Andrew Lang

The Grey Fairy Book - Illustrated by H. J. Ford Andrew Lang

This charming early work, first published in 1900, is the sixth book in a series of twelve 'coloured' fairy books published by Andrew Lang between 1889 and 1910. Each volume is distinguished by its own colour, and all in all, 437 tales from a wide array of cultures and countries are presented. The Grey Fairy Book is illustrated with numerous black and white illustrations by the master artist H. J. Ford. This book is thoroughly recommended for inclusion on the shelf of all folklorists and lovers of fairy tales. A delightful read for both adult and child.

There are 35 stories in this volume from many oral traditions. Many of them from French, German and Italian collections. Tales include: Donkey Skin, The Magicians Horse, The Jackal and the Spring, The Unlooked for Prince, The Street Musicians, The Twin Bothers, Prunella and more.

Andrew Lang (1844 - 1912) was a Scots poet, novelist and literary critic, with a passion for folkloric storytelling. Most of his volumes (including this, 'The Grey Fairy Book') are beautifully illustrated by Henry J. Ford (1860 - 1941), an inordinately talented artist who came to public attention with his illustrations for Lang. The books captured the imagination of British children and later became worldwide bestsellers in the 1880s and 1890s.