Andrew Lang's 'The Fairy Books of All Colours - Complete Series' is a collection of fairy tales from various cultures, each compiled into a distinct colored book set. Known for his wide-ranging intellectual interests and folkloric expertise, Lang presents these timeless stories in a beautifully written and engaging manner, making them accessible to readers of all ages. The books are not only entertaining but also serve as a valuable resource for studying the similarities and differences in folklore across different traditions. Lang's literary style is both elegant and informative, bringing life to these magical tales in a way that captivates the imagination of readers. With its extensive coverage of folklore and fairy tales, this collection stands as a seminal work in the field of comparative mythology and children's literature. Andrew Lang, a Scottish writer and folklorist, was deeply passionate about preserving and sharing traditional folk tales. His dedication to compiling and retelling these stories stems from his belief in the importance of passing down cultural heritage through oral and written traditions. Lang's scholarly background and love for storytelling are evident in 'The Fairy Books of All Colours', showcasing his commitment to preserving the richness of world folklore for generations to come. I highly recommend 'The Fairy Books of All Colours - Complete Series' to readers interested in exploring the enchanting world of fairy tales from different cultures. Andrew Lang's comprehensive collection offers a captivating journey into the realm of folklore, making it a must-read for those fascinated by myths, legends, and the universal themes found in fairy tales.

Andrew Lang (1844-1912) was a Scottish literary figure, a prolific author, and a versatile scholar, whose work spanned various genres. He was born in Selkirk, and educated at the University of St. Andrews and Balliol College, Oxford. Lang's interests were diverse, encompassing folklore, mythology, anthropology, history, and classics, a polymathic scope that enriched his writing and critical perspectives. He is most famously known for his collections of fairy tales, The Fairy Books of All Colours, which have captivated generations of readers with their enchanting narratives sourced from different cultures around the world. Each volume, categorized by a color, such as 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889), 'The Red Fairy Book' (1890), up to 'The Lilac Fairy Book' (1910), brought together a rich tapestry of stories that melded traditional storytelling with Lang's literary prowess. Unlike the brothers Grimm or Charles Perrault, Lang did not collect the tales firsthand but rather curated and adapted them, often drawing from the work of other folklorists. His editorial hand often softened the narratives, making them more suitable for children. Lang's contribution to the fairy tale genre is significant for how he canonized these stories within the English literary milieu, influencing how such narratives are perceived and appreciated. Beyond fairy tales, Lang also authored works on folklore, literary criticism, and classical scholarship, leaving a legacy marked by eclecticism and erudition.