One sentence summary:
Lady Cottington’s Pressed Fairy Book, written by Terry Jones, is a humorous and illustrated satire that tells the story of a young girl who discovers and begins to press fairies in her journal, much to the dismay of the fairies.
Book genre:
Fantasy, humor, satire, illustrated novel.
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is the satirical exploration of the world of fairies and the blending of fantasy and reality, with a focus on the power dynamics between humans and these mythical creatures.
Key ideas:
- The power of imagination and how it can shape our perception of the world.
- The concept of belief and how it can be easily manipulated or challenged.
- The role of humor and satire in questioning societal norms and expectations.
- The relationship between humans and nature, specifically regarding our treatment of mythical creatures.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Introduction and Preface – Sets the stage for the story and explains how the Pressed Fairy Book came to be.
- The Diaries of Lady Angelica Cottington – Includes Lady Cottington’s journal entries documenting her encounters with fairies and her pressing of them.
- The Pressed Fairy Letters – Contains letters from the fairies, written in response to Lady Cottington’s actions, along with their own unique perspective on the situation.
- The Autopsy of a Fairy – Provides scientific analysis of a pressed fairy and pokes fun at the absurdity of trying to scientifically explain something magical.
The book also includes beautiful illustrations by artist Brian Froud that bring the story to life and add to its humorous tone.
Key takeaways:
- Humor can be a powerful tool in challenging societal norms and expectations.
- The power of belief and how it can shape our perception of the world around us.
- The importance of imagination and its role in our lives.
- The need for humans to respect and coexist with nature, rather than trying to control or manipulate it.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Terry Jones is a British comedian, screenwriter, actor, film director, and author. He is best known for being a member of the comedy group Monty Python and for co-writing and co-directing the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian, and The Meaning of Life. Jones has written over 20 books, including children’s books, poetry, and non-fiction, and he has received numerous awards for his work in television and film.
Target audience:
The book is suitable for all ages, but it may be especially enjoyable for those who are fans of fantasy, satire, and humor. It also appeals to readers who appreciate the art and imagination of storytelling.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was originally published in 1994 by Pavilion Books Ltd. The most recent edition was published in 2020 by Canongate Books Ltd.