The Lilac Fairy Book by Unknown

Published in 1910, The Lilac Fairy Book is the last book in the series of fairytale collections known as Andrew Lang’s “Coloured” Fairy Books and features stories from various folklores and cultures including Welsh, Portuguese, Scottish, Italian, and many other foreign literary branches. Moreover, the collection is a gem in the short story genre due to the fact that Lang collected some of the featured stories from foreign languages and made them available to English audiences. Featuring 33 stories, The Lilac Fairy Book offers a different perspective to the happy-ever-after fairytales most people are accustomed to and expect. The compilation combines faeries, animals, giants, ogres, kings, mermaids, and troubled characters, as it offers not just entertainment, but also enlightens with its allusions. Awe-inspiring for children with its vibrant characters and vivid descriptions, the short stories are equally engaging for adults who want to revive some childhood memories, while being open to some unexpected twists.