Illustrated Treasury of Swedish Folk and Fairy Tales

John Bauer (1882-1918) was a highly acclaimed Swedish artist. Influenced by Anders Zorn and Carl Larsson, and by the fantasy work of Arnold Bocklin, he started illustrating fairy stories whilst still a student at the Swedish Royal Academy. His best-known illustrations were for an annual Christmas book for children, Bland Tomtar och Troll (Among Elves and Trolls), which delighted readers with their gentle humour and delicate detail. Bauer died at the age of just 35 when he, his wife and their three-year-old son were drowned when a ferry they were taking to Jonkoping sank in Lake Vättern. He created an enormous volume of work before his untimely death, and over one thousand of his paintings, drawings and sketches are housed at The Jönköping Läns Museum in Sweden

'If you relish tales of dark forests, wild creatures, marauding monsters, sinister spellcasters and brave boys and girls (and if you appreciate jaw-dropping illustrations of all of the above) you are my kind of person and you too will relish this book.'-- The Alligator's Mouth'Republished as a centenary edition, this is a celebration of John Bauer's mysterious and gothic work... Trolls, tomtes and princesses are brought wonderfully to life by Bauer's illustrations. Starting with a fascinating history of his tragically short life, this is a book to treasure.'-- JUNO Magazine'A wonderfully entertaining collection... An Illustrated Treasury of Swedish Folk and Fairy Tales is unreservedly recommended.'-- Midwest Book Review'This lovely Centenary Edition of Swedish Folk and Fairy Tales is a wonderful tribute to the visionary artist. After an introduction on the life of John Bauer, the tales are divided into three sections "Trolls and Tomtes," "Brave Girls and Boys," and "Kings and Queens." The artist's muted tones and attention to detail perfectly complement the traditional tales and bring them to life. The artwork has been beautifully reproduced and the edition is complete with a ribbon bookmark. This is a collection that will enthrall readers with tales of magic, clever children and royalty. This collection will be enjoyed by readers who love folk and fairytales from around the world. Hand it to readers looking to move beyond the traditional tales by Grimm, Perrault and Andersen.'-- Youth Services Book Review, 4 stars'Libraries will find that this is an excellent addition to their collections on folk tales.'-- School Library Connection'Tales of trolls and kings, princesses, magicians and giants are illustrated by the acclaimed Swedish artist, John Bauer. His stylised images seem to suggest the universal ... They are extremely evocative. His use of muted tones means his rare flashes of colour -- bluebells, or a golden-haired princess -- seem to illuminate his dark forest scenes with a magical glow. His big-nosed, good-natured trolls are also a delight (fans of Brian Fround's Dark Crystal will adore them). Adults will enjoy these pictures just as much as children.'-- Dawn Casey, Armadillo'When John Bauer was tragically drowned at the age of only 36, he had already become Sweden's best-known illustrator of children's books. This handsome volume shows why. These stories are remarkably contemporary in their continuing appeal and their attractions were cleverly identified and enhanced by Bauer.'-- Mary Medlicott, School Librarian'This is real storytelling. The stories represent a hitherto-neglected tradition of fairy tale, in bright readable English, which the added bonus of Bauer's pictures for those who respond to the strength of his compositions and the humour of his line.'-- Books for Keeps'John Bauer is one of the world's greatest illustrators of fairy tales. His precise and beautiful work has been compared with that of Durer and Holbein. This book will appeal equally to both children and adults.'-- Folk & Fairy Tales: A Book Guide, Booktrust'This superb collection of traditional fairy tales from Sweden is fantastic value, and you'll treasure the book for the illustrations alone.''-- Jo Rogers, Families Magazine (www.familiesonline.co.uk)'These stories are entertaining, well told and have been translated into readable English. The illustrations are excellent, highly imaginative and reminiscent in style to the work of Arthur Rackham and Edmund Dulak. Children between 7 and 11 will enjoy these stories.'-- Peter Heathfield, New View'Bauer's characteristic world of lakes, mountains, caves and trees is dark and shadowy, but often broken by bright beams of light. Sometimes the light shines forth from a particular person -- a long-haired princess or a tiny innocent child. Sometimes it radiates from a flying horse or the moon in the sky. But never far away are the trolls, knobbly, clumsy-looking creatures with beady eyes and great fat noses. They are like embodiments of the land itself, knobbly and knotty and gnarled.'-- Mary Medlicott, School Librarian'A magical and enchanting book... I was drawn to the beautiful illustrations accompanying wonderfully whimsical fairy tales.'-- NourishedByBooks (Instagram)

• Trolls & Tomtes1.When Mother Troll Took in the King's Washing - Elsa Beskow2.The Trolls and the Youngest Tomte - Alfred Smedberg3.The Troll Ride - Anna Wahlenberg4.The Four Big Trolls and Little Peter Pastureman - Cyrus Granér5.The Crofters and the Gnomes - Anna Wahlenberg6.The Old Troll of Big Mountain - Anna Wahlenberg7.The Changelings - Helena NyblomBrave Girls & Boys1.The Boy and the Trolls - Walter Stenström2.The Barrel Stopper - Anna Wahlenberg3.Bella's Glorious Adventure - Helena Nyblom4.The Magician's Cape - Anna Wahlenberg5.Dag, Daga and the Flying Troll of Sky Mountain - Harald Östenson6.The Boy Who Was Never Afraid - Alfred Smedberg7.The Golden Key - W.E. Björk8.Leap the Elk and Little Princess Cottongrass - Helge KjellinKings & Queens1.The Ring - Helena Nyblom2.The King's Choice - Anna Wahlenberg3.The Queen's Pearl Necklace - Anna Wahlenberg4.The Maiden in the Castle of Rosy Clouds - Harald Östenson5.Linda-Gold and the Old King - Anna Wahlenberg6.The Prince Without a Shadow - Jeanna Oterdahl7.The Queen - Anna WahlenbergAbout the Authors Acknowledgments