I have mixed feelings about this book. First: it's about faeries, therefore, I enjoyed it. It does contain a lot of information, some of which I found genuinely interesting and informative.
There were however, certain concepts and 'facts' that I found difficult to get on board with. I always have a certain amount of trepidation when a pagan/nature-based reference book starts talking about magickal/mythical creates in corporeal form. That may well be a reflection of my own personal beliefs, and I realize that a large portion of this books readership will be individuals that believe in 'Faery' in the literal, physical sense, rather than the metaphorical, energy-source sense that I relate to within my own system of beliefs. I can usually get over it though, because the others information is usually applicable on both a literal and 'energetic' level - that is to say, the symbolism is still valid and thoroughly present. But when an author starts describing the physical appearance of specific magickal beings - when element faeries are described in specific, corporeal detail as having distinct features (i.e "water faeries are always beautiful, and have lovely singing voices" - although not quoted verbatim, you get the point), I start to disconnect from the book itself. I just have a pet peeve for authors within the New Age genre who write as if these details are 'set-in-stone' facts, and that THEY are the absolute experts on the matter. No, I don't buy that. I am more than willing to listen to what you have to offer on the subject (I mean, I bought your book, didn't I?), but please don't allegorically tell me that flower faeries are smaller and more petite than earth faeries. That is not a fact. That doesn't help me learn anything. Where the hell does that information even come from, other than the authors own personal experiences with faeries? If so, STATE THAT. Make clear that these are YOUR views and personal experiences on faeries. You are not educating us on an empirical subject, so don't pretend you are. It's just irksome to me.
On a positive note, there were definitely sections of this book that I enjoyed. The sections on elemental faery myths and legends from around the world was an especially helpful resource. I am a student of mythology and of symbolism, and so these references were very helpful in widening my knowledge of faery oral/written traditions, as well as being anthropologically intriguing. These sections of the book will definitely help with future faery study.
All in all, a good resource to have, but certainly not a favorite in my collection of feary books.