Andrew Lang’s Fairy Books

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.