English Fairy Tales

This volume gathers a lively selection of English folk narratives, the kind children have always begged for when they ask for “fairy tales.” Though few of the stories feature actual fairies, they brim with giants, clever animals, and the occasional absurd hero, capturing the wit and wonder that have long thrived in the countryside. Each tale is presented with a touch of humor that reveals the mischievous spirit of the people who first told them.

The editor has travelled from village hearths to distant colonies, rescuing stories whispered by gypsies, preserved in Scottish dialect, and even carried across the Atlantic by emigrants. By rewriting and polishing these oral gems, the collection offers a bridge between the once‑silent working‑class voices and modern listeners, inviting anyone to experience the timeless charm of England’s storytelling tradition.