Subject
Folklore Books
Best books
Aesop
The Aesop for Children With pictures by Milo Winter
"The Aesop for Children" by Aesop is a collection of fables intended for a young audience, likely compiled in the early 20th century. This timeless work presents a series of moral tales that convey important life lessons through engaging animal characters and their adventures. Each fable typically concludes with a succinct moral that imparts wisdom on human nature and behavior. At the start of this fable collection, several stories are introduced, including that of a little Kid who, despite being left alone and terrified of a Wolf, cleverly asks the Wolf to play a tune to enjoy his last moments. The opening segment illustrates the themes of foolishness and consequences through various characters: the Kid's arrogance and resulting peril, the Tortoise's longing for adventure that leads to disaster, and the Young Crab's inability to offer sound advice to his mother due to their shared inability to walk straight. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to reflect on the morals of humility, the dangers of vanity, and the importance of leading by example.
Andrew Lang
The Blue Fairy Book
"The Blue Fairy Book" by Andrew Lang is a collection of fairy tales published in 1889. This groundbreaking volume launched a revolutionary series that transformed children's literature. Drawing from diverse sources—the Brothers Grimm, Arabian Nights, Norwegian folklore, and French tales—it assembled beloved stories that had never before appeared in English. At a time when fairy tales were dismissed as harmful for young readers, Lang championed their value, sparking a generation-long shift in public perception. The collection features some of the most iconic tales ever told, translated and adapted by Lang and his wife Leonora.
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Ten Thousand Wonderful Things Comprising whatever is marvellous and rare, curious, eccentric and extraordinary in all ages and nations
"Ten Thousand Wonderful Things" by E. F. King is a collection of curiosities and fascinating anecdotes edited in the late 19th century. This work compiles various extraordinary and rare phenomena from across ages and cultures, presenting them as both instructional and entertaining. The account is likely to captivate readers with its whimsical descriptions of historical events, unusual customs, and curious artifacts. The opening of "Ten Thousand Wonderful Things" sets a tone of exploration and fascination with the bizarre elements of history and social practices. It introduces readers to unique historical punishments like the cucking-stool, brank, and tumbrel, illustrating how societal norms governed behavior, especially for women, in the past. Additionally, it presents quirky inventions such as the ancient washing tablet, highlighting the ingenuity of everyday solutions from bygone eras. With intriguing snippets like these, the introductory portion invites readers into a world where the extraordinary and the commonplace intersect.
Thomas Keightley
The Fairy Mythology Illustrative of the Romance and Superstition of Various Countries
"The Fairy Mythology" by Thomas Keightley is a comprehensive exploration of folklore and beliefs surrounding fairies from various cultures, written in the late 19th century. This work delves into how fairy traditions and superstitions have been interwoven into the mythologies of numerous countries, revealing their origins, characteristics, and significance in the human imagination. The text appears to present a scholarly approach to fairy lore, drawing connections between different mythological structures and narratives. At the start of the volume, the author reflects on his own literary journey and the genesis of this work which stems from his early interest in fairy legends prompted by a friend collecting Irish folklore. He notes the origins of belief in fairies, discussing how people throughout history have attributed unexplained phenomena to the agency of these mythical beings. The opening suggests a blend of philosophical inquiry and folkloric examination, positioning fairies not merely as fanciful beings but as significant figures that shape cultural narratives and human beliefs across different societies.
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The Grey Fairy Book
"The Grey Fairy Book" by Andrew Lang is a collection of fairy tales derived from various cultures, composed in the late 19th century. This anthology features enchanting stories from Lithuania, Africa, Germany, France, Greece, and more, showcasing the diversity and richness of folklore. Prominent themes include love, magic, adventure, and transformation, with characters often facing challenges that lead them to personal growth or enlightenment. At the start of the collection, the preface introduces the origin of these tales, emphasizing their cultural variety and the art of storytelling. The first tale, "Donkey Skin," narrates the story of a beloved king who, after the loss of his wife, is compelled to marry again, but only if he finds a woman more beautiful than her. His adopted daughter, fearful of marrying him, seeks the help of her fairy godmother, leading to a series of magical and clever challenges including dresses made of sky, moonbeams, and sunshine. The narrative explores themes of identity, the struggle against unwanted fate, and the ingenuity of the protagonist, setting the tone for the whimsical and moralistic adventures that follow in subsequent tales of the collection.
Edwin Sidney Hartland
The science of fairy tales : $b an inquiry into fairy mythology
"The Science of Fairy Tales: An Inquiry into Fairy Mythology" by Edwin Sidney Hartland is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. This work embarks on an exploration of fairy tales, focusing on the deep-rooted myths and traditions embedded within them, particularly from Celtic and Teutonic cultures. Hartland aims to articulate the research principles applied to the study of these stories, attempting to provide insights into their origins and cultural significance. The opening of this inquiry introduces the art of story-telling as a universal human tradition, tracing its evolution from primitive narratives to more sophisticated forms seen in modern literature. It establishes a foundation for discussing how fairy tales are defined and how they reflect the cultural and psychological landscapes of the societies that produce them. Hartland highlights the significance of oral traditions and the unique characteristics of these tales, emphasizing their commonality across different cultures and time periods. He sets the tone for a methodological exploration of popular fairy tales, suggesting that understanding these stories requires an appreciation of the broader social and historical contexts from which they emerge.
James Baldwin
Fifty Famous Stories Retold
"Fifty Famous Stories Retold" by James Baldwin is a collection of classic tales, likely written in the late 19th century. This compilation presents a variety of well-known stories drawn from history, folklore, and legends, intended primarily for a younger audience to instill moral lessons and spark an interest in literature. The narratives revolve around significant figures and events, featuring characters such as King Alfred, Julius Caesar, and Robin Hood, each exemplifying bravery, wisdom, and virtue. The opening portion of the book introduces its aim and scope, emphasizing the educational value and historical significance of the stories included. Baldwin describes the importance of familiarizing children with these tales to nurture their understanding of moral truths and cultural heritage. The initial stories presented feature King Alfred, showcasing his wisdom through two poignant episodes: one where he unknowingly burns the cakes while preoccupied with higher matters and another illustrating his compassion in sharing his last food with a beggar. These anecdotes set the tone for the collection, combining entertainment with valuable life lessons, thereby engaging young readers while enriching their knowledge of history and moral philosophy.
Angelo De Gubernatis
Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 1 (of 2)
"Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 1 (of 2)" by De Gubernatis is a scholarly work written in the late 19th century. This exploration delves into the mythological significance of animals, focusing particularly on the ancient Aryan beliefs surrounding creatures such as cows and bulls, drawing heavily on Vedic hymns. The book elucidates how these animals were not only vital to the pastoral life of the Aryans but also served as potent symbols within their mythology and cosmology. At the start of this volume, the author discusses the central role of the cow and the bull in Vedic hymns. These animals are depicted as embodiments of fertility and power, representing essential elements of the natural and divine world. The narrative begins with a pastoral setting in Central Asia, where the relationship between these mythical creatures and the cycles of nature is examined in depth. The Vedic poetry is referenced frequently, revealing how the characteristics of cows and bulls are intertwined with themes of abundance, strength, and divine battles, setting the tone for further exploration of animal mythology in subsequent chapters.
Angelo De Gubernatis
Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 2 (of 2)
"Zoological Mythology; or, The Legends of Animals, Volume 2" by Angelo De Gubernatis is a scholarly exploration of animal symbolism and mythology written in the late 19th century. The work investigates the legends and myths associated with various animals, delving into their significance across different cultures, particularly focusing on Indo-European traditions. De Gubernatis aims to uncover the connections between animals and broader mythical narratives, providing insights into how these symbols reflect societal beliefs and values. The opening of this volume sets the stage for an in-depth examination of various animals beginning with hogs, wild boars, and hedgehogs. It highlights how these creatures are often intertwined with solar mythology, portraying the hog as a representation of the solar hero cloaked in darkness. The narrative discusses various themes, such as transformations and disguises found in myths, and briefly references specific tales from Vedic literature and other traditions that illustrate the symbolic roles these animals play. Through allegorical interpretations and cross-cultural comparisons, De Gubernatis establishes a framework to analyze the dual nature of these animals as both noble and demonic figures in folklore.
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The Red Fairy Book
"The Red Fairy Book" by Andrew Lang is a fairy tale collection published in 1890. The second volume in Lang's renowned Coloured Fairy Books series, it brings together enchanting stories from French, Russian, Danish, and Romanian traditions, along with tales from Norse mythology. Edited by Andrew Lang with significant contributions from his wife Leonora Blanche Lang, this collection continued the series' mission to preserve traditional fairy tales for young readers during an era when such stories faced criticism for their fantastical nature.
Andrew Lang
Custom and Myth New Edition
"Custom and Myth" by Andrew Lang is a scholarly examination of the relationship between mythology and folklore written in the late 19th century. The work delves into how myths from various cultures, particularly Greek and savage traditions, share common roots and reflect primitive human thought processes. It critiques prevalent methods in comparative mythology, advocating for a more anthropological approach to understanding myths as products of early human imagination rather than purely linguistic constructs. At the start of "Custom and Myth," the author outlines his preface and introduction, which establish the foundation for his analysis. Lang emphasizes that myths often arise from common human experiences and natural phenomena, suggesting they should be studied in conjunction with folklore. The opening sections discuss various scholars' interpretations of mythological names and emphasize the necessity of re-evaluating these tales as remnants of a more primitive, savage stage of thought. The discussion hints at the examination of particular myths, like the myth of Cronus, and presents a framework for understanding how ancient stories across different cultures can demonstrate shared themes and similar strangeness rooted in humanity's collective past.
Andrew Lang
The Fairy Books of Andrew Lang A Project Gutenberg Linked Index to All Stories in the 12 Volumes
"The Fairy Books of Andrew Lang" by Andrew Lang is a series of 25 collections published between 1889 and 1913. These volumes gather 798 fairy tales from sources spanning multiple languages and cultures, giving many stories their first English appearance. The twelve famous "Coloured" Fairy Books—each distinguished by its own color—revolutionized children's literature and public perception of fairy tales. Though credited to Andrew Lang, the series was largely the work of his wife, Leonora Blanche Lang, who translated and adapted stories from French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and other languages.
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