Rapunzel - And Other Fair Maidens in Very Tall Towers (Origins of Fairy Tales from Around the World)

Book excerpt: Rapunzel – Origins of the Fairy Tale from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Rapunzel' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the folkloric provenance of 'Rapunzel'. It encompasses 'Petrosinella' by Giambattista Basile, 'Rapunzel' by the Brothers Grimm, 'Prunella' by Andrew Lang, the 'Legend of Saint Barbara' and the tale of 'Rúdábeh' from the Persian epic, 'The Shahmaneh'. What is a fairy tale? The 'Origins of Fairy Tales from around the World' series helps to answer this question, by showcasing the amazing breath and diversity involved in classic fairy tales. It focuses on the unusual phenomenon that the same tales, with only minor variations, appear again and again in different cultures – across time and geographical space. Traditionally told as short stories for children, and for adults too, these popular fairy tales will be sure to delight both young and old. Beautifully illustrated, these story books combine the best story-telling, with the best art-work, in order that the two may be fully appreciated.