First English edition of Secrets of the Gnomes. The gnomes invite author Wil Huygen and artist Rien Poortvliet back to their world to document the most closely-held secrets of their lives.
Written by Wil Huygen. Illustrated by Rien Poortvliet. 1982, first English edition. Harry N. Abrams, Inc. Publishers, New York. (First published in the Netherlands in 1981.)
In the 1970s, Wil Huygen (1922 - 2009), a Dutch physician and writer, teamed with Rien Poortvliet (1932 - 1995), a Dutch artist, to present Gnomes with the same scientific detail as Audubon studied and drew birds. The result is a wonderful flight of imagination.
In Secrets of the Gnomes, Huygen and Poortvliet are invited by the gnomes to learn more about their magical lives.
From the jacket:
"...Secrets of the Gnomes is the fascinating account of a long, arduous journey undertaken by the authors at the request of the gnomes...
Poortvliet and Huygen are not invited as mere observers, however, for after a meal of mushrooms and cream...they find that they have been turned into gnomes themselves! The authors take a penetrating look at their subjects: they learn of the tender emotional life of a gnome; they see and diagram the mechanics of the ingenious gnome technology; they observe how gnomes administer justice in the wild; they are told how fairy tales first began (Little Red Riding Hood was actually a gnome). And best of all, they are allowed to see parts of the magical Secret Book."
Poortvliet and Huygen are led from Lapland across the Siberian wilderness by Nicolas, their gruff but kindly guide who teaches them the secrets of survival in the icy north..."
The Charmed Bookshop also has a first edition of the original Gnomes.
Visit TheCharmedBookshop.com to find more first edition children's books.
Condition*: Fine/Very Good. A small section of the dust jacket's laminate sheathe is separated in the front left corner.
*Based on guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.
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May 8, 2018
Not only was the correct book delivered to me in the condition I expected, but it was also so quick. With that, it isn’t every day anymore that one has the want or time to pen a note. Stephanie sent a lovely hand written note on adorable stationary with my book - a very nice touch that was much appreciated! Thanks so much - I now have my two favorite childhood books back in my personal library ❤️
Kam Clark