About This Book A SOLDIER came marching along the high road -- left, right! A left, right! He had his knapsack on his back and a sword by his side, for he had been to the wars and was now returning home.

An old Witch met him on the road. She was very ugly to look at: her under-lip hung down to her breast.

'Good evening, Soldier!' she said. 'What a fine sword and knapsack you have! You are something like a soldier! You ought to have as much money as you would like to carry!'

. . .So begins the grand story of "The Tinder Box," and the dogs with eyes as cartwheels, and millwheels. This collection also includes favorites such as "The Nightengale," "The Princess and the Pea," and "The Steadfast Tin Soldier."

About Andrew Lang

(1844-1912) Scotsman Andrew Lang was a scholar, an anthropologist, and a writer. In addition to authoring several novels and histories, and a volume of poetry and ballads, he was a serious student of world folklore. From 1889 through 1907 he collected and edited numerous folk tales and fairy tales from France, England, Germany, Scandinavia, and Greece. His books of fairy tales are a staple of all generations of children (and adults.)

His "Blue Fairy Book" (which alone includes over 30 classic fairy tales), "Red Fairy Book," "Lilac Fairy Book," and many others have introduced half a dozen generations of children and adults to the marvelous happily-ever-after stories of handsome princes and beautiful maidens, wicked witches and kindly fairies that have shaped the culture of the world we live in.