A Field Guide to the Little People - an exploration of the mysterious world of the gnome in myth and literature.
Gnomes are a homely breed of elf that have lived happily and mostly invisibly alongside humans since we came down from the trees. They share many of our habits and tastes. Most gnomes like neatness and order and quiet lives. They like to have a full larder and logpile and time to get things done without a rush. Where they mainly differ from us is that they are, on the whole, far less ambitious and more cheerful with their lot.
There are exceptions. There are gnomes who have grown fabulously rich and lived in palaces. There are others who have set out to conquer the world, though so far with a total lack of success unless one is ready to believe some of the old fairytales. Whatever the case in the past, most gnomes these days live quiet, unassuming lives, which is how for the most part they escape human notice.
This book looks at all aspects of gnome life, their origins and fashions, their pastimes, opinions and culinary tastes (including recipes for some classic gnome dishes). It examines urban gnomes, suburban, bucolic and wild ones. It looks at their styles of home building and decorating and, of course, gardening.
Finally, there is a unique gnome board game suitable for all ages, and a selection of pages from the 'Gnoma Sutra' never before seen by human eyes. This book is held largely responsible for the continuing existence of the gnome race as they have a famous lack of interest in sex and it is often only when some friends surreptitiously slip them a copy that they remember it exists.
