When the open fire is lit
In the evening after tea,
Then I like to come and sit
Where the fire can talk to me.
Fairy stories it can tell,
Tales of a forgotten race
Of the fairy ghosts that dwell
In the ancient chimney place.
They are quite the strangest folk
Anybody ever knew,
Shapes of shadows and of smoke
Living in the chimney flue.
—Frank Dempster Sherman, Youth’s Companion
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FOR NEARLY A QUARTER OF A CENTURY, Andrew Lang, a wordsmith of the world, published a series of twenty-five books filled with the fabulous tales of magic, mystery, might, monsters and marvels. Such stories were adapted from tales told by the various peoples and nations of the earth then bonded in beautiful collections Lang called “The Fairy Books.” Indeed, hardly will one ever find a more perfect blend of world-encompassing lore together under a single, magnificent volume.
Now, a unique facet of these books was the clever way in which they were named. For each fairy book was ascribed a particular color. There was the The Blue Fairy Book (1889), The Red Fairy Book (1890), The Green Fairy Book (1892), The Yellow Fairy Book (1894), The Violet Fairy Book (1901), etc. Each one being fashioned with the sincerest care and love for magic and storytelling.
Well, this editor willing concedes he is no Andrew Lang. Merely, I am one with a simple love for the fantastic and enthusiasm for tales such as Lang collected long ago. To be clear, however, this book is not meant to be a perfect imitation of the Fairy Books. Such would be quite a feat indeed, and one I am doubtful I could do any real justice. Rather this book is constructed not in imitation but emulation. It is made with sincere appreciation for Lang's work in loving tribute to his style.
The stories that comprise this text take their inspiration from the tall tales of North American lumberjacks around
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