The Annotated Brothers Grimm Edited by: Maria Tatar Introduction by: A.S. Byatt

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fairy tales and especially to anyone who grew up on the Disney version of these tales. I have discovered and learned so much from this book that it is as if I am experiencing all of these stories for the first time. The book was based on the 7th edition of the Grimms Tales published in 1857. It includes many of the ones I was familiar with as a child (Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel and more) as well as ones that are not familiar to me (The Three Little Men in the Woods,Mother Holle and The Brave Little Tailor). In addition to these wonderful stories there are many, many annotations included with each tale. The author gives the history and back ground of the story, the cultural significance of the story and the psychological effects of the stories among other interesting notes. The illustrations in the book are reproduced from numerous artists and illustrators and are in color. Other things that make this collection such a must have are the original 1857 preface and two essays by Maria Tatar. One of the essays is about the life of the Brothers Grimm. The other is about the effects of these stories on culture. I am so pleased to own this collection. Of course the Grimms Fairy Tales speak for themselves. They are timeless and unforgettable. The way Maria Tatar has presented these stories is the amazing thing. She treats these stories as they should be treated, as valuable pieces of the human culture and psyche. She respects these works and shares her vast knowledge with us.