The Encyclopedia of Early Earth

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The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg.

Contents

Background

Greenberg wrote a short story called "Love in a Very Cold Climate" that won the 2011 Graphic Short Story Prize. The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is an expansion of the story introduced in the short story. [1] The story draws heavily from the Hebrew Bible, Greek mythology, Norse mythology, and Arabian Nights. [2] The art style resembles Epileptic by David Beauchard as well as German Expressionist woodcuts. [3] The artwork also resembles the Bayeux Tapestry and Inuit art. [4] The plot of the story follows a Nord man and a woman from the South pole who fall in love. [5] However, a magnetic field prevents the two from coming within a couple feet of each other. [6] The book was published in 2013. [7]

Reception

The Globe and Mail compared the book's art style to Persepolis and the narrative to Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea. [8] George Pendle praised the books illustrations saying that the style compliments the subject, however, he criticized the book for lacking "structural cohesion". [9] Kirkus Reviews called the book "A beautiful, promising work that doesn't quite coalesce." [10] Library Journal praised the book saying it has "striking illustrations" and a "stunning denouement". [11] Common Sense Media gave the book 5 out of 5 stars for ages 10 and up. [12] Cory Doctorow recommended the book saying that it is "unpretentious and straightforward, but also complex, meaty, and ultimately very satisfying." [13] Joe Dell'Erba wrote in the Washington Independent Review of Books that the book is "entertaining, moving, and an utter pleasure to read." [14] Noah Cruickshank gave a mixed review in The A.V. Club , saying that the main story arc is a trope and "never has enough time to breathe" but that the ending is still impactful and the artwork is memorable. [15]

Awards

AwardDateCategoryResultRef.
Booklist Editors' Choice 2013FictionIncluded [16]
Eisner Awards 2014Best Graphic Album—NewNominated [17]
Cartoonist Studio Prize 2014Best Graphic NovelShortlisted [18]

References

  1. Armitage, Hugh (October 1, 2013). "Isabel Greenberg's Early Earth – review". Digital Spy. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  2. O'Connell, Mark (December 3, 2013). "A Species of Scheherazades". Slate. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  3. Day, Jennifer (February 21, 2014). "Visual Detective: 'The Encyclopedia of Early Earth' by Isabel Greenberg". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  4. Weldon, Glen (December 3, 2013). "Moving Fables Of Gods, Men, Love And Monsters In 'Early Earth'". NPR. Archived from the original on April 4, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  5. Richards, Jess (November 2, 2013). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth by Isabel Greenberg – review". The Guardian. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  6. Cooke, Rachel (October 14, 2013). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth by Isabel Greenberg – review". The Guardian. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  7. Dueben, Alex (February 17, 2014). "Mapping Out Isabel Greenberg's "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth"". CBR. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  8. Rogers, Sean (January 3, 2014). "Origin stories: A vividly imagined mythology from Britain's comics scene". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  9. Pendle, George (October 25, 2013). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth, by Isabel Greenberg". Financial Times. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  10. "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth: A beautiful, promising work that doesn't quite coalesce". Kirkus Reviews. October 4, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  11. "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth". Library Journal. October 11, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  12. Beach, Andrea (2013). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth Book Review | Common Sense Media". commonsensemedia.org. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  13. Doctorow, Cory (January 15, 2014). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth, a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg". Boing Boing. Archived from the original on February 12, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  14. Dell'Erba, Joe (June 10, 2014). "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth". washingtonindependentreviewofbooks.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  15. Cruickshank, Noah (November 25, 2013). "Re-creating myths as a meet-cute". AV Club. Archived from the original on December 11, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  16. Kelley, Ann (January 1, 2014). "Booklist Online: Leading Book Discovery". booklistonline.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2025. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  17. Cavna, Michael (April 16, 2014). "2014 EISNER AWARDS: From Aydin to Yang, nominees size up this year's list". Washington Post. Retrieved February 12, 2025.
  18. "The Best Graphic Novel and Web Comic of the Year". Slate Magazine. March 7, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2025.