Lushly detailed with incredibly cute fairy and elf illustrations by Ana Mae Seagren, "A Day in Fairyland" is a fantastic, oversized (18'' x 14'') child's book written by Sigrid Rahmas and is about the preparation and celebration of a Fairy Queen's birthday. First published in the 1940's, (and this may sound cliched but I have to say it anyway), --they certainly do not make 'em like this anymore!
Yeah, there's a real observed, fine art feel to these--especially the bugs and plants--that just doesn't come without accumulated expertise. But also the whole thing reminds me of Henry Darger a little bit, and that doens't come without native genius. Great stuff.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful. ♥ I imagine thumbing through it full size is incredible, I absolutely love an over-sized book!
ReplyDeleteI was so intrigued by the art I had to find out more about the artist, Ana Mae Seagren was the translated name for Ann Mari Sjögren, Wikipedia has a writeup of some of her life's story.
ReplyDeleteIts delightful art to look at, none can deny that.
The male fairies all need to wear a union suit, and the female fairies get to have all sorts of different dresses? I don't know if I'd want to visit fairy land because I don't think I'd be able to understand the dress code!
ReplyDeleteThere's some interesting and strong composition sense here, with the background and foreground action. It's shortened a lot (which is cool) and stuffs a lot in an image. Really nice artwork.
I have another good over-sized book I found recently that (due to the monsteriffic horror subject matter) I'll be posting about a little closer to halloween. Thanks for the fairy good comments! :)
ReplyDeleteI grew up with this book and still, so many years later have it next to my bed. Imy granddaughter and I celebrated the fairy queens birthday every August 1st.A beautiful book.
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