The Classic Fairy Tales (Second International Student Edition) (Norton Critical Editions)

This comprehensive anthology offers an expertly curated collection of literary fairy tales spanning seven foundational story types, from "Cinderella" to "Bluebeard," presenting both classic versions and their fascinating variations. The Norton Critical Edition format provides substantial academic value through its inclusion of scholarly commentaries and critical essays that contextualize each tale's evolution. Readers will discover how these enduring stories have been reinterpreted across cultures and time periods, revealing the complex social and psychological dimensions beneath their familiar surfaces. The organization by tale type allows for meaningful comparative analysis of how similar narrative structures manifest in different cultural traditions.

What distinguishes this collection is its classroom-tested effectiveness in making fairy tale scholarship accessible to both students and general readers interested in folklore studies. The critical apparatus transforms familiar childhood stories into rich texts for literary analysis while maintaining the magical quality that makes these tales timeless. Readers will appreciate how the editorial selections highlight the fluidity of oral traditions and the ways these stories continue to resonate in contemporary culture. This volume serves as both an essential academic resource and a fascinating exploration of why these particular narratives have endured across centuries.