HarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics. 'The wolf thought to himself, "What a tender young creature! what a nice plump mouthful - she will be better to eat than the old woman. I must act craftily, so as to catch both."' Collected by the German Grimm brothers, these folk tales have captured the imaginations of children and adults alike since they were first published in 1812. The best-known stories such as The Golden Goose, Hansel and Gretel, The Frog Prince, and Snow-White and Rose-Red remain as popular today as when first told, although there is an underlying darkness and violence to the original stories that has softened over time.
Brothers Grimm
The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, were German academics, linguists, and folklorists who are best known for their collection of fairy tales. Their most notable work, "Grimm's Fairy Tales," contains over 200 stories that have become timeless classics such as "Cinderella," "Snow White," "Hansel and Gretel," and "Rapunzel."
The Brothers Grimm played a significant role in preserving and documenting German folklore and fairy tales, which were passed down through generations orally. Their literary style focused on storytelling, moral lessons, and the supernatural, appealing to both children and adults.
Their contributions to literature include popularizing fairy tales and shaping the genre of children's literature. The Brothers Grimm's work has had a lasting impact on literature, inspiring countless adaptations, retellings, and interpretations in various forms of media. Their collection of fairy tales remains one of the most famous and influential works in the genre.