One of our most universal myths is that of the Green Man--the spirit who stands for Nature in its most wild and untamed form. Through the ages and around the world, the Green Man and other nature spirits have appeared in stories, songs, and artwork, as well as many beloved fantasy novels, including Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Now Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, the acclaimed editors of over thirty anthologies, have gathered some of today's finest writers of magical fiction to interpret the spirits of nature in short stories and poetry. Folklorist and artist Charles Vess brings his stellar eye and brush to the decorations, and Windling provides an introduction exploring Green Man symbolism and forest myth. The Green Man is required reading--not only for fans of fantasy fiction but for those interested in mythology and the mysteries of the wilderness.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Almost a children's book:
It is true, as other reviewers have stated, that this anthology of mythology is not meant for adults. However, it doesn't seem strong enough for young adults either. Except for some of the themes, many of the stories seem more appropriate for younger children. The fact is, they are predictable and not terribly imaginative. A few are better written, with beautiful use of the language. Perhaps this is one of the difficulties with themed anthologies.
Green and Refreshing:
The short story is a dreadfully difficult art to master. Most collections have but one or two tales truly worth reading---and this collection is no different---there are perhaps two stand-outs. But, and this is the important thing: almost every story in this book captures the essence of the mythic Greenwood in a new vision. A few of the stories are remarkable for their sheer playful writing, and I wonder if this is merely the nature of the genre (fantasy/sf/speculative), or of genre writing (or writers)? Or... more info
15 short stories + 3 poems:
"In this book, we've asked the writers to journey deep into the Mythic Forest, to bring back tales of those wild lands, and of the creatures who dwell within them. Thus in these pages you'll find witches, wolves, dryads, deer men, a faery or two, and numerous magical spirits of nature..."
- from the editors' preface Windling's "Introduction" outlines the origins of the archetype of the Green Man and other forest beings. -- Bell, M. Shayne: Sickly little Maurice Ravel meets "The Pagodas... more info
Enchanting:
Yet another brilliant collection from Datlow and Windling. "The Green Man" takes you furthur into the otherworldly forest realm with each new story. I could not stop reading, knowing that with each new author came another tale I knew I wanted to get lost in. The beautiful chapter illustrations by Charles Vess serve as more than decoration, but set the stage for the next story to be ensared by. His ability to capture the spirit of a story in only a few inches of ink is reason enough to buy this book for me.... more info
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