Grimm Tales: For Young and Old
by Philip Pullman
What is it about:
Two hundred years ago, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published the first volume of Children’s and Household Tales. Now, at a veritable fairy-tale moment—witness the popular television shows Grimm and Once Upon a Time and this year’s two movie adaptations of “Snow White”—Philip Pullman, one of the most popular authors of our time, makes us fall in love all over again with the immortal tales of the Brothers Grimm.
From much-loved stories like “Cinderella” and “Rumpelstiltskin,” “Rapunzel” and “Hansel and Gretel” to lesser-known treasures like “Briar-Rose,” “Thousandfurs,” and “The Girl with No Hands,” Pullman retells his fifty favorites, paying homage to the tales that inspired his unique creative vision—and that continue to cast their spell on the Western imagination.
What did I think of it:
I've loved fairy tales for as long as I can remember, so I was over the moon when I got Grimm Tales as a present on St. Nicholas Eve earlier this month.
And this is a lovely collection of fairy tales.
Pullman retells his favorite stories in his own words and with some small modifications. I had expected him to give his own spin to the stories, but instead he stayed close to the original tales and only occasionally he adds a bit to a story to make it flow better or to give an explanation.
And I think he did a great job. I have reread my big book of Grimm fairy tales many times and therefor recognized all of the stories, but it was a feast to reread them in this book and to see what Pullman did with them. It was also fun to see he picked most of my favorites, showing that he and I have a similar taste in fairy tales.
All in all this is a wonderful collection and I will give it a place next to my other books with fairy tales.
Why should you read it:
If you like fairy tales this is a book for you.
2 comments:
I do like fairy tales :) But...eh
My parents had a collection of Grimm with wonderful drawings in them. I have read them often as a child and have cried buckets over them. The little mermaid is nothing at all like the Disney version, or the Little Girl with the Matchsticks. Some stories are just so sad. I might give this book a try if I come across it somewhere.
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