Max Lüthi (1909–1991)

This is an excellent book for anyone studying fairy tales- Luthi explains a number of key features of the fairy tale clearly and illustrates them with bits of tales from around the world. The only thing I didn't like was when he went into this whole snob-and-a-half thing about how "primative peoples are so far behind because they have animal stories instead of our refined local legends and fairy tales." I was just about ready to put the book down at that part, but I kept reading, and I felt show more like Luthi missed some points about his "primative peoples'" tale. I also thought the last chapter, where he rants about the miracle in literature was a waste of time. show less

This first paperback edition of the seminal work by the Swiss scholar Max Luthi will be welcomed by folklorists for its informative survey of the various ways in which fairytales and related genres (local legends and saints' lives) may be read. Source: GoodReads

This first paperback edition of the seminal work by the Swiss scholar Max Lüthi will be welcomed by folklorists for its informative survey of the various ways in which fairytales and related genres (local legends and saints' lives) show more may be read. "Lüthi's lucid and intelligent book is refreshingly welcome." —Sewanee Review Source: Publisher show less