The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
Jacob Grimm
When Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published their "Children's and Household Tales" in 1812, followed by a second volume in 1815, they had no idea that such stories as "Rapunzel," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Cinderella" would become the most celebrated in the world. Yet few people today are familiar with the majority of tales from the two early volumes, since in the next four decades the Grimms would publish six other editions, each extensively revised in content and style. For the very first time, " The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm" makes available in English all 156 stories from the 1812 and 1815 editions. These narrative gems, newly translated and brought together in one beautiful book, are accompanied by sumptuous new illustrations from award-winning artist Andrea Dezso. From "The Frog King" to "The Golden Key," wondrous worlds unfold--heroes and heroines are rewarded, weaker animals triumph over the strong, and simple bumpkins prove themselves not so simple after all. Esteemed fairy tale scholar Jack Zipes offers accessible translations that retain the spare description and engaging storytelling style of the originals. Indeed, this is what makes the tales from the 1812 and 1815 editions unique--they reflect diverse voices, rooted in oral traditions, that are absent from the Grimms' later, more embellished collections of tales. Zipes's introduction gives important historical context, and the book includes the Grimms' prefaces and notes. A delight to read, "The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm" presents these peerless stories to a whole new generation of readers."
Publication Year: 2014
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0 0Grim(m). This was no Disney story. This was murder and deceit and explicit. Just what I was looking for. This amazing, five-thousand pound bind up was of their true stories. No editing, no grammar changes. It was what Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm wrote, word for word. No editor’s notes every three lines. No pansy-fied versions of the stories. No changes. This was what was meant to be read. Not all the Disney-fied nonsense. This is the real deal. I was so awestruck by how much these men actually wrote and how they all had a unique theme, and characters, and the whole gamut. I was enraptured by it, and had a hard time putting the tomb down (Seriously, that thing weighs a lot.)
I was honestly in love. I liked everything about these stories. The writing contained perfect, gruesome, honest detail. The best stuff around. It was interesting through and through. I laughed a few times when I saw repeat lines/names/objects/ideas, but you know what? I’d do the same if I was writing so much. What I’m talking about is the “Thumbling,” and “Hans,” and “Simpleton.” The walnut with beautiful dresses inside. “I smell, I smell the flesh of a human being.” Other than that, it was perfect. It was what I was hoping for. The honest stories, unrevised. Everything done with amazing detail and silly plot and magical elements. It was a perfect blend of lighthearted storytelling and of hidden dark themes that appears in death (and lots of it).
This seems to be the best version of their original tales, and I definitely recommend this copy. It’s gorgeous, and the pictures that are included are gorgeous, and it was just a great translation of these classic tales without alteration. I don’t think you could find better.
Please read, and find comfort in these morbid, yet sometimes funny tales, too.
Thanks for acting like you’re paying attention.
All quotes pulled from the novel, and included bonus content.
Carpe diem.
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