Roumanian Fairy Tales   By: Mary J. [Editor] Safford

Roumanian Fairy Tales, edited by Mary J. Safford, takes readers on a magical journey into the world of Romanian folklore. The book is a collection of enchanting stories that are sure to captivate both young and adult readers alike.

One of the standout aspects of this book is Safford's careful curation of the tales. She presents an array of stories that showcase the rich cultural heritage of Romania, offering an intriguing panorama of its folklore. From princesses and brave heroes to mythical creatures and clever animals, each tale is filled with vibrant characters and imaginative settings.

The storytelling is delightful, with Safford successfully capturing the essence of these traditional fairy tales. Her writing style is captivating and accessible, making it easy for readers to be drawn into the narratives. Although the stories are rooted in Romanian folklore, they also contain universal themes and lessons that resonate across cultures.

The book is beautifully supplemented with charming illustrations that bring the tales to life. The detailed drawings perfectly complement the stories, further immersing the reader into the enchanting world of Romanian fairy tales. The artistic choices made in the illustrations add depth and visual appeal to the overall reading experience.

Moreover, Safford includes explanatory notes at the end of the book, shedding light on the cultural context and providing additional insights into the stories. This allows readers to fully appreciate the origins and significance of each tale, enhancing the overall appreciation of Romanian folklore.

One minor drawback of the book is that it includes a relatively small selection of stories. While the chosen tales are undoubtedly captivating, readers might be left craving more after finishing the book. However, this slight limitation does not detract from the overall quality of the tales presented.

Roumanian Fairy Tales is a delightful collection that seamlessly transports readers into a world of magic, adventure, and wisdom. Mary J. Safford's meticulous editing and thoughtful curation present a concise yet enchanting glimpse into the captivating folklore of Romania. Whether read aloud to children or enjoyed by adults seeking a nostalgic journey into fairy tales, this compilation offers a delightful reading experience worth revisiting time and again.

First Page:

This collection contains translations of Roumanian tales which, however, comprise but a small portion of the inexhaustible treasure that exists in the nation. The originals are scattered throughout Roumanian literature. The finest collection is Herr P. Ispirescu's, from which the stories numbered in the contents 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, and 17 in the present volume have been selected. No. 11 is taken from Herr T. M. Arsenie's small collection; the others have been drawn from the columns of the periodical Convorbiri Literare . Of these Nos. 5 and 14 are by the pen of Herr J. Creanga, No. 9 is the work of Herr Miron Pompilin, while Nos. 1, 3, 7, 16 and 18 are by Herr Slavice, who wrote No... Continue reading book >>