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Original poster

Book of ‘original’ fairy tales

40 replies

PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 14:40

Can anyone recommend a nice book of the ‘original’ versions of fairy tales with some nice illustrations.

I’ve always coveted one of those big tomes you see in the movies, when they search for the clues in old fairy tales and they pull out those big leather bound books with illustrations and lettering done in gold.

I mean, I don’t want one just like that, as I’m very sure I couldn’t afford it! But that kind of style.

Ive had a browse online, but nothing is jumping out

OP posts:
Prokupatuscrakedatus · 13/12/2022 15:23

Do you really want the original Grimm collection? With nice illustrstions?
Parents sending their children to fend for themselves because they cannot feed them?
A stepmother dancing in glowing hot iron shoes as punishment?

murasaki · 13/12/2022 15:42

Maybe try Andrew Lang? I loved those as a kid.

BasiliskStare · 13/12/2022 15:51

I think the folio society do one but what about this www.amazon.co.uk/Grimms-Complete-Fairy-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607103133?asin=1607103133&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1. Although I cannot see how big it is

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Original poster
PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 15:54

BasiliskStare · 13/12/2022 15:51

I think the folio society do one but what about this www.amazon.co.uk/Grimms-Complete-Fairy-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607103133?asin=1607103133&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1. Although I cannot see how big it is

Thanks, I did see that one, but I don’t think there are any illustrations in it from what it says? (It looks gorgeous though!)

OP posts:
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 13/12/2022 15:54

I've got a Grimm Fairy Tales book from the 90s which is chunky and has a very old book look about it.

You can find versions of them on Amazon
www.amazon.co.uk/Grimms-Complete-Fairy-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607103133/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=grimm+fairy+tales&qid=1670946828&sprefix=grimm+fairy%2Caps%2C64&sr=8-3

Original poster
PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 15:55

murasaki · 13/12/2022 15:42

Maybe try Andrew Lang? I loved those as a kid.

I’ll have a look, thanks

OP posts:
SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 13/12/2022 15:55

BasiliskStare · 13/12/2022 15:51

I think the folio society do one but what about this www.amazon.co.uk/Grimms-Complete-Fairy-Leather-bound-Classics/dp/1607103133?asin=1607103133&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1. Although I cannot see how big it is

Cross posted with you and I've done the same link!

Original poster
PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 15:55

Prokupatuscrakedatus · 13/12/2022 15:23

Do you really want the original Grimm collection? With nice illustrstions?
Parents sending their children to fend for themselves because they cannot feed them?
A stepmother dancing in glowing hot iron shoes as punishment?

Yep! 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 15:57

Oh, I’ve just had a look, there do appear to be illustrations? I must have been looking at something similar on there

OP posts:
BasiliskStare · 13/12/2022 15:58

I best the Folio society one is lovely but yes @SliceOfCakeCupOfTea - great minds and all & I'll best much more modestly priced

Iwritethissittinginthekitchensink · 13/12/2022 16:15

I prefer Hans Christian Anderson’s stories to the Brothers Grimm… they’re less, well, grim! More magical. What are you looking for?

thankyouforthesun · 13/12/2022 18:11

I've got some editions literally like the ones from the Disney films which I found by poking a round in second hand bookshops. They were probably £30-50 if that's useful.

gettingolderbutcooler · 13/12/2022 18:12

murasaki · 13/12/2022 15:42

Maybe try Andrew Lang? I loved those as a kid.

Me too!!

PhotoDad · 13/12/2022 18:17

If you ever see a copy of the sadly out-of-print "Folklore, Myths, and Legends of Britain" published by Readers' Digest in the 1970s, buy it like a shot. Or track it down second-hand online. It's pretty much my DD's favourite book (she's a trainee book illustrator at art school; it includes really obscure local stories, not just the famous one!)

Original poster
PicturesOfDogs · 13/12/2022 18:17

Iwritethissittinginthekitchensink · 13/12/2022 16:15

I prefer Hans Christian Anderson’s stories to the Brothers Grimm… they’re less, well, grim! More magical. What are you looking for?

I’m not sure, just more ‘traditional’ fairy tales rather than the Disney/disneyfied versions.

I reckon second hand is probably out the way to go, thinking about it.

I’m in London, so probably a million second hand bookshops near me, but I only know where the Waterstones is 🙈

If I get second hand books it’s only online/in charity shops

OP posts:
GMH1974 · 13/12/2022 18:22

The Reader's Digest World's Best Fairy Tales from the 1970s is fantastic and I've just looked and it's available second hand. I've seen a copy which looks to be in good condition for £15.

Waitwhat23 · 13/12/2022 18:38

I know this isn't what you're asking for but thought you might be interested in this as it looks at the origins of fairy tales - www.waterstones.com/book/the-fairy-tellers/nicholas-jubber/9781529327700

I have requested it as a Christmas present so can't say if it's good or not but I'm looking forward to reading it!

(I love the idea of a massive leathered covered tome as described in your OP)

LadyOfTheCanyon · 13/12/2022 18:40

What you want is one illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Glorious!

LadyOfTheCanyon · 13/12/2022 18:42

Phillip Pullman's take on Grimm's is excellent if you want one that's written beautifully but with a slight modern twist.

Iwritethissittinginthekitchensink · 13/12/2022 18:50

LadyOfTheCanyon · 13/12/2022 18:40

What you want is one illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Glorious!

This kind of thing?

www.amazon.co.uk/Fairy-Tales-Stories-Christian-Andersen/dp/1910880604/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?crid=QZZNQWPQ5735&keywords=hans+christian+andersen+fairy+tales&qid=1670948147&sprefix=hans+christian%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-11

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 13/12/2022 18:55

I loved the Andrew Lang fairy books. I inherited my Great Aunt’s edition of ‘The Yellow Fairy Book’ with glorious black and white illustrations by H.J.Ford.

Andsoforth · 13/12/2022 18:56

It’s well worth having a good poke around a few charity shops. I have a gorgeous 19th century edition that I picked up for €10 with Wehnert illustrations. It’s not in pristine condition but I think that adds to the charm. You can find amazing old books at very reasonable prices.

Grimm’s tales are indeed grim and wonderful reading material for a younger teen or tween.

minipie · 13/12/2022 19:02

Yes to Andrew Lang.

Hans Christian Andersen is even nastier than Grimm IMO. Grimm collected pre existing fairy tales whereas Andersen wrote his horrible tales afresh. (The Red Shoes is particularly bad).

minipie · 13/12/2022 19:03

Oh and can I also suggest A Necklace of Raindrops and The Kingdom Under the Sea. Both beautifully illustrated with silhouettes.

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