Forget everything you think you know about fairy tales. Flora Annie Steel’s English Fairy Tales is a collection that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange. Published in 1918, Steel didn't invent these stories—she collected and retold them, pulling from oral traditions and older sources to preserve a piece of England’s folklore before it faded away.

The Story

There isn't one single plot. This book is a treasure chest of stories. You’ll find early, less-polished versions of tales you might recognize, like "Jack and the Beanstalk" or "Tom Thumb." But you’ll also discover gems that never made it into the mainstream. There are stories of animals with human cunning, like the famous Reynard the Fox, and tales of ordinary people getting the better of giants, goblins, and tricky magical beings. The common thread isn't magic wands or fairy godmothers; it's often cleverness, bravery, and a strong sense of justice (or sometimes, mischievous trickery). The endings aren't always neat, and the morals can be surprisingly practical.

Why You Should Read It

I love this book because it feels authentic. These stories have rough edges. They’re funny, dark, clever, and sometimes just plain odd. Reading them, you get a sense of the people who first told them—their fears (like greedy landlords, portrayed as ogres), their hopes, and their sense of humor. Steel’s writing has a charming, old-fashioned rhythm that’s perfect for reading aloud. It’s not a dry history lesson; it’s a lively performance on the page. You can almost hear the storyteller's voice. The characters, even the simple ones, have a spark of life. You root for the underdog, you laugh at the proud fool who gets his comeuppance, and you marvel at the sheer inventiveness of the plots.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for curious readers who love folklore, for parents tired of the same bedtime stories, and for anyone who enjoys seeing the roots of modern fantasy. It’s not a flashy, fast-paced novel. It’s a book to dip into, to savor one or two tales at a time. Think of it as a conversation with the past—a chance to hear the stories that shaped a culture’s imagination, told with warmth and a clear love for the material. If you want your fairy tales with a bit more earth and a lot less sugar, this collection is a true delight.