The World of The Dark Crystal
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The World of The Dark Crystal is a companion book written in conjunction with the film The Dark Crystal. The book was designed and edited by Rupert Brown, with Illustrations by Brian Froud—who was the conceptual designer for the film—and text by J. J. Llewellyn. It was originally published in 1982 by Alfred A Knopf, Inc. In 2003 the book was re-released by Harry N. Abrams, Inc. While it is rumoured that copies of the original book are valued at several hundred dollars, first printings can easily be found on the internet at auction sites such as eBay for under $100 US.
The book gives background information for the film and contains many sketches and art concepts drawn by Brian Froud. It is in this book that the names of the Skeksis, the urRu, the urSkeks, and many of the creatures created in The Dark Crystal are first introduced. In addition to being a prequel book, it is also an art book that contains some spectacular drawings.
Contents |
[edit] Characters
urZah the Ritual-Guardian -- urZah the Ritual-Guardian is very wise. This character moves and speaks very slowly, and provides prophecies for the urRU via sand paintings. The “sand” he uses is very precious, made out of finely crushed amethyst, opal, agate, onyx and chalcedony. Almost all his paintings are spiral in design and as he interrupts’ the prophesies, he also spirals finally sweeping away the paintings sands with his tail. Although he is more communicative than most of the urRU, he prefers to speaking riddles. His skin is marked by spirals, which are left by the long nights of meditation, when his thoughts run in circles and spirals as he puzzled through his prophesies.
skekZok the Ritual-Master -- skekZok the Ritual-Master is a master power figure in the plot, supposedly he controls the life of the court. The Emperor relies heavily on skekZok because of prior successes. But the Emperor is fickle, and often promoted favorite members of the court, only to take pleasure in their failures. skekZok has invented prophecies in the past in order to further himself, other Skeksis do not trust him and conduct their own rituals and divinations in private.
[edit] Rerelease
In the 2003 edition of the book a small pamphlet titled "The Crystal" is included. This was the original concept design and story pitched to financial backers before the film went into full production. Four years after "The Crystal" was created, the film was released in theatres.
