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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. |
