Hidden History of Elves & Dwarfs (hc) by Claude Lecouteux

A comprehensive examination of the intertwined mythology, folklore, and literary history of the little people. Most people are familiar with the popular image of elves as Santa's helpers and dwarfs as little bearded men wearing red caps, who are mischievous and playful, helpful and sly, industrious and dexterous. But their roots go far deeper than their appearance in fairy tales and popular stories. Elves and dwarfs are survivors of a much older belief system that predates Christianity and was widespread throughout Western Europe.