Creatures (1927) by Padraic Colum, illustrated by Boris Artzybasheff, is a whimsical and enchanting collection of fables and folklore that reimagines mythical beasts and animals through poetic storytelling. Colum, an Irish poet and folklorist, weaves together tales from global traditions—Celtic, Slavic, Native American, and more—giving voice to creatures like the Phoenix, the Thunder Horse, and the Moon-Cat with lyrical prose that blurs the line between poetry and myth.
The book’s magic is amplified by Boris Artzybasheff’s striking woodcut illustrations, which blend Art Deco precision with primal, almost surrealist energy. His bold black-and-white designs—angular, textured, and pulsating with life—transform each creature into a visual icon, echoing the era’s fascination with both folklore and modernist art.
For Fans of Creatures, Explore:
- The Arabian Nights (illus. Artzybasheff, 1928) – More of his graphic storytelling genius.
- The King of Ireland’s Son by Colum (1916) – Irish folklore with Artzybasheff’s earlier art.
- The Book of Imaginary Beings by Borges (1967) – A later compendium of mythical beasts.
A forgotten gem of 1920s illustrated literature.
