The Blue Fairy Book

By Andrew Lang, Leonora Blanche Alleyne Lang, Joan Lang, Andrew & Aiken

Book Overview

It is almost impossible to envision what childhood would be like without the enchanting world of fairyland. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, giants and dwarfs, monsters and magicians, fairies and ogres -- these are the companions who will thrill young boys and girls of all lands and all times, as Andrew Lang's phenomenally successful collections of stories have proved. From the day that they were first printed, the Lang fairy tale books of many colors have entertained thousands of boys and girls, as they have also brought pleasure to the many parents who have read these unforgettable classics to their children.
The Blue Fairy Book was the first volume in the series and so it contains some of the best known tales, taken from a variety of sources: not only from Grimm, but exciting adventures by Charles Perrault and Madame d'Aulnoy, The Arabian Nights, and other stories from popular traditions. Here in one attractive paperbound volume -- with enlarged print -- are "Sleeping Beauty," "Rumpelstiltskin," "Beauty and the Beast," "Hansel and Gretel," "Puss in Boots," "Trusty John," "Jack the Giantkiller," "Goldilocks," and many other favorites that have become an indispensable part of our cultural heritage.
All in all, this collection contains 37 stories, all narrated in the clear, lively prose for which Lang was famous. Not only are Lang's generally conceded to be the best English versions of standard stories, his collections are the richest and widest in range. His position as one of England's foremost folklorists as well as his first-rate literary abilities makes his collections unmatchable in the English language.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486214370
• ISBN13: 9780486214375
• Release Date: June 1965
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 416 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 8 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 9

Customer Reviews

Dark and odd

The first story has human sacrifice, not what I was expecting nor what I want my children reading. I had heard good things and was willing to try but I haven't found many redeeming qualities from these stories.

The best book of fairy-tales !

I grew up with my great-grandmother's first-edition, from the early 1890's. The stories are lush and eloquent, unequivocally imaginative. Recently, I bought my niece a current copy. I am overjoyed to see the gorgeous original illustrations which, I had fallen in love with, are included in the later editions. If you are able, I do highly recommend purchasing the rest of the books in the series. Any child will be thoroughly delighted. You will happily discover your child's vocabulary considerably enhanced.

Spiffy Collection!

"The Blue Fairy Book" is amazing. I am planning to collect all of Andrew Lang's color fairy tale books. It has an excellent group of stories from different fairy tale writers, including Perrault, d'Aulnoy, and Grimm. This book was originally printed in the 19th century. It has not been abridged, nor have any of the original pictures been taken out. (Be warned, they're *artistic*) These are the original, unaltered by Disney versions, and contain the nightmarish plots they were meant to have. Anyone who collects fairy tales should have this.

Wonderfully written

I love reading Fairy tales, but because I'm older I want a less.... sappy version then the most ones available. I suggest reading all of the Fairy Books. They're great.

Delightful Book!!

I absolutely LOVE this book. It is one of my all-time favorites and a wonderful book for ALL ages, as I am 16 years old and very much enjoy reading it. I highly recommend it!!