The Orange Fairy Book (ePub)

Andrew Lang (1844-1912) was a Scottish writer, critic, and anthropologist, renowned for his work in folklore and fairy tales. Lang's extensive literary output included poetry, novels, history, and anthropology, but he is perhaps best remembered for his work in children's literature and his contributions to the field of fairy tale compilation. Among his most significant achievements are the 'Coloured' Fairy Books series, a twelve-volume collection of fairy tales from around the world, of which 'The Orange Fairy Book,' published in 1906, is a notable installment. This series, which also included popular titles like 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889) and 'The Red Fairy Book' (1890), showcased Lang's talent for compiling and adapting traditional stories in a way that made them accessible and enjoyable for a young audience. His work not only preserved a wide range of international folklore but also influenced the future study of fairy tales within the academic community. Lang's literary style combined a scholarly attention to detail with a storyteller's flair for narrative, making his writings appeal to both the intellectual and the general reader. What set Lang apart was his insistence on retaining the magic and wonder of the original tales, while presenting them in a form that reflected the Victorian values of his time. His legacy endures through the continued popularity of the 'Fairy Books' and his impact on the literary and academic appreciation of folklore and fairy tales.