Customer Reviews

Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Theories of Folk and Fairy Tales

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really love Jack Zipes, and this is one of his helpful books for folklorists, and amateurs who enjoy reading fairy tales. It presents a variety of 'radical' theories about the meaning and construction of fairy tales. Many of the theories are no longer quite so radical. The book also gives you a good overview of feminist theories about the tales, some of which will surprise. Among other things, that fairy tales are not always about the subjugation of silly blond princesses. I reccomend this book as an intro to folk and fairy tale theory.

The book was originally published in 1979, with this new edition coming along in 2002. The feminist interpretations of fairy tales have gained a lot of attention since the book appeared (see most any Angela Carter, my personal choice is The Infernal Desire Machines of Doctor Hoffman) and it would be hard to consider that radical today. Still, the discussion of latent fascism ("Might makes right") and Utopian idealism are excellent and thought provoking. The book was originally written at least in part a response to the popularity (late 1960s and early 1970s) of Tolkien and Narnia. The update adds in Harry Potter and reconnects us to popularity of the folk tale in mass market literature.

"In Pittsburgh, PA, a burglar lost his shoe as he fled from the home of Mrs. M., age 43. Patrolmen arrested R.T., age 20, who was sitting shoeless in a nearby bar. Authorities said a shoe matching the one found in the M. home was discovered behind the bar." - Winnipeg Free Press, April 14, 1972

Cinderella is all around us.

Fairy tales are an important part of our personal lives. We all grew up most probably hearing these tales before our bed times. These tales do include much of the wisdom we today accept as common knowedge. We need to better appreciate their importance not only to children, but to the child within all of us.

It is very interesting and it gives you so much information about the fairy tales and the mass media industry.