Weird Islands
 First edition cover | |
| Author | Jean de Bosschère |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Jean de Bosschère |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Publisher | Chapman and Hall |
| Publication date | 1921 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 210 |
Weird Islands is a surrealist children's fantasy novel written and illustrated by Jean de Bosschère, and first published in 1921.[1] The story follows The Carpenter and nine other eccentric musicians as they travel through several islands inhabited by unique and strange creatures.[2] The book has been compared to Alice in Wonderland and Gulliver's Travels.[3]
Each of the 120 black-and-white drawings present throughout the novel were drawn by de Bosschère, who stated that each drawing was an integral part of the narrative rather than "mere illustration".[3] The drawings are in Belgian Art Nouveau style.[4]
References
- ↑ Reynolds, Kimberly (2016). Left Out: The forgotten tradition of radical publishing for children in Britain 1910-1949. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-875559-3. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ Dann, Kevin (9 April 2024). "Distortions and Grimaces: Jean de Bosschère's Weird Islands (1921)". Public Domain Review. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- 1 2 Newdigate, B.H. (December 1921). "Book-Production Notes". The London Mercury. Vol. V, no. 26. London, United Kingdom. p. 186. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ "Weird Islands – A Journey Through The Art Nouveau Fantasy World Of Belgian Artist Jean de Bosschère – 1921". Flashbak. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2026.