Grimm’s Fairy Tales

6C Brother’s Grimm. New York: Hurst & co., ca. 1915.

Notes

Grimms’ Fairy Tales, first published in 1812–1815 as Children’s and Household Tales, is the renowned collection of traditional stories gathered by the German scholars Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Drawing from oral storytelling traditions, the brothers compiled tales such as Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood, preserving folklore that had been passed down through generations. While often associated with children’s literature today, the original tales were darker in tone, reflecting themes of hardship, morality, justice, and transformation. The collection played a crucial role in preserving European folk traditions and shaping the modern fairy tale genre.

Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786–1859) were linguists and cultural historians whose work extended beyond storytelling into the study of language, mythology, and law. Their efforts to collect and document folklore were part of a broader nineteenth-century interest in national identity and cultural heritage. Over time, the Grimms revised and expanded their collection, softening certain elements for younger audiences while maintaining the core narratives. Grimms’ Fairy Tales remains one of the most influential and widely read collections in literary history, continuing to inspire adaptations, illustrations, and retellings across cultures and generations.

Description

Light gray canvas binding with gilt lettering and design to upper board and gilt, red and green illustration to upper board and spine. Five lithograph colored plates. Fine condition.