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About

"The creation of Niljora's mythical world has followed me through life and evolved into the broad narrative and symbolism behind my work. Each book is to be read as a glimpse into this mythology - collections of poems and tales whisper its secrets. They need not be read in any particular order, but rather enjoyed on their own...like an artefact from the world, discovered as if by sheer luck."

The Spirit of Shadows
A Collection of Tales from The Islands of Niljora

"Enter a world of wonder and magic. Follow the mysterious heroine, Niljora, on a mystical journey through The City of Light and the illusory lands of The Labyrinth. Organised by the primordial Maradise, this compilation of stories, poems and intricate pen and ink drawings weave together to form a greater tale, revealing a mythical world, The Islands of Niljora.

A beautiful collector's item for lovers of art, myth, mysticism and magical realism." 

Artist and writer of The Islands of Niljora, Carolin's books have been collected around the world and purchased for the permanent heritage collections of New Zealand's National Libraries and Otago University. The book was also presented in The 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair. Her artwork has featured in renowned books and publications including Beautiful Bizarre Magazine and The International A.R.C. Salon Catalogue.

The first edition hardcover book is meticulously hand-bound and enclosed in a luxurious custom designed satin matte dust jacket.


• 84 pages with 48 illustrations

• 21 x 29.7 cm (8.3 x 11.7 inches)

• Printed on heavy archival 135 g semi-gloss paper stock
ISBN: 978-3-00-070186-3

Also available as a "Book & Print Bundle", which includes a signed edition of the book along with a signed & numbered limited edition print.

Carolin Leary Prinn, The Primordials, Illustration

The Primordials
Tales From The Islands of Niljora

"The Primordials" is the first published book from Carolin's mythical world, The Islands of Niljora, coinciding with Carolin's exhibition "Worlds", in her ancestral home of New Zealand.

 

The book presents a selection of 18 full page drawings and paintings accompanied by poems, created between 2013-2015 and featured in the exhibition. The book whispers secrets of her mythological world - the world that inspires the rich and symbolic narratives woven into all of her works. Here we enter a land where myth, classical tale, and the human story entwines with the modern world.

The book was purchased for the permanent and heritage collections of New Zealand's National Libraries and Otago University. The first edition was a one-off printing and meticulously bound by hand. It is currently sold out, though a second printing is planned for the future. 

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©2025 Carolin Leary Prinn. All rights reserved.

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