The World of The Dark Crystal

The World of The Dark Crystal  
Author(s) J. J. Llewellyn
Illustrator Brian Froud
Publisher Alfred A Knopf, Inc (1982)
Harry N. Abrams, Inc (2003)
Pavilion Books (2003)
Publication date 1982
ISBN ISBN 0810945797
(May 1, 2003 Collector's Edition)
ISBN 1862056242
(September 26, 2003 edition)
OCLC Number 51336347
Dewey Decimal 741.6/4/092 21
LC Classification NC978.5.F76 A4 2003

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 less than $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 introduced. In addition to being a prequel book, it is an art book that contains spectacular drawings.

Awards and honors

The book was a finalist for the 1983 Hugo Award for Best Non-Fiction Book.

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.

References