Buried Treasures

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In this capstone work, fairy tale expert Jack Zipes presents his final theoretical and critical study of fairy tales, aiming to honor a group of writers he regards as 'survivors with a mission.' The collection begins with a substantial introduction where Zipes reflects on his enduring interest in fairy tales and the motivations behind his scholarship. He asserts that in a world rife with conflict, fairy tales can serve as tools for enlightenment or be exploited by those seeking power. The main text comprises thirteen essays on notable fairy tale authors, including Édouard Laboulaye, Kurt Schwitters, Béla Bálazs, and Gianni Rodari, many of whom faced political oppression or lived through tumultuous historical events. Zipes examines their cultural significance and contributions to fairy tale literature, advocating for their recognition and appreciation. Some chapters adapt previously published introductions from the Oddly Modern Fairy Tales series, while others draw from Zipes's extensive scholarly work as a 'scholarly scavenger' of overlooked tales. Collectively, these essays illustrate the political dimensions that have fueled Zipes's lifelong fascination with fairy tales and highlight their enduring relevance for readers and writers alike.