Books with title American Fairy Tales: From Rip Van Winkle to the Rootabaga Stories

Fairy tales brought to America by European immigrants underwent an amazing metamorphosis & became an important part of the country s emerging literary tradition. Though influenced by the storytelling customs of their European heritage, writers such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, & L. Frank Baum created stories that reflected an independent spirit that was distinctly American. They captured the homespun charm of regional speech rhythms. This attitude gave birth to an important new art form: the American fairy tale. This book showcases selections from familiar favorites & lesser-known stories by well-known authors.

Fairy tales have traditionally been considered a European import. Though undoubtedly influenced by the storytelling customs of their European heritage, writers such as Washington Irving, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and L. Frank Baum created stories that reflect America's progressive and independent spirit. This collection showcases familiar favorites by Irving, Hawthorne, Baum, Alcott, and Sandburg as well as lesser-known works. It is narrated by Taylor Mali, who succeeds in capturing the zest, homespun charm, and optimism that makes these tales uniquely American.