Spirits, Fairies, Gnomes and Goblins: An Encyclopedia of the Little People

by Carol Rose

In more than 2,000 alphabetically arranged entries, readers will meet angels, demons, elves, encantados, fairies, familiars, keremets, nats, nymphs, and many other strange beings from around the world. Carol Rose introduces the reader to the little--and not so little--folk, delightfully various and, at the same time, strikingly similar from country to country. Wherever humans have lived, the supernatural beings have dwelt alongside us. People serve to explain the unexplainable--the strange disappearance of a traveler in a dark wood, that odd thumping in the attic, the fresh cream turned sour overnight. Often they reveal the stoic humor with which human societies have faced their difficulties. But whatever their source, our guilts, fears, dreams, or imaginations, the spirits have fascinated and enchanted us through the millennia. Chosen by Library Journal as a Best Reference Source.

Genres: Reference, Fantasy, Mythology, Research, Folklore, Writing, Fairy Tales

370 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1996

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is really too bad that Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia (1996) is no longer in print (and thus only available used from sites like Amazon Marketplace and ABE Books). For yes, Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia is a nicely extensive and warmly recommended by me introduction to various mythological and folkloric spirits, fairies, elves, angels etc. from multiple areas of the world, from diverse and global cultures and traditions (with the A to Z section presenting the names of the featured entities alphabetically, but that in the appendices for Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia, author and compiler Carol Rose also provides names according to specific subjects, so that for example, Rose shows country lists, lists of dwarves, demons, beings associated with the weather, astronomy, forests, fields etc.).

And indeed, I do really textually appreciate how in her introduction to Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia, Carol Rose explains that her collection of presented beings are often known as “little people” not so much due to their small stature but because they are generally not considered to be deities and thus exist on a subordinate level to gods/goddesses, so that aside from diminutive entities such as dwarves, fairies, brownies, leprechauns, kobolds etc. Rose with Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia thus also shows angels, elves, djinns, goblins and other similar spirits who in fact can be and often are large and sometimes even gigantic.

Now just to point out that what Carol Rose textually provides in Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia is not intensive, with all of the entries being but short and very concise general introductions. But yes, if readers should want and need more information, there is not only a very detailed and extensive bibliography for Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia, no, Rose also in EACH AND EVERY featured entity lists the books from the bibliography where this can be found (or rather the numbers, as each bibliographic inclusion is numbered). And yes, this especially is to and for me, is in my humble opinion both really useful in and of itself and also a majorly nice and majorly appreciated added bonus, as more often than not folkloric and/or mythologic dictionaries and encyclopaedias do not bother with bibliographical links and indeed often do not even include any sources at all, and with my one and only complaint about how Carol Rose is presenting her bibliography for Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia being that she should also be listing primary sources like The Bible, The Qur'an, John Milton’s Paradise Lost etc. in the bibliography and not just mention them in the text, in the specific alphabetical entries (but well, for me, this is such a hugely minor and personal issue that it does not change my five star rating for Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia).

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good encyclopedia for folkloric creatures. A must have for those who are inclined towards folklore and mythology. It's in alphabetical order and has the pronunciation and country of origin of the different entities. It also lists alternative names for the entities. I refer to it when I write my folklore blog and also when I encounter a creature I am not familiar with or just want more information.

[Hugo Negron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful resource book. A great read for anyone researching or just interested in goblins, elves, faeries, spirits, brownies, and other mythic creatures. This is not written in story format - its more of an encyclopedic text, with not many illustrations - and the majority of the drawings originate from rather crude plates. Still, they add to the old world feel and charm of the book. It was really amazing to discover how similar so many folklore tales and creatures are from one culture to another.

[Cyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference for people seeking inspiration or people who just like mythology and the like. I fall into both of these categories, so I absolutely love this book. A must-have if you're an aspiring fantasy author and want to avoid the Tolkien tropes.

[Jacqueline Ogburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, an invaulable reference books, drawn from many traditions.

[Madly Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good reference book on fairies and similar creatures.

[Sarah Yoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I looked a while for a reference book or bestiary that could help me get a rounded view of fae, but a lot of them are written to be cutsey rather than to give information. This one is comparatively academic, with alphabetized listings and helpful appendices. I especially appreciate the cultural variety.

[Deboshree Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one... got to know soo much of unknown creatures, worldwide.. but there are some mis infos that I have observed, specially in Hindu lore and mythology segments... but you never be always right when it's about folklore and believes.. hence..no complain... loved this on too.. :)

[Ms. J Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Covers lots of stuff, but no pronunciation guide...

[Cathy Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful reference, but dry. This is a companion volume to Rose's Giants, Monsters & Dragons.

[Rabbit {Paint me like one of your 19th century gothic heroines!} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come.

[M.L. Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, extremely useful resource for writers.

[Micah Genest · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly resourceful encyclopedia of various spirits, fairies, leprechauns, goblins, etc, from around the world. As an encyclopedia usually does, Carol Rose has brought together many different informations, in this case fairy based creatures with short, quick informative entries.

Though there is not enough to learn much about each creature (except for a handful that are explored with a somewhat good amount of information) the book does well by creating a place they can be easily, quickly introduced, as well as compared to the same creature with different names, or different creatures with similar attributes (all while bringing different creatures from different cultures together).

The encyclopedia does well by creating various categories for research, and does include a few illustrations.

I found it very helpful as a starting point for further research.

[D.A. Henneman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reference for anyone writing fantasy! The descriptions of the creatures are concise, and are just enough to set you off in the right direction. Unlike some other books I have, there are very few pictures, and the ones that are included are black and white. I personally like to have color pictures, which allow me to visualize if the creatures will fit in a particular scene, which is the only reason for the 4 star rating.

Overall, a very comprehensive and helpful book!

[R.A. Danger · Rating 4 out of 5]

1996. This one doesn't have any names in the front like Giants, Monsters, & Dragons, but then both don't have any index either. It would be useful to look up Escudait and know that it could be found under the name Will O' the Wisp or that it's in the Appendix 27. The see also may not work if you end up reading Torto a demon with one eye and want to look up other one eye creatures but only see to look up "demon" only. It has enough different bw pictures, but there is only a few the same in both books. Pictures that were the same in both books are: Gytrash, Kelpie, and Mauthe Dog.

Besides a few negatives the book has a lot of positives where you can find different spirits and other beings and a few animals; corn spirits, keremet, encantado, nymphs, gnome and dwarf types, etc. Everything from Greece to Japan can be found in these pages.

A list of Appedix in the back are: 1. Angels 2. Demons 3. Devils 4. Dwarfs 5. Encantados 6. Fairies 7. Fallen Angels 8. Familiar's names 9. Keremet 10. Nats 11. Nymphs 12. – 26. Spirits associated with: animals, creatures, astronomy, celestial world, creative arts, corn, grain, death, hades, hell, underworld, disease, fields, vegetation, forest, woods, trees, wood, fortune, luck, treasure, guardianship, protection, household, domestic family, children, prophesy, fate, roads, travelers, water, and weather 27. By country, region, or people

[The Elves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins is a fairly comprehensive encyclopedia of the otherworld from all over the world. The illustrations are not very good, it is true; however, the text is pretty thorough and while no book will ever be able to cover the totality of Faerie and the diversity of its inhabitants, except perhaps the book of Life, this is a good addition to the library of those who love and study this subject. We’re glad we got it.

The Silver Elves
authors of The Shining Ones: The Elfin Spirits That Guide You According to Your Birth Date and the Evolutionary Lessons They Offer

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is most literally an encyclopedia. So you probably will not sit down and read it in one setting. It's more of a book you read a few excerpts from, from time to time.

It's very thorough and in-depth on the backgrounds of Fae, spirits and little people.

If you are just interested in learning about such things, then this book is for you. Enjoy.

[Brunnstag · Rating 5 out of 5]

While 'Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins' isn't a book of fairy tales or stories, it's a wonderful reference book to the many legendary folk of the world. Carol Rose has gathered descriptions and information of hundreds of mythical creatures from various cultures and assembled them into an encyclopedia style volume. Dry writing for sure, but wonderfully interesting nonetheless!

[Amy]

Spirits, Fairies, Leprechauns, and Goblins: An Encyclopedia by Carol Rose (1998)

[Zazzybrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think it is about farietayles

[Gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book a lot for my writing.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful reference book by Carol Rose. As with her other work, this is a great collection of spirits, fairies, leprechauns, and goblins from all sorts of mythos, folklore, religions, and other works of writing. Again, it's an encyclopedia, not a novel to read, but a very good one with tons of information, much of which will be new to any reader.

[Nicolas Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Research material for a book I am writing but it turned out to be wayyyyy more than that. SO many cross referenced spirits, far and otherworldly creatures I had never encountered before. A must for anyone writing in the fantasy genre. Highly recommend as research material!!!

[Jbondandrews · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think much of Durga being mentioned solely as a demon when she was a goddess who defeated demons. Also not sure how the author chose what to add and what to leave out.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one. Reminded me a bit.

[LornaMarie LornaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book. Lots of details, interesting folklore creatures and enjoyable. Loved it!