The Encyclopedia of Early Earth is a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg.
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]
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]
| Award | Date | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Booklist Editors' Choice | 2013 | Fiction | Included | [16] |
| Eisner Awards | 2014 | Best Graphic Album—New | Nominated | [17] |
| Cartoonist Studio Prize | 2014 | Best Graphic Novel | Shortlisted | [18] |