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Rating: 
Summary: Two Classics from Joseph Jacobs
Review: I'll let you in on a little secret. This is actually two of Jacobs' books published together in a nice hardbound edition from the Everyman Library. This edition includes both "English Fairy Tales" and "More English Fairy Tales." Over a century ago, Jacobs collected and adapted many tales in his lifetime and made contributions to the field of fairy tale studies. This is one of the most popular of his collections. Early variations of well-known and lesser known tales are included such as Cinderella, Three Little Pigs, Three Bears, and Tom Tit Tot (similar to Rumpelstiltskin). There are plenty more that you may have never read, too. John Batten's black and white illustrations from the original edition of the book are included.
Rating: 
Summary: What fairy tales are meant to be!
Review: Okay, it's not totally 'PC', but this book is true to the spirit of childrens stories. Along with the classics (e.g. Jack the Giant Killer and Tom Thumb) there are lesser-known tales full of real suspense, action, ghosts, magic, realy wicked stepmothers, love lost, imps, and fairies. And no guns. It provides the little stressors that Disney doesn't, so that the effect is genuine - real anxiety, and real relief at the point of resolution. You can never be sure that there will be a wedding at the end of any story.The book has beautiful word-play and rhythm, along with classic sketched illustrations - A keeper for all time.
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