Grimm's Fairy Tales--a trove of delights and insights that has been entertaining both young and old since the early 1800s--is literature at its most basic and wonderful. With the famous words "Once upon a time," Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm immediately transport readers to a magical realm where witches, giants, princesses, kings, fairies, goblins, and wizards walk the earth. When the Brothers Grimm set out to collect stories, their goal was to preserve Germanic folktales--not amuse young children. The hard life of central European peasants was reflected in the often violent and cruel nature of their folktales. However, once the brothers saw how the tales entranced young readers, they began softening some of the harsher aspects to make them more suitable for children. Now beloved the world over, Grimm's Fairy Tales is a cornerstone of Western culture. This collection of over 120 of Grimm's most beloved tales includes such timeless classics as "Cinderella," "Snow White," "Hansel and Grethel," "Rapunzel," "Rumpelstiltskin," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "The Frog Prince." Rich in sense and imagery, these legendary stories still have the power to surprise and enchant.