The Gnole

Gorgeously illustrated with a number of techniques throughout, "The Gnole" is one of the crowning achievements of hman literature. In this book, gnomes, sprites, and the like are real, although quite different in appearance from traditional perceptions. Also real are Gnoles - small furry bipeds with mole-like characteristics, who live hidden from the ever-encroaching human world by magical wards. But it is into the terrifying world of man that the novel's main protagonist, the Gnole named Fungle Foxwit, must venture, sent on a mission by Molom, the Father Of Trees, to secure a magical stone of devastating power called Baphomet before it falls into the hands of either humanity or the demon Theverat who also seeks it, either of which could prove fatal for the world. Aided by fellow gnole Neema Cleverbread and his loyal Gnome friend, Karbolic Earthcreep (Ka for short), as well as a host of other memorable characters, Fungle's journey into human civilization finds him undiscovered by man but, unxpectedly, becoming an instant global phenomenon beloved by the very species Gnoles are so wary of. Meanwhile Theverat, and his personal assasin Thorn, loom... There's way more to the book than this, and I've said enough already. Suffice it to conclude by saying that this is one of the most magical, hilarious, spiritual, tragic, victorious and fantastical (yet eerily believable) books ever written. I pray there's a sequel someday. Also recommended: the novel "Duncton Wood" by William Horwood (though I should point out it's pretty graphically traumatic in places; probably not for younger readers), the movies "Fairy Tale: A True Story", "Castle In The Sky" and "My Neighbor Totoro", and the video game "Ecco The Dolphin: Defender Of The Future".

Found it in a small bookship in India - one of the best books I've ever read. It really made me think about things - enchanting writing.

the book, the gnole, is one of the best i have read in a long time. it was lent by a friend and i wanted to get a copy of my own and have discovered that it is out of print and very hard to find even in second-hand bookstores. (hint, hint to the publishers!) the philosophy of the book is one of respecting and cherishing nature. take only what you need and use what you take. be kind to all living things. respect others, show courtesy even when it is not shown to you. briefly it is about a creature whose ancestors once populated the applachian mountains in the south-eastern us. they guarded knowledge until the time came for it to be used. now there are only two gnoles left there and they must stop some evil creatures from making use of the sacred knowledge to do harm. a wonderful story for children of all ages. also the illustrations must be seen. i have seldom been so captivated. i heartily recommend this book to anyone, any age, any time, any place.

GNOLE - dwarf-like herbivorous mammal. "Fungle - the only gnole ever in captivity, is considered middle-aged at one hundred twenty years."Fungle the gnole - happier and hipper than the hobbit, more gnoledgeable than gandalf, cuddlier and cuter than Johnny CarsonIntrigued? Alan Aldridge et al, can tell a tale like a tale has never been told before. This is definitely a book where you should believe the hype. Unfortunately, there isn't much hype. And the book is out of print. I think this must be due to bad publicity and marketing, which is the hugest shame.I'd love to buy this book, but can't find it anywhere. It's been leant from a small village in Wales, all the way by air mail to me in Tel Aviv, as it's impossible to find this book. But if you find it, read it, treasure it, pass it on.

Fungle the gnole is not only an ideal being, it opens the door of every fantasy. Everything is possible! Fungle gives us confidence in believing in what one cannot see or touch. When you read the book, magic does exist, it enters your heart and goes to your room. Pilar Barrera Wey.