Day 27: Grimms Fairy Tales (Folio Society)

Perhaps the greatest collection of fairy tales. The Brothers Grimm has provided fodder for my imagination for years. The unforgettable opening of “once upon a time” will bring you back to the timeless realm of knights and princesses, goblins and giants, wizards and witches. The adventures are all here – they will fall in love, seek wealth, and scheme for power, revealing through the fantastical and magical, very fundamental and human truths about ourselves. What was originally a staple of Western culture is now a treasured collection of tales around the world. Grimms’ best fables includes such classics as “Cinderella,” “Snow White,” “Hansel and Grethel,” “Rumpelstiltskin,” “and “The Frog Prince,” and “Little Red Riding Hood.”

Day 11: Peter Pan and Wendy by JM Barrie

J.M. Barrie’s work tells the iconic story of Peter Pan, a mischevious young boy who can fly, Wendy Darling and her brothers, the Lost Boys, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, the pirate Captain Hook, and their adventures and interactions on the island of Neverland. The story was first portrayed in a play in 1904 before being adapted into a novel in 1911. Because Barrie continued to revise portions of the play for years, the novel only tells one version.

“Peter Pan and Wendy” is a wonderful story in the vein of “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Little Prince”. Barrie has crafted unforgettable characters, a beloved story, and world that transcends the imagination. His story continues to impress, awe, and touch readers. This is undoubtedly one of my favorite childhood stories, even though I first read it rather late in my childhood.

The version in the image above is one produced by the Folio Society. This is perhaps, short of a first edition, one of the best copies available. As expensive as it is, the artwork is stunning, the binding and development gorgeous. So if you find it somewhere, pull out your wallets.