Eragon's Guide to Alagaesia by Christopher Paolini

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Doubleday, 2009. ISBN 9780385617888.
Paolini, together with illustrators; F. Gambino, L. McDougal, I. Miller, D. Wyatt and designer J. Lambert have produced an album style guide to Alagaesia. All those who have loved Eragon, Eldest and Brisingr will enjoy the rich illustrations and attention to detail in this plush companion edition to Paolini's books.
To most Paolini fans, I'm sure the information for the most part, comes as no great surprise. But there is a useful time line showing the arrivals of the main groups of people to Alagaesia; the Dwarves, the Elves, Humans and Urgals. There is also background data on animals and plants; such as cave bears, feldunost, the Menoa Tree and fireweed. There are marvelous black and white illustrations showing great technical, and anatomical skill with close attention to detail. Included are some little samples of Elven weaving, samples of language phrases from the three non-human groups and even a fur sample from the Feldunost. There are little booklets and flip over cards that will fascinate the younger readers.
The album has been designed to enable the reader to enter into Eragon's world of Alagaesia and understand what this 'otherworld' contains and gives some major do's and don'ts when visiting.
Coming up to Christmas I'm sure there are many fans who would love this to be part of their festive celebrations.
Mark Knight

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