A quarter of a century after its initial publication and with well over a million copies in print worldwide, Brian Froud and Alan Lee's Faeries is an unquestioned classic. Filled with amazing illustrations and stories of a world charged with wild beauty, Faeries has literally changed the lives of countless readers who've found themselves mesmerized by the magical realm of the faeries.

Now, the silver anniversary of this extraordinary book is celebrated with an expanded edition featuring marvelous new paintings and sketches by Froud and Lee. The artists have also contributed personal essays describing the creation of the book and revealing how its power has marked their own lives — as it has so many of their readers.

Since the book's initial publication, Froud and Lee have become tremendously successful figures in the worlds of film, art, and publishing, but Faeries remains their most enduring work, a superb exploration of myths, legends, folklore, and fantasy. The detailed study they made of the history of faeries informed the book's exceptional success and draws readers today. Going back to the old sources, they examined myths and legends, sorted fact from fancy, and finally illuminated their findings with over two hundred breathtaking illustrations. Rarely have research and artistry combined to produce so beautiful a result.

The enduring affection of readers is perhaps the most powerful testimony to the impact of Faeries. "This is the most influential book I've ever read," one fan wrote simply. Another declared, "This book is — where are the words to describe it? — magnificent/fabulous/beautiful/moving/terrifying/fantastic..."

Faeries is a feast to revel in, a classic and an endless delight. As Froud observes in his essay, "Such is the power of Faeries!"

205 illustrations, including 167 in full color

"Twenty-five years ago, self-proclaimed 'faery authorities' Froud and Lee published the first edition of their imaginative faery field guide....For the child learning the pleasures of magical worlds, or for adults who never forgot, this book remains a delight." Publishers Weekly

"Fascinating tales and more than 200 extraordinary illustrations....A charming thing." The New York Times Book Review

"The nicest thing that has happened to faeries since Peter Pan." Chicago Times

"A seductive ring of words and bright pictures." Time

"Ethereal portraiture." The Washington Post

"A charming, copiously illustrated compendium of purest fantasy." Houston Post

"Pure fun and fantasy." Chicago Sun-Times

In celebration of "Fairies" anniversary, this special edition features eight new pages and 20 new pieces of art along with new Introductions by the authors. 205 illustrations.

Brian Froud is an illustrator, author, film designer, and faery authority. In addition to Faeries, his books include Lady Cottington's Pressed Faery Book, with Monty Python's Terry Jones, Good Faeries / Bad Faeries, and The Faeries' Oracle. He also served as the conceptual designer on two of Jim Henson's films, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth.

Alan Lee is an illustrator of myths, legends, and fantasy, as well as an author, film designer, and faery authority. Best known as the illustrator of Tolkien's Middle Earth books, he also did the watercolors for a centenary edition of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Lee worked on the films Legend and Eric the Viking. He is currently a Conceptual Designer on the Lord of the Rings film trilogy.