Early in the nineteenth century, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm compiled a collection of stories to preserve the folklore of their native Germany. Forty-three of them—fairy tales, some deliciously dark, that have bewitched readers for generations—are gathered here. Translated into more than 150 languages, these well-loved narratives brim with fearless heroes, humble and hardworking heroines, and treacherous villains, exploring themes of innocence, curiosity, and revenge.

Rich in detail, lyrical in phrase, these masterful translations by Margaret Hunt capture the flavor of the original Grimm tales. Here are classics such as “Rapunzel,” “Hansel and Grethel,” “Thumbling,” “Cinderella,” “The Bremen Town-Musicians,” “The Wolf and the Seven Little Kids,” “The Fisherman and His Wife,” and “Little Snow-White.” These cherished fables, created from centuries’-old oral tradition, await rediscovery by children and adults alike.