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.

Not all editions are created equal.

If you are new to Lang, it started in 1889 with the blue fairy book, and then a series developed, yellow, crimson, orange, red, and so forth. The fact that this series has endured to now is a testament to its quality. As you read, you will discover fairy tales and myths from all over the world, including the well known writers such as Grimm, Andersen, Perrault, and Mme D'Aulnoy. These are not the politically correct stories you might expect, and I believe you will find them useful whether it's for your own reading pleasure, of for passing on stories to children. In fact, if you look beyond the surface of the story, there is a cautionary aspect for children who might get lost, and the evil characters they might meet like the wolf in sheep's clothing, or the boy who cried wolf, or the nice person who offers a gift, but is really a wicked queen in disguise. There may be a young prince who helps a hairy man escape, and the king embarrassed and enraged orders the child to be killed. Naturally the woodsman slaughters an animal instead, and returns those to the king instead as evidence of performance of the deed. There are stories of boys becoming men, being tested by the princess, and doing great deeds to prove their worth. Some characters are wicked and evil, and so the protagonist has to develop resources of their own to defeat the deceit, trickery, jealousy, ambition, and wickedness of the people they encounter. I recommend you start with the blue book, because it has most of the best known stories, for example, Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Bluebeard, Puss in Boots. You can check the contents of each book at mythfolklore, and even read the stories online. If you are buying Lang, you need to know which publisher, because there are many editions through different publishers, some are good with nice print and pictures, others have small print and no pictures. I highly recommend the Dover edition which has pictures and good size print. These pictures are black and white drawings. The Boomer books edition has good size print. If you want a durable hardcover library style book with a red string bookmark, I recommend the D N Goodchild books. Avoid the compilation book, and buy them individually. One of my favorite stories not in this edition is The wooing of Olwen. It's unusually cruel and bloodthirsty from Wales and King Arthur's court. I know you will enjoy these wonderful stories, and I hope this review was helpful.

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!!