Legendary Sources of Wonder & Imagination
Explore our treasure trove of classic tales, from beloved anthologies to the works of history's greatest storytellers—each preserving the magic that has captivated generations.
Legendary Collections & Anthologies
A 1001 Nights
Biography
The collection known as 'A 1001 Nights', or 'Arabian Nights', is not the work of a single author but rather a compilation of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Persian folklore and fairy tales that have evolved over centuries. The stories within the collection are framed by the tale of Scheherazade, a clever woman who tells stories to delay her execution by a king. While the earliest manuscripts date back to the 9th century, the stories have been passed down orally and have evolved with contributions from various cultures, including Arab, Persian, Indian, and later Western influences. The tales were first introduced to Western audiences in the early 18th century through Antoine Galland's French translation. The 'Arabian Nights' has had a profound impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations and reinterpretations across the world.
Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books
Biography
Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic born in Selkirk in 1844. He is best known for his contributions to the collection and popularization of fairy tales. Lang was educated at the University of St Andrews and Balliol College, Oxford, where he developed a keen interest in folklore and mythology. His most notable achievement is the 'Fairy Books' series, which comprises twelve volumes, each identified by a different color, beginning with 'The Blue Fairy Book' in 1889. These collections include fairy tales from various cultures, providing English readers with access to a rich tapestry of folklore. Although Lang himself did not write the tales, he was instrumental in selecting and editing them, often with the assistance of his wife, Leonora Blanche Alleyne. His work played a crucial role in preserving traditional stories and bringing them to a broader audience, influencing both readers and future writers of fantasy and folklore.
Classical Storytellers
Alexander Pushkin
Biography
Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, born on June 6, 1799, in Moscow, is often hailed as the greatest Russian poet and the founder of modern Russian literature. A member of the Russian aristocracy, Pushkin was highly educated, attending the prestigious Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Despite facing censorship and political exile due to his liberal views and satirical writings, Pushkin's work profoundly influenced Russian literature. His mastery of language and innovative storytelling are evident in his poetry, prose, and fairytales. Pushkin's foray into fairytales, such as 'The Golden Cockerel' and 'The Tale of Tsar Saltan,' showcases his ability to weave Russian folklore and traditions with his unique literary style. His works are celebrated for their rhythmic beauty, vivid imagery, and deep exploration of human nature, securing his legacy as a pivotal figure in world literature.
Brothers Grimm
Biography
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, collectively known as the Brothers Grimm, were pioneering figures in the collection and popularization of European folklore. Born in Hanau, Germany, they were closely bound by their shared academic pursuits and deep interest in linguistics and folklore. Both brothers studied law at the University of Marburg but soon turned their attention to the study of Germanic folklore and philology. Their most renowned contribution to literature is 'Grimm's Fairy Tales,' a collection that compiled and preserved numerous traditional tales. Their work was not just a literary endeavor but also a cultural one, aimed at preserving German folklore during a time of socio-political change in Germany. The brothers' meticulous approach to collecting and presenting these tales helped lay the foundation for folklore as an academic field and significantly influenced the modern fairy tale genre. Beyond folklore, Jacob and Wilhelm also made significant contributions to linguistics and the study of the German language.
Folk Tales & Legends
A. G. Seklemian
Biography
A. G. Seklemian is an enigmatic figure in the realm of folklore and fairytales, primarily known for his collection of Armenian tales. His works, such as 'Bedik and the Invulnerable Giant' and 'The Magic Ring,' reflect a rich tapestry of Armenian culture and mythology. Although detailed biographical information about Seklemian is scarce, it is believed that he was active during the late 19th to early 20th century, a period when there was a resurgence of interest in preserving oral traditions. Seklemian's contributions are significant as they offer insights into the folklore of Armenia, capturing the moral lessons, humor, and imagination inherent in these traditional stories. His collections have played a crucial role in bringing the lesser-known stories of Armenia to a broader audience, preserving them for future generations.
A. H. Wratislaw
Biography
Albert Henry Wratislaw was a British clergyman and scholar, born in 1837. He is best known for his work as a translator and collector of Slavic folk tales, particularly those from Czech and Bulgarian traditions. Wratislaw was educated at Rugby School and later at Trinity College, Cambridge. He served as a headmaster at various schools throughout his career, which allowed him to explore his interest in Slavic languages and cultures. His translations and collections have been instrumental in bringing Eastern European folklore to English-speaking audiences. Wratislaw's work is considered significant for its contribution to the preservation and dissemination of Slavic folk narratives, providing a bridge between cultures and enriching the global tapestry of folklore.
Carl Sandburg
Biography
Carl Sandburg was a renowned American poet, writer, and editor, born on January 6, 1878, in Galesburg, Illinois. Known for his contributions to American literature, Sandburg's work spanned poetry, biography, history, and children's literature. He gained acclaim for his poetry collections, such as 'Chicago Poems' and 'Cornhuskers,' which reflected his deep connection to the American working class and the Midwest landscape. Sandburg's foray into children's literature includes the whimsical 'Rootabaga Stories,' a series of American fairy tales inspired by his own children's love for stories. These tales are characterized by their imaginative language and playful narratives, capturing the spirit of American folklore. Sandburg's literary achievements earned him three Pulitzer Prizes, two for poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. His work continues to influence writers and readers with its celebration of American life and culture.
Charles Perrault
Biography
Charles Perrault was a pivotal figure in French literature, born on January 12, 1628, in Paris, France. He hailed from a wealthy bourgeois family and was well-educated, studying law and working in various governmental roles, including serving as the secretary to the finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Perrault was an influential member of the Académie Française and played a significant role in the famous 'Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns,' advocating for modern literature's merits over classical works. His most enduring literary contribution is his collection 'Histoires ou contes du temps passé' (Stories or Tales of Past Times), published in 1697. This collection included timeless fairytales like 'Cinderella,' 'Sleeping Beauty,' and 'Little Red Riding Hood,' which have become staples of Western folklore. Perrault's ability to weave moral lessons into enchanting narratives laid the foundation for the modern fairytale genre.
Charles Skinner
Biography
Charles Skinner was a prolific American author known for his extensive collection of folklore and legends. Although details about his life are scarce, Skinner's work primarily focused on capturing the essence of American folklore, with a particular emphasis on tales from New England and other parts of the United States. He contributed significantly to the preservation and popularization of regional stories, myths, and legends that might have otherwise been lost to history. Skinner's work is characterized by its rich narrative style and its ability to evoke the cultural and historical contexts of the stories he retold. His efforts have provided a valuable resource for folklorists and literary enthusiasts interested in American folklore. Skinner's collections remain an essential part of the study of American cultural history, offering insights into the beliefs and traditions of diverse communities across the country.
Cornelius Mathews
Biography
Cornelius Mathews was an American writer born in New York City in 1817. A prominent figure in the literary scene of the 19th century, Mathews was part of the Young America movement, which sought to create a distinctly American literary tradition. He studied at Columbia College and later pursued a career in law, although his passion for literature soon took precedence. Mathews was a prolific author, contributing to a wide range of genres including drama, satire, and poetry. However, he is particularly remembered for his efforts in compiling and adapting Native American folklore, aiming to preserve these stories for future generations. His works, such as 'Osseo, the Son of the Evening Star' and 'The Enchanted Moccasins,' reflect his commitment to capturing the rich oral traditions of indigenous cultures. Although his literary style and views did not always align with the mainstream, Mathews remains a significant figure for his contributions to American folklore and fairy tales.
Elizabeth Willis De Huff
Biography
Elizabeth Willis De Huff was an American author and illustrator renowned for her contributions to children's literature, particularly her retellings of Native American folklore. Born in 1892, De Huff spent much of her life in New Mexico, where she developed a deep appreciation for the culture and stories of the Pueblo and other Indigenous peoples. Her education and career were steeped in the arts; she was both a writer and an illustrator, bringing to life the vibrant tales she collected. De Huff's work is characterized by a dedication to preserving and sharing the rich oral traditions of Native American tribes with broader audiences. Her commitment to authenticity and respect for the source material set her apart in the field of folklore. Her books provided children and adults alike with engaging insights into the moral and cultural lessons inherent in these traditional stories.
Elsie Spicer Eells
Biography
Elsie Spicer Eells was an American writer and folklorist known for her contributions to the collection and retelling of traditional tales, particularly those from Brazil and Portugal. Her work primarily involved the compilation and adaptation of folklore into accessible stories for children and general audiences in the English-speaking world. Eells's stories are notable for their vivid imagery and engaging narrative style, which helped popularize lesser-known folklore from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula. Though specific details about her life, including her birth and death dates, remain elusive, her literary contributions have left a lasting impact on the field of folklore studies. Eells's work reflects a deep appreciation for cultural heritage and storytelling, capturing the imagination of readers with tales of magical creatures, clever tricksters, and moral lessons.
Flora Annie Steel
Biography
Flora Annie Steel was a British writer born in 1847 in Sudbury, Middlesex. She is widely recognized for her work in collecting and retelling Indian folktales and fairytales. Steel moved to India in 1867 after marrying Henry William Steel, an officer in the Indian Civil Service. During her 22 years in India, she became deeply involved in the education of women and children and developed a keen interest in the local culture and folklore. Her most famous work, 'Tales of the Punjab,' is a significant collection of traditional Indian stories that she compiled and adapted for Western readers. Steel's work is notable for its vivid storytelling and cultural insight, capturing the essence of Indian folklore and making it accessible to a broader audience. Her contributions to folklore and literature are invaluable, as she helped preserve many traditional stories at a time when oral traditions were at risk of being lost.
Gianakoulis and MacPherson
Biography
Theodore P. Gianakoulis and Georgia H. MacPherson
Hans Christian Andersen
Biography
Hans Christian Andersen, born on April 2, 1805, in Odense, Denmark, is celebrated as one of the most prolific and beloved fairytale authors in literary history. Andersen's early life was marked by poverty, and he received little formal education. Despite these challenges, he was a voracious reader and showed early talent in storytelling. Andersen moved to Copenhagen at the age of 14, where he initially aspired to be an actor and singer before focusing on writing. His breakthrough came with the publication of his first book of fairy tales in 1835. Andersen's tales, characterized by their blend of fantasy and moral lessons, have resonated across generations, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers. His imaginative narratives and memorable characters have cemented his place as a pivotal figure in children's literature. Andersen's legacy endures through his extensive body of work, which continues to be translated and adapted worldwide.
Hindu Tales from the Sanskrit
Biography
The collection 'Hindu Tales from the Sanskrit' is a compilation of traditional Indian folklore and stories, often attributed to anonymous or collective authorship. These tales are rooted deeply in the cultural and religious traditions of India, reflecting the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and moral teachings. The stories, while entertaining, serve as moral lessons and are designed to impart wisdom to both children and adults. The Sanskrit origin of these tales indicates their antiquity and the oral tradition through which they were passed down before being transcribed. The compiler or author of these tales remains unknown, but their contribution to preserving Indian folklore is invaluable. These stories are part of a larger tradition of Panchatantra and Jataka tales, which have influenced storytelling across cultures and generations.
James Baldwin
Biography
James Baldwin was an American author and educator born in 1841. He was a prolific writer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing significantly to children's literature and educational texts. Baldwin's background in education greatly influenced his writing, as he aimed to make literature accessible and engaging for young readers. Throughout his career, he published more than fifty books, many of which focused on retelling myths, legends, and folktales from various cultures. His works often emphasized moral lessons and the importance of virtue. Baldwin's contributions to literature were instrumental in popularizing classic tales for a new generation, providing a platform for these stories to be appreciated in the context of modern education. His retellings often included simplified narratives and language, ensuring that the timeless themes of the stories were easily understood by children.
Jeremiah Curtin
Biography
Jeremiah Curtin was an American translator, folklorist, and ethnographer born in 1835 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Irish immigrants and received his education at Harvard University, where he studied linguistics and developed a keen interest in languages and cultures. Curtin's career began with his work as a translator for the U.S. State Department, but he is most renowned for his extensive collection of folklore from various cultures, including Irish, Russian, and Native American. His work in folklore was pioneering, as he traveled extensively to collect stories directly from native speakers, preserving narratives that might otherwise have been lost. Curtin's contributions to folklore literature have had a lasting impact, providing a rich source of cultural narratives that continue to be studied and appreciated to this day. He is particularly noted for his collections of Irish myths and legends, which helped popularize these stories in the English-speaking world.
Joseph Jacobs
Biography
Joseph Jacobs was a significant figure in the field of folklore and fairytales, born on August 29, 1854, in Sydney, Australia. After studying at the University of Sydney, he moved to England, where he furthered his education at St John's College, Cambridge, and was influenced by the burgeoning interest in folklore studies. Jacobs was a prominent folklorist, literary scholar, and historian, best known for his collections of English and Celtic fairy tales. His dedication to collecting and preserving tales from oral traditions has made him an essential figure in popularizing many stories, ensuring their survival for future generations. Jacobs' works often focused on identifying and compiling tales that had been overlooked or forgotten, bringing them to a broader audience. He contributed significantly to the English Fairy Tale Movement and emphasized the importance of folklore in understanding cultural heritage. Jacobs passed away on January 30, 1916, leaving behind a legacy that continues to enchant readers and scholars alike.
K. Langloh Parker
Biography
K. Langloh Parker, born Catherine Eliza Somerville Field in 1856 in New South Wales, Australia, was a prominent folklorist and author known for her extensive collections of Aboriginal Australian stories and legends. Raised in the Australian bush, Parker developed a deep appreciation for the culture and stories of the Indigenous communities. She married Langloh Parker, a station manager, and lived on the Bangate Station in New South Wales, where she began documenting the stories of the local Aboriginal people, primarily the Ualarai tribe. Her most notable works were published in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including 'Australian Legendary Tales' (1896) and 'More Australian Legendary Tales' (1898), which were among the first to introduce Aboriginal folklore to a wider audience. Parker's work is significant for its role in preserving Indigenous stories at a time when such cultures were under significant threat from colonization.
Padraic Colum
Biography
Padraic Colum was a prominent Irish poet, novelist, dramatist, and collector of folklore, born on December 8, 1881, in Longford, Ireland. He was educated at the Christian Brothers School in Dublin. Colum was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, contributing significantly to the cultural and literary renaissance in Ireland during the early 20th century. He was closely associated with other literary figures such as W.B. Yeats and James Joyce. Colum's literary career was marked by his dedication to preserving and adapting traditional Irish folklore and mythology, making these stories accessible to broader audiences through his works. His storytelling prowess is evident in his numerous collections of myths and legends, including Norse and Polynesian tales. Colum's contributions to literature extend beyond folklore, as he wrote plays, poetry, and children's literature, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world. He emigrated to the United States, where he continued his work in literature until his death on January 11, 1972.
Parker Fillmore
Biography
Parker Fillmore was an American author and folklorist known for his unique contributions to the realm of fairytales and folk narratives during the early 20th century. His works are often characterized by their moral lessons and whimsical storytelling, reflecting a blend of traditional folklore and contemporary themes. Little is documented about Fillmore's early life or education, but his literary career flourished with the publication of several notable tales that captivated audiences. His stories often involve fantastical elements and moral dilemmas, appealing to both children and adults. Fillmore's work is significant in the American folklore genre, offering insight into the cultural values and societal norms of his time through a lens of magical realism and humor. Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Fillmore's tales continue to resonate with readers who appreciate the charm of classic storytelling.
Robert Nisbet Bain
Biography
Robert Nisbet Bain was a Scottish author and folklorist, active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although specific details about his early life and education remain elusive, Bain's contributions to children's literature and folklore are noteworthy. He is best known for his engaging retellings of fairy tales and folk stories from various cultures, particularly Russian and Slavic tales. His works often featured themes of adventure, morality, and the supernatural, appealing to both children and adults alike. Bain's dedication to preserving and popularizing folklore has left a lasting impact on the genre, and his stories continue to be celebrated for their imaginative narratives and cultural significance. His role as a collector and adapter of folk tales has positioned him as a significant figure in the study and appreciation of international folklore.
Sanni Metelerkamp
Biography
Sanni Metelerkamp is a South African author and storyteller renowned for her contributions to the genre of children's literature and folklore. Her works are heavily influenced by African culture and traditions, particularly the narratives and legends of the Bushmen and other indigenous peoples. Metelerkamp's storytelling often combines humor and moral lessons, making her tales both entertaining and educational for young readers. She has a background in education, which informs her approach to storytelling, creating narratives that resonate with children while preserving cultural heritage. Her works reflect a deep respect for nature and the interconnectedness of all living things, themes prevalent in African folklore. By weaving traditional tales into her narratives, Metelerkamp has played a significant role in promoting and preserving South African folklore.
Sophie Ségur
Biography
Sophie Ségur, born in 1799 in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was a prominent French author known for her contributions to children's literature, particularly her enchanting fairytales. After moving to France, she married a French nobleman and became a well-respected figure in literary circles. Ségur's works often feature moral lessons and the virtues of kindness, courage, and compassion, reflecting her strong belief in the importance of nurturing and educating children. Her writing style combines humor with a deep understanding of child psychology, making her stories both engaging and educational. Although she is not as widely recognized as contemporaries like Hans Christian Andersen, her tales remain beloved in French-speaking countries, and her influence on children's literature is significant. Ségur's vivid storytelling and memorable characters have earned her a lasting legacy in the realm of fairytales.
The Chinese Fairy Book
Biography
The Chinese Fairy Book is a collection of traditional Chinese folktales and fairy tales compiled by an unknown author or group of authors, believed to have been published in the early 20th century. This anthology showcases a rich tapestry of Chinese mythology, culture, and moral lessons, making it an important contribution to world literature. The stories often reflect the values and beliefs of Chinese society, with themes ranging from justice and retribution to the interplay between humans and nature. While the specific origins of the collection are obscure, the tales within it have been passed down through generations, often shared orally before being documented. The collection has helped introduce Western audiences to the depth and diversity of Chinese folklore, influencing later adaptations and interpretations of Asian fairy tales.
Thomas Frederick Crane
Biography
Thomas Frederick Crane was an American folklorist born in 1857 in New York. He dedicated his life to collecting and interpreting folklore, particularly children's tales from various cultures. Crane was educated at Columbia University and went on to work as a professor, where he emphasized the importance of oral traditions in literature. His notable contributions include collections of fairy tales and fables, which aimed to preserve the rich tapestry of cultural narratives for future generations. Crane's work is significant in the field of folklore as he helped bring attention to the oral storytelling tradition and its impact on literature. He is particularly known for his adaptations of traditional stories, which often highlighted moral lessons and cultural values. His efforts were crucial in the early 20th-century movement to document and analyze folk narratives in America and beyond.
William Elliot Griffis
Biography
William Elliot Griffis was an American author, theologian, and educator born in 1843 in New York State. He graduated from the University of the City of New York and went on to become a missionary in Japan, where he immersed himself in the local culture and folklore. This experience greatly influenced his literary work, leading him to write children's stories that integrated Japanese folklore with Western narratives. Griffis is best known for his contributions to American children's literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly through his engaging fables and tales that often contained moral lessons. His works reflect his deep appreciation for cultural exchange and the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding different societies. He has been credited with popularizing Japanese tales in the United States, making him an important figure in the field of folklore and fairytales.