The Mammoth Book of Fairy Tales [Paperback]

Mike Ashley (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997

A new collection of the very best fairy stories, from the works of the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to that of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Selected contemporary authors offer a new take on some old tales. Illustrated throughout with drawings specially commissioned for the book. The Introduction chronicles the history and literary perspective of the fairy tale.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Along with lullabies, play-party songs, riddles, and game rhymes, fairy tales are a basic part of childhood heritage. For youngsters, they are a bridge to a sense of security. English authority Ashley (The Chronicles of the Holy Grail, Carroll & Graf, 1996) has put together an anthology of 60 classic tales in modern English rendition, enhanced with selections by contemporary fantasists. Engaging stories from the Grimm Brothers, Hans Christian Anderson, A.A. Milne, and Charles Perrault are here aplenty. Contemporary tale tellers include Angela Carter, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Jane Yolen; literary legends not solely associated with the form?like Dickens, Lear, and Wilde?also offer delightful tales of wonderment. A superior collection of standard stories, complemented by distinctly modern takes on old themes, this is a timeless delight. The work contains valuable information on each story and its creator as well as illustrations. This first-rate sampling of the enchanting world of fairyland is recommended for all collections.?Richard K. Burns, MSLS, Hatboro, Pa.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

It's hard, given the wealth of material in the field, to make a bad selection of fairy tales, and Ashley's, while not startling, does offer a nice mix of the usual (including such authors as George MacDonald, Edith Nesbit, L. Frank Baum, Charles Perrault, the Brothers Grimm, Oscar Wilde, Hans Christian Andersen, Jane Aiken, and Jane Yolen) and the less familiar (Liugi Capuani, Lawrence Schimel, and H.E. Bates, among others). Aficionados of the form will likely be familiar with most of these authors and pieces (versions of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, the Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc.) and won't need the book. Those unfamiliar with the genre, or shopping for a gift for a younger reader, however, will find it a handy introduction to a rich, delightful form. (illustrations, not seen) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Product Details

• Paperback: 628 pages
• Publisher: Carroll & Graf Pub (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786704756
• ISBN-13: 978-0786704750
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,542,091 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, September 25, 2002

By 

Ingrid Johnson (Batavia, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mammoth Book of Fairy Tales (Paperback)

This book was truly wonderful. It had Grimm and Anderson, but it also had L. Frank Baum, Robin McKinley (!), Charlotte Bronte, George Macdonald and a lot more. It had old fairy tales and new ones. It is out of print, unfortunately, but it is definately worth tracking down.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mammoth Book of Fairy Tales, May 28, 2000

By 

"fantasia_summers" (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mammoth Book of Fairy Tales (Paperback)

A wonderful collection of fairy tales from throughout the ages. The Grimms of course are represented but many lesser known authors such as Isabel Bellerby,Lord Brabourne,and Netta Syrett. Many contemporary authors are also included,Tanith Lee, Robin McKinley, Jane Yolen. A good collection for anyone with a love of fairy tales, highly recommended.