Product Description

Gnomes is the product of Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen’s observation of the local gnome population in Holland. Until Gnomes was first published in Dutch in 1976, these friendly nocturnal creatures were only represented in folk lore; descriptions were often incomplete or simply inaccurate. Poortvliet and Huygen, having studied and interviewed gnomes for two decades, set out to fill this gap with their own encyclopedic tome.

Gnomes covers all areas of gnome culture, including architecture, education, courtship, medicine, industry, and relationships with other mythical creatures. Huygen’s sober descriptions are balanced by Poortvliet’s light-hearted portrayals of gnomes at work and at play. Thirty years later, this beautifully illustrated volume continues to engage and enchant readers of all ages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #19318 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 212 pages

About the Author
Rien Poortvliet, born in 1932, was one of the most popular Dutch artists, regarded by colleagues as the Bach of wildlife painters. He illustrated more than twenty books before his death in 1995. The Rien Poortvliet Museum in Middelharnis, Holland, opened in 1992 and is dedicated to his works.

Wil Huygen was born in Amersfoort, Holland, in 1923, the seventh of ten children. A physician and children's author, Huygen has recently taken up oil painting. He still lives in Holland with his wife and has five grown children of his own.

Customer Reviews

Gnomes 30th Anniversary Edition
This book is fabulous. It has an in depth background about gnomes and the illustration is amazing! I've picked it up so many times and learned something new each time. After reading it I had to bring some gnomes home to hang out around the house. I do see little things they work on around the yard he-he. We've passed the book all around to friends and family to look through and enjoy.

A whimsical Romp
This isn't a book that would normally make its way into my reading pile but I am glad it did. I remember growing up and watching a show called David the Gnome and this book helped my to capture a little bit of my lost youth.

It is wonderfully written and illustrated. The descriptions are so well written and so detailed that you shouldn't be surprised to find yourself absently staring at your own garden trying to capture a glimpse of the Gnomes yourself. This is a great read and would make a wonderful present for yourself or someone you know looking to add just a little bit of magic to their lives.

Still Brilliant 30 Years Later
I was enchanted when I first pored over this as a six-year-old, and am equally enchanted today, 30 years later. The illustrations and writing are not only timeless, but ageless as well... I suspect I will be equally moved 30 years hence!