The Blue Fairy Book

The Blue Fairy Book is a book by Andrew Lang, first published in 1889. It is the first volume in the beloved Fairy Book series, launching a collection that would become a cornerstone of classic children’s literature and Victorian fairy tale anthologies. Carefully gathered and retold by Lang, this volume brings together traditional European folk tales, French salon stories, German legends, and Middle Eastern adventures into one richly imagined collection.

Within its pages readers encounter unforgettable characters: Cinderella and her glass slipper, Little Red Riding Hood and the lurking wolf, Rumpelstiltskin with his dangerous bargain, the enchanted princess of The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood, Beauty and her mysterious Beast, Snow-White and Rose-Red, Aladdin and his magical lamp, and the brave children Hansel and Gretel. Adventure, magic, transformation, and moral lessons weave through every story, making the book ideal for readers searching for classic fairy tales, traditional bedtime stories, and timeless folklore for children.

Andrew Lang, a Scottish folklorist and literary scholar, compiled and edited tales from a variety of cultural sources, often drawing on translations by contemporary scholars while shaping them into accessible narratives for young audiences. At the time of publication, the collection was warmly received and praised for introducing a new generation to enduring fairy tales in elegant, readable prose. As the first of twelve colour-titled volumes, it set the tone for a series that would remain influential in children’s storytelling for decades.

Blending fantasy, folklore, and moral fable, The Blue Fairy Book remains a treasured introduction to the world of enchanted forests, wicked witches, clever heroines, daring heroes, and magical transformations, making it a must-read for lovers of classic fairy tales and traditional children’s stories.