The Book of Wonder Voyages

There are four 'Wonder Voyages' recounted in this book. The author explains how, rather like Lewis Caroll, he entertained his children at night with stories of imaginary voyages that he had made. He had always said there would never be a 100th voyage but, on reaching 99 and offering no further story, the children revolted so he had to resort to tales of other wonderful voyages already told, and chose to start with the four in this volume.

Joseph Jacobs (1854-1916) was an Australian-born folklorist, critic, and writer, known for his work on the collection and popularization of English folklore, and for his contribution to the field of fairy tale studies. His scholarly approach and dedication to the literary integrity of traditional stories significantly influenced the preservation of folk narratives. Jacobs' 'The Book of Wonder Voyages' (1896), is one of his several notable compilations and an exemplar of his interest in the fantastical elements of oral and literary traditions. In this collection, Jacobs presents an assortment of mythical travels and fantastical adventures that captivate the imagination of both young and adult readers. He is also famed for his collections 'English Fairy Tales' (1890) and 'More English Fairy Tales' (1894), which have become staples in culturally rich and influential literary works. Jacobs' retellings are distinguished by their retention of the authentic tone and spirit of the tales, while also making them approachable for a contemporary audience. His narrative style is marked by clarity, liveliness, and a keen sense for the rhythmic qualities essential to folktale traditions. As an editor for the series 'Fairy Books,' Jacobs contributed significantly to the categorization and critique of the fairy tale genre. A respected academic, his works extend beyond folklore, encompassing contributions to Jewish history and sociology. Jacobs' legacy endures in the study of folklore and literature, where he is recognized for his pioneering role in shaping the approach to folk narrative research and dissemination.