Where do fairy tales come from? Why do we find them so enchanting? What is it about them that is so magical? From its origins in the oral tradition to the modern methods of storytelling through film and television, the fairy tale has always had a powerful grip over the cultural imagination of the Western world. Under the editorial guidance of Jack Zipes, 67 expert contributors from around the world have come together in this beautifully illustrated A-Z Companion to combine their insight and expertise to explore all aspects of the Western fairy-tale tradition. The result is a unique synthesis of knowledge, from Alice in Wonderland to Tom Thumb, from Gabriel Garcia Marquez to Louisa May Alcott, from Charles Perrault to Angela Carter, from Hans Christian Andersen to Disney, making this an authoritative and wide-ranging reference work, essential for anyone who values the tradition of storytelling. Book jacket.