One of the earliest collections of fairy tales from different countries, first published in 1863. Carefully selected and rendered anew in language close to the oral tradition. Includes old English tales, such as Jack the Giant-killer and Tom Thumb, as well as German stories from Grimm, and French tales of Perrault and Madame d'Aulnoy, and many other delightful and time-honored fairy tales. Numerous black and white illustrations by Louis Rhead complement the text. Suitable for ages 8 and up.

Dinah Maria Mulock Craik was a British novelist who began by writing children's books. In 1857 she wrote John Halifax, Gentleman, which is considered to be her best work. John Halifax, Gentleman is the classic story of a poor boy who through hard work and the highest of morals makes good. It was one of the first novels to have a tradesman as hero. The mood in Britain at this time echoed the Great Exhibition's empathizes on industry and technology. The opening words of John which were "Sir I want work" began a tale that reflected the values of the Protestant ethic.

A modern fairy tale, beautiful in spirit and unusual in theme and setting. Relates the story of little Prince Dolor and his magic cloak, telling how, with the help of the fairy who is godmother to all children, he learned to endure affliction with cheerfulness and fortitude, and eventually came into his own.

Wells states that she hoped to adapt a favorite story of her childhood for younger children while keeping the spirit of the original. At this she is not successful. Craik's The Little Lame Prince more thoughtfully presents a coming-of-age story, a coming to grips with both good and evil in the world, and a realization of one's own strengths and weaknesses. Stripped of its action, this adaptation is more like Miss Piggy goes Anne of Green Gables. In fact, the main characters are pigs and the lady-in-waiting who drops the young prince causing his lameness is a silly goose. Taken on its own...