Rien poortvliet's Gnomes

The beloved Gnomes  ("Leven en werken van de kabouter" in dutch) was first published in 1976 and the world became enchanted with the simple and diligent ways of these special creatures. Based on Rien Poortvliet and Wil Huygen's scientific observation of the local gnome population in Holland, Gnomes covers all areas of gnome culture: architecture, education, courtship, medicine, industry, and relationships with other mythical creatures.

Forty years later, this beautifully illustrated book continues to bring joy to readers of all ages. To the right, the revised collector's edition of Gnomes features a new introduction, eight removable prints in a back cover envelope, and an all-new signature of never-before-published gnome sketches by artist Rien Poortvliet on distinctive sketchbook paper.

Do you know that a Gnome is seven times stronger than a human?
Or that his sense of smell is nineteen times more acute?
Or that Gnomes rub noses in both greeting and farewell?
Or that Gnome couples always have twin children?

These and other fascinating real-life details-pictured by the noted Dutch artist Rien Poortvliet -illuminate this unique documentary portrayal of Gnomes (as distinct from Elves, Goblins, Trolls, Kobolds, Fairies) Rien Poortvliet and his scientist friend Wil Huygen have spent over twenty years observing the life and work of the Gnome, and their report at last shatters the age-old myths of song and legend.

Here are important events from Gnome history: the Gnome who knew Rembrandt reveals some fascinating behind-the-scenes gossip; Mozart's Gnome companion (still hale and hearty, being well below the average age of 400 years) describes the great musician at work; Gnome heroes are celebrated. Here too are the secrets of Gnome survival (medicinal herbs that cure everything from sneezing to sunburn); the Gnome industries; the all important Gnome cap, its making and significance.

All this adds up to a book full of lore, history - and fun. For of course all these factual data are invented. And what a great tongue-in-cheek book this is! Treating his subject as Audubon might have treated a new species of bird (and with a twinkle in his eye) artist Poortvliet portrays Gnome families in their daily - actually nightly - activities, since Gnome never leave their underground houses in daylight. 

Follow Papa Gnome as he rises for breakfast in the early evening; see him chopping wood, foraging for animal hair for clothing, working in a Gnome foundry or glass factory, and assisting various animal friends in distress. For Gnomes are benevolent allies of wild animals (and human beings as well, though we are seldom aware of their intervention). Watch Gnome workers disentangle a deer's horns from barbed wire; see how Gnomes build their houses, educate their children, court and marry, travel on a honeymoon!

A delight to the eye (Rien Poortvliet is Holland's most popular illustrator) and filled with verbal fun, GNOMES will be a treat for the whole family: as a book to show little ones, as a spoof of scientific studies for the sophisticate, and as a charming piece of made-up reality for every reader.

Do you know the names given to gnomes in different countries?

Kabouter (Holland), Imp, Goblin (Ireland), Gnome, Kabouter (Belgium), Gnome (France), Heinzelmännchen (Germany), Tomte ou Nisse (Norway), Tomtebisse ou Nisse (Sweden), Nisse (Denmark), Gnomo (Italy), Gnom (Poland), Tonttu (Finland), Domovoi Djédoesjka (Russia), Kippec (Serbia), Djudjè (Bulgaria), Mano (Hungary), etc.

The 1980 film Gnomes, and the animated series David the Gnome and Wisdom of the Gnomes are based on this book.

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