Why Fairy Tales Stick: The Evolution and Relevance of a Genre [Hardcover]

In his latest book, fairy tales expert Jack Zipes explores the question of why some fairy tales work and others don't, why the fairy tale is uniquely capable of getting under the skin of culture and staying there. Why, in other words, fairy tales stick. Long an advocate of the fairy tale as a serious genre with wide social and cultural ramifications, Jack Zipes here makes his strongest case for the idea of the fairy tale not just as a collection of stories for children but a profoundly important genre.

Why Fairy Tales Stick contains two chapters on the history and theory of the genre, followed by case studies of famous tales (including Cinderella, Snow White, and Bluebeard), followed by a summary chapter on the problematic nature of traditional storytelling in the twenty-first century.

 Jack Zipes explores the question of why some fairy tales work and others don't; why the fairy tale is uniquely capable of getting under the skin of culture and staying there. Why, in other words, fairy tales stick. Long an advocate of the fairy tale as a serious genre with wide social and cultural ramifications, Jack Zipes here makes his strongest case for the idea of the fairy tale not just as a collection of stories for children but a profoundly important genre.

2007 Katharine Briggs Award

Why Fairy Tales Stick is outstanding scholarship that offers an original, thoroughly researched, and historically grounded approach to the study of fairy tales. It captures the essence of what the tales at their best should reflect which are engaging and imaginative stories that inspire readers to learn more about the subject. --Carlnita P. Green, Nazareth College, The Journal of Popular Culture

Why Fairy Tales Stick is both alóÓ