The Encyclopedia of Early Earth: A Novel

As it says on the back cover of the book, this isn't an encyclopedia, although I guess you could look at this as almost like an encyclopedia of enfolding stories. It is a rather large book, so it does have that encyclopedia-like feel. This is a story about the magic of stories, so there is a bit of meta-type references and humor in the book.This book draws on well-known works like The Odyssey and the Book of Genesis and other mythological motifs and archetypes, while creating its own mythology. The stories are entertaining and the book breezes by, and the artwork is appealing as well. The book's plot revolves around a boy's quest to the other side of the world. In the book, there are shamans, storytellers, snows, and Sirens.I wouldn't say this was one of the most powerful graphic novels I have read, like I wouldn't quite rank it up there with Watchmen, Daytripper, or Saga, but I would recommend it to anyone interested in mythology, folklore, fables, or traditional stories in a graphic novel format. It's a whimsical book about storytelling.

This book is beautifully written and illustrated. The entire thing flows beautifully without feeling like there is a jarring break. The book is ultimately a love story about two people who cannot touch and how it came to be that way. The story line alludes to other creation stories. The artist's style is appropriately simple. It didn't leave me feeling like I missed out on anything. All in all, a lovely read.

This is not a graphic novel that keep you on your toes. It does not keep you guessing at every turn about the outcome of the story. It is. however, a delightful page turner. Frequent allusions to the great stories of the western canon (the Odyssey, Genesis) as well the familiar structure of the fable/myth makes this story a wonderfully comforting read. It recalls the stories of bedtime during childhood--- adventure, exploration, and destiny. The drawings are adorable and really allows the reader to sink into the world of early earth. Well worth the read.

I was craving a book with an epic story that was fun to read and this fit the bill. This was my first graphic novel so I didn't know what to expect at all. There were many stories within a story, the illustrations were captivating and there is this modern edge to the telling of old stories that I enjoyed so much. My favourite characters were the gods, there were many hilarious moments and their family dynamic is relatable rather than idealised. I bought the One Hundred Nights a Hero too and I cannot wait to start and delve more into graphic novels.

I like the drawings and limited colour palette used in the art. The font (rosemary maybe) was a little too difficult to read. I get that old tales look better in strange type but some eyes have problems reading the font. Otherwise the coke tales were fantastic and The Bird Man and his children were great.

Beautiful book, but the font is a difficult cursive for younger kids to read.

Worth reading but perhaps get it used. Not my favorite graphic novel.

Isabel Greenberg came out of nowhere for me, and I'm so glad I found her. It's hard to believe this is her first graphic novel. "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth" is unique in a lot of ways. It pulls off a text-heavy format better than many comics I've seen, with really snappy prose. The artwork is simple, with a measured use of color that really makes it pop off the page. The story is full of love and magic and all the things that make a really good fable. That said, in keeping with that fable-esque tone, the characters sometimes lack depth. However, they're always interesting to read about.

The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is a graphic novel that follows a storyteller as he travels from the North to the South Pole to look for a lost part of his soul. He finds it being taken care of by a girl he meets at there. He and the girl fall in love but appear to be magnetically repelled by each other and are unable to touch (this is mentioned at the start so is in no way a spoiler).The book recounts the stories and adventures our storyteller has experienced along the way. He collects stories from the various people he encounters, which cover a variety of folktales, and the beliefs of the people. We also get to hear about Birdman (god) and his children and how the Earth was created, as well as stories that have a familiar biblical feel - the great flood, splitting a baby in two (or three as the case may be).The stories are told in a quirky voice which works for the most part. Occasionally, a phrase will be used that feels too modern for the setting and I know it is probably intentionally done but it grates slightly in places. Otherwise, it is nicely written and humorous.The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is a lovely book. Before you even delve inside it looks nice on a shelf. My copy is hardcover and the faint drawings you can see are actually shiny and slightly embossed. The inside looks a bit like it has been drawn in fountain pen. Isabel Greenberg says at the end that she had a font made of her handwriting - it is so neat. The art style is effective, mostly using a minimum number of colours on each page.I really enjoyed reading this. It was a nice, uncomplicated read that gave me a break from heavier, more intense books... and it smells like crayons!

I really love this book, the drawings are amazing and although I have not finished so far the stories are magical! Although I bought it used, the condition in very good and I am happy with my purchase. The only thing is that it took very long to arrive, but it was worth it!

I found this book just by chance... the title caught my eye. And I love it! I suppose they'd call it a graphic novel, but once you get into it you forget the format and it takes you on a fabulous journey - it's funny and poignant and magical, without being mystical or preachy, which i hate. I'd say the humour is edgy and unpredictable... which i love... and the story keeps you engaged. I'm new to graphic novels... I've never known were to start, the graphic novel section of Waterstones is awash with stuff i can't stand –  super-hero masturbatory sci-fi or teenage-dystopian-noir-angst – and this book is not like that. i feel encouraged to look for more titles like this... I will be buying this book for my teenage niece and my elderly mum this Christmas.

This is wonderful story telling. Encyclopedia is the right term if you like to open a reference book or go on the Internet and go wandering. Here you are guided on your journey around early Earth by very good company. I shall be making return trips on a regular basis.

Lovely art, cute story, slightly disappointing that the main focus was on one character but not so much the other. I enjoyed this book.