Let's be clear: this isn't a novel with one continuous plot. My Book of Favourite Fairy Tales is a carefully chosen collection of classic stories. Edric Vredenburg, writing in the early 1900s, gathered what he considered the best of the bunch. You'll find familiar friends here—Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Beauty and the Beast. But you'll also meet less common tales, like the clever Master Cat (Puss in Boots) or the adventurous Forty Thieves.

The Story

There's no overarching story. Instead, each tale is its own little world. A poor miller's son uses a clever cat to win a kingdom. A young girl outsmarts a hungry wolf on her way to her grandmother's house. A kind but mistreated girl finds her prince with the help of a fairy godmother. The plots are simple, built on clear morals, wild magic, and the classic battle between good and evil. The joy is in the journey of each one, seeing how these foundational stories were told to readers over a hundred years ago.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a time capsule. Reading Vredenburg's versions is like listening to these stories told by a great-grandparent. The language has a charming, formal rhythm that feels special. More importantly, some of these tales retain a slight edge that later versions smoothed out. The consequences feel real, the dangers a bit sharper. It reminds you why these stories stuck around—they're not just pretty fantasies; they're about resourcefulness, courage, kindness, and sometimes, getting one over on the villain through pure wit. It's a pure hit of nostalgia, but for an era you never actually lived in.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves folklore, parents looking for 'classic' fairy tales to share (maybe preview first for very young kids!), or readers curious about literary history. If you only know the animated movie versions, this collection will show you the deeper, richer roots of those stories. It's a cozy, fascinating read that proves some magic never gets old.