The Shoemaker and the Elves

This traditional story was given an extra touch of wizardry by Cynthia Birrer in the hardback original through imaginative use of collage and stitchcraft in which the pictures were finely executed. Her skill which almost matched that of the elves was well served by the high quality of the design and printing. Unfortunately, this paperback version loses much of the original's magic. Instead of allowing the embroidered scenes to fill the page they have been reduced and printed within a yellow frame which results in a marked loss of definition and an altogether cruder appearance. The colours too compare unfavourably with the original. Those who have not seen the hardback will very likely find this a worthwhile purchase but my over-riding feeling was of disappointment.