006).
SCBryce.com (Dec. 22, 2006).
|