Folk and Fairy Tales (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A refreshing new look at "Folk" and "Fairy" Tales...
Review: This is not just a collection of the various tales we've all heard in one form or another. "Folk and Fairy Tales," edited by Hallett and Karasek, delves into these tales with a running commentary on the notion of the oral tradition, cultural reference points that explain some of the overtones, and a careful examination of various forms of the same folk or fairy tale, with which their theories and discussions become clear. Broken down into sensible categories ("Sleeping Beauties," "Brain over Brawn," "The Child as Hero," for a few examples), the tales blend wonderfully with each other, and act as counterpoints to both the theories and the collection as a whole.

What might also be overlooked upon the first reading of this book are the incredible essays included as an almost-appendix to the collection. Tolkein and Bettelheim make up two of the half-dozen articles, and they are a very enlightening read for the student of folk lore and the amateur reader both.

I would never have come across this book were it not for my 'Mythology and Symbolism' course in university, and I still find myself returning to it now and again when my nephew declares that he wishes a particular fairy tale be read.

If you have even the slightest interest in fairy tales, you will likely find a few new versions of tales you thought you knew within the pages of this book. If you are interested in fairy tales on an academic level, this book could prove to be an invaluable resource for you.

'Nathan

Rating:
Summary: A refreshing new look at "Folk" and "Fairy" Tales...
Review: This is not just a collection of the various tales we've all heard in one form or another. "Folk and Fairy Tales," edited by Hallett and Karasek, delves into these tales with a running commentary on the notion of the oral tradition, cultural reference points that explain some of the overtones, and a careful examination of various forms of the same folk or fairy tale, with which their theories and discussions become clear. Broken down into sensible categories ("Sleeping Beauties," "Brain over Brawn," "The Child as Hero," for a few examples), the tales blend wonderfully with each other, and act as counterpoints to both the theories and the collection as a whole.

What might also be overlooked upon the first reading of this book are the incredible essays included as an almost-appendix to the collection. Tolkein and Bettelheim make up two of the half-dozen articles, and they are a very enlightening read for the student of folk lore and the amateur reader both.

I would never have come across this book were it not for my 'Mythology and Symbolism' course in university, and I still find myself returning to it now and again when my nephew declares that he wishes a particular fairy tale be read.

If you have even the slightest interest in fairy tales, you will likely find a few new versions of tales you thought you knew within the pages of this book. If you are interested in fairy tales on an academic level, this book could prove to be an invaluable resource for you.

'Nathan