The Grimm brothers' collection of fairy tales is one of the most published books in the world.
Fables and fairy tales have weaved their way through history, from nights curled up by the open fireside, to present day children's books, ebooks and blockbuster films. Folk tales and fairy tales continue to have a significant impact upon our lives and culture. Handed down through time by word of mouth, fairy tales remain the oldest and most unforgettable form of storytelling in the world.
Aesop's Fables
Aesop was born as a slave in Greece during sixth century BC and eventually gained freedom and rose to live a life at court due to his intelligence. Hundreds of fables and stories have been attributed to Aesop that are well known for their moralistic endings designed to teach lessons about human nature, ethics and philosophy. "The Hare and the Tortoise," "The Fox and the Grapes," "The Goose With Golden Eggs" and "The Lion and the Mouse" include several of his famous tales.
Charles Perrault
Charles Perrault was an academic and a writer, most noted for his publication of the book "Tales of Mother Goose" in 1697, which was a collection of fairy tales well known in France. Many of these folk tales are versions of similar stories that would be later published by the Grimm brothers. Perrault published "The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Blue Beard" and "Puss in Boots" in his collection of fairy tales.
Hans Christian Andersen
Hans Christian Andersen was a poet, folklorist and children's author whose Danish fairy tales have inspired people since the 1800s. Many Andersen stories are noted for their dark or melancholy themes and overtones. His most famous works include "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "The Snow Queen." Andersen's birthday on April 2 is celebrated as International Children's Book Day.
The Grimm Brothers
Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm put together a collection of Germanic fairy tales and fables in their book "Children's and Household Tales" that was published in 1812. The Grimm brothers' fairy tales have now become some of the best known and most loved stories in the western world for children and adults. Several famous fairy tales from the Grimms' timeless collection include "The Twelve Brothers," "Rapunzel," "Hansel and Gretel" and "Cinderella."
Other Tales
Other collections of fairy tales and fables include J.F. Campbell's "Popular Tales of the West Highlands," a collection of ancient Indian, Egyptian, Arabian and Persian tales called "One Thousand and One Nights," two volumes of Italian fairy tales titled "Pentamerone" published in the 1600s, and another volume of French folk tales published by Madame d'Aulnoy called "Les Contes des Fees."
