Like all writers, I LOVE a great story. That’s why one of my favourite bookshelf beauties is The Complete First Edition of The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm. It’s such a wonderful book!

The introduction is informative and interesting, it explains how the original tales were rediscovered. I learnt a lot about the brothers and realised that they didn’t actually travel around to collect all of the tales themselves, like I thought, but that lots of people from all walks of life travelled to them too.

The book is beautifully illustrated with a Tim Burton-esque feel to it. The dark and gothic images match the much darker original tales. I was shocked to realise that the innocent Rapunzel that I grew up learning about actually got herself pregnant in the original version!

I’ve loved dipping in and out of this book and revisiting some of the classic fairy tales that I grew up with. I also discovered new and exciting tales that didn’t make it into the Brothers Grimm’s final edits of tales. I really enjoyed reading all of the notes that accompany the tales too.

If you love folk and fairy tales, this book is a must have for your bookshelves. It’s a great companion for a day out on the boat or snuggling up on the sofa with!

Wishing you all Sandy Toes and Magical Stories!

Lou x