In his richly imagined book, Good Faeries/Bad Faeries, renowned artist Brian Froud invites readers on a captivating journey into the dual nature of the faery realm, presenting it as a vibrant, ever-present force in our modern world . This sequel to the international bestseller Faeries rescues these mythical beings from the pages of old folktales, portraying them as luminous, chaotic, and deeply influential creatures that interact with our daily lives .
The book is ingeniously structured to reflect its central theme of duality, featuring a reversible cover that allows readers to choose between the world of “Good Faeries” and “Bad Faeries” . On one side, Froud introduces benevolent beings such as Dream Weavers and Faery Godmothers, who offer gentle assistance and guide us toward connection and wholeness . On the other, he unveils a host of mischievous and malevolent creatures, from traditional figures like Morgana le Fay to his own inventive creations like the Soul Shrinker and the Gloominous Doom, who cause everything from minor daily irritations to moments of deep despair . However, Froud’s exploration goes beyond simple dichotomy, suggesting that these “bad” interferences serve a vital purpose by holding a mirror to our own psychic blocks and unresolved emotions .
Filled with over 200 of Froud’s breathtaking illustrations—ranging from detailed black-and-white sketches to luminous full-color paintings—the book is a visual feast . Through his art and insightful commentary on faery blights, glamour, and music, Froud posits that no faery is entirely good or bad. Instead, they fluidly embody both extremes, engaging us at deeper levels of consciousness and reminding us that in the faery realms, as in truth, such divisions are never cleanly cut
