Icelandic Trolls

by Brian Pilkington

For centuries, the mountain trolls used to inspire terror in the hearts of the Icelandic people. Nowadays, however, little is herad from these beings, and the old terror seems to have changed to puzzled curiosity. It has been argued that many of the old trolls have turned to stone, the usual evidence for this being the huge, moss-covered, troll-like basalt rock columns that can be found all around the countryside, standing out against the skyline. In this richly illustrated book, Brian Pilkington brings the amazing world of the trolls to life in an amusing and original fashion. The Icelandic folk legends have been used as a background, but a great deal of new and surprising information has been added concerning the living conditions, traditions and customs of these ancient creatures. The wide range of illustrations in the book all testify to this popular artist’s incomparable breadth of imagination.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction

28 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ilia]

Haven't read it yet, but this post gives a good idea of what the book is like if you want to take a peek before buying - http://monisto.livejournal.com/193178...

[Coenraad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Pilkington creates a sumptuously illustrated guide to Icelandic trolls, not only giving important information about them (often with a wry sense of humour), but also attempting to remove the inter-species animosity, as it rests on false perceptions. A delightful bit of fun.

Brian Pilkington se informatiewe gids tot Yslandse trolle is nie alleen ’n ryke bron van inligting en pragtige illustrasies nie, maar probeer die inter-spesie vooroordele uit die weg ruim deur die onnodige misverstande op te klaar. Heerlike pret.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Pilkington has gathered Icelandic lore of trolls and written in a fashion that explains every aspect of troll life. From their looks, dress, and living situations to family, fashions, food and more . . . This is a book to savor and enjoy for years to come!

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful little book. I want to say its for little kids, but the story itself probably would not hold the interest of the very young. However, the pictures are adorable and a small child would enjoy looking at them.

I did however check this book out from the childrens non-fiction section of the library and its listed as a children's book. Its more factual then fiction or fun. But for an older child interested in fantasy, this book would be a wonderful little read.

I went through it today, and I am ready to take a trip to Iceland based on all the hot troll spots that the book discusses!

I have a 4 year old daughter and she has enjoyed the pictures, particularly the pictures of the troll babies. My 16 year old read it today as well and enjoyed it and even googled a couple of things he found interesting in the book. I think it could be enjoyed by all age groups if they enjoyed reading about magical creatures.

[Alessandro Margheriti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tutta la verità sui troll islandesi: storia, aspetto fisico, tradizioni, abitudini, come vestono, cosa mangiano, dove vivono...
Un bellissimo libro per bambini di tutte le età, che con un pizzico ironia racconta la grande tradizione islandese.

[Dinah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know this is more of a kids book, but it was so cute I had to pick it up while visiting Iceland.
Trolls have been given a bad rap by humans over the centuries. They are judged on their looks and size. They are really easy going creatures that prefer to sleep over anything else. They are also best friends with the puffins.

The illustrations were great as well.