Philip Pullman

Presents mature and scholarly retellings of fifty favorite and lesser-known fairy tales on the two hundredth anniversary of the Grimm brothers' "Children's and Household Tales," in a volume that includes such stories as "Cinderella," "Rapunzel," and "Briar-Rose."

A New English Version

Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm

Pretty cool book of fairytales. I really enjoyed the ones that I have not heard before. Although, I would have appreciated a more thorough analyzation of the fairy tales.

Chris Aldrich

Having read Bruno Bettelheim's "Uses of Enchantment" over a decade ago, I was impressed to see a few internal references to it. I was also glad that Pullman included his end notes to each story giving the story type, similar tales from other cultures, as well as his own personal notes about the stories as well as how they either worked or didn't work. 

Not having read any fairy tales in several decades, however, I'm mostly reminded how terrifically graphic these stories are and that they're not generally the type of things I would read to any child under the age of 12. Perhaps as a society we shelter our children (especially from graphic images in tv and video games) in a way that previous cultures just didn't. I imagine part of it stems from the fact that these stories were told in the 1800's for a very different audience - one in which he village "knacker" was a regular presence. (I have to think that it wasn't a very common profession given that I know lots of people with the name "Miller" or "Fletcher", but almost none who go by "Knacker".)

It's only mentioned very tangentially in relation to the German translation into English of a few words in the notes, but Pullman does remind us that the Brothers Grimm collected these stories, in part, as a philological exercise for their research into the evolution of language. Having heard references to this in Seth Lerer's work on the English language which I came across recently makes me want to delve more deeply into these roots. 

Rereading these stories certainly gives me a better appreciation of the culture in which we live. I highly recommend them to all.

Eugenia Andino

¿Qué se puede decir de los cuentos de Grimm? Que son imprescindibles, y Philip Pullman, muy buen editor. Solo he echado en falta tener una edición ilustrada.

Lewis John Fisher

I've not read a lot of the Brothers Grimm, but have read a lot of Philip Pullman, so a deep dive like this was absolutely wonderful.

Jeni Enjaian

I have little to say about this book. At one point I added all of Pullman's works to my to-read list although I am unsure why because I have never though much of the Golden Compass series. This was the last of those books on my list.
Pullman adds nothing worthwhile to the traditional fairy tales. In fact, I think he mades a few of them more sadistic than they already were. The brothers Grimm had a very appropriate surname for the work of literature that made them famous.

Melissa Railey

Jacob Grimm

Wilhelm Grimm

'Swiftness is a great virtue in the fairy tale. All we need is the word 'Once . . . ' and we're off' In this enchanting retelling of Grimms' fairy tales, Philip Pullman conjures up a world of wicked deeds, gruesome deaths, magical transformations and otherworldly romance. Here are some of the strangest, most darkly fascinating tales ever told, made fresh and original through Pullman's distinctive voice. 'Gripping . . . A clear and humorous retelling, with added sprinklings of wit ... as well as a sense of these tales as living, mutable things that still transmit deep truths.' Sunday Telegraph 'Told with extraordinary toughness and savagery.' Andrew Marr'Magical . . . This wonderful retelling is set to become a classic in its own right.' Sunday Times

For Young and Old

Grimm Tales

Leah Preston

In this beautiful book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his fifty favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice. From the quests and romance of classics such as 'Rapunzel', 'Snow White' and 'Cinderella' to the danger and wit of such lesser-known tales as 'The Three Snake Leaves', 'Hans-my-Hedgehog' and 'Godfather Death', Pullman brings the heart of each timeless tale to the fore, following with a brief but fascinating commentary on the story's background and history. In his introduction, he discusses how these stories have lasted so long, and become part of our collective storytelling imagination. These new versions show the adventures at their most lucid and engaging yet. Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives, brave children and villainous kings will have you reading, reading aloud and rereading them for many years to come.

Amna A.

Jane Mount

Andy

Haley Murray

Nathan Besch

Anna Lagerqvist

K. Qua

Xavier Roy

Shreya 

James Haliburton

annette 

In this stunningly designed book of classic fairy tales, award-winning author Philip Pullman has chosen his fifty favourite stories from the Brothers Grimm and presents them in a 'clear as water' retelling, in his unique and brilliant voice. These new versions show the adventures at their most lucid and engaging yet. Pullman's Grimm Tales of wicked wives, brave children and villainous kings will have you reading, reading aloud and rereading them for many years to come.

Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm A New English Version

Reviews