Andrew Lang's "The Complete Fairy Books (Vol.1-12)" is a comprehensive anthology that gathers a remarkable collection of fairy tales, drawing from diverse cultural traditions and folklores. This twelve-volume series showcases Lang's adeptness in weaving together enchanting narratives that resonate with universal themes of morality, adventure, and the triumph of good over evil. His distinctive literary style—marked by a lyrical prose and an inclusive approach—reflects the broader late 19th-century Renaissance of fairy tales, rejuvenating interest in oral traditions and serving to preserve narratives often forgotten by time. Each volume offers readers a vibrant tapestry of stories, ranging from the whimsical to the darkly enchanting, underscoring the timeless appeal of this genre. Andrew Lang, a prominent Scottish poet, novelist, and literary antiquarian, was deeply connected to the broader Victorian interest in folklore and mythology. His extensive education and passion for collecting tales from various cultures drove him to curate these volumes. Lang's belief in the moral lessons embedded within fairy tales and his efforts to render them accessible to modern audiences highlight his dedication to preserving narratives that hold significant cultural heritage and convey important life lessons. Readers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich world of fairy tales will find "The Complete Fairy Books" an indispensable resource. Lang's careful selection and retelling will not only entertain but also enlighten, making it a perfect addition to the libraries of both beloved literary classicists and new generations of readers eager to explore the magic of these timeless stories.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works' unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.
- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader era—social currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.
- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.
- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different work's strengths.
- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.
- Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.

Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known for his work as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The son of a Scottish barrister, Lang was born in Selkirk. He studied at the University of St. Andrews and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he graduated with a first-class degree in Classics and subsequently became a fellow at Merton College. His early career saw him as a journalist and a publishing editor before he delved deeper into writing on a broad spectrum of subjects ranging from anthropology to history, from poetry to mythology. Lang's academia extended to include the prestigious position of President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland between 1906 and 1911. However, he is most eminent for his publication of 'The Fairy Books' also known as 'Coloured Fairy Books' series – a collection of fairy tales from around the world which he compiled, edited, and sometimes adapted, spanning across 12 volumes including 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889), 'The Red Fairy Book' (1890), and 'The Lilac Fairy Book' (1910), amongst others. This monumental work has since been collectively referred to as 'The Complete Fairy Books' and has been essential in preserving much of the world's fairy tales. His literary style is characterized by his clear narrative voice, a didactic undercurrent, and his aptitude to harmonize romanticism with realism. Lang's contribution to the preservation and dissemination of fairy tales has cemented his status as one of the seminal figures in the world of children's literature.