Juliana Horatia Ewing 
Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales 

Juliana Horatia Ewing’s ‘Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales’ beckons readers back to an era of storytelling that is both enchanting and instructive. Bridging the gap between the didactic tales of earlier centuries and the aesthetic narratives of the late 19th century, Ewing’s collection reinvigorates classic themes and morals through a tapestry of fantastical plotlines and vibrant characters. Her literary style is a testament to the Victorian fascination with the fairy tale genre as a vehicle for both entertainment and ethical teaching. Set in a literary context where the oral tradition is transmuted into written form, Ewing preserves the cadence and charm of the storyteller’s voice, ensuring a captivating read for a contemporary audience while providing a rich source for literary scholarship and analysis.

A beloved figure in children’s literature, Juliana Horatia Ewing’s own experiences and devout Christian faith are often reflected in her work, intertwining virtue with narrative. Her drive to compose tales that could both amuse and moralize makes ‘Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales’ a resonant echo of her life’s ethos. Ewing’s finesse in weaving together the morally edifying with the imaginatively delightful reflects her standing as a pioneer of her time, shaping the evolution of children’s literature with both subtlety and depth.

Ewing’s ‘Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales’ is an essential read for those who treasure the heritage of children’s literature and its capacity to inspire and instruct across generations. Scholars and enthusiasts of Victorian literature will find both pleasure and purpose within its pages. It is highly recommended for readers who yearn for texts that encapsulate the spirit of an age while transcending time to speak to universal human values. This collection is truly a legacy, not just of a consummate storyteller, but of humanity’s enduring love affair with the world of the fairy tale.

Mengenai Pengarang

Juliana Horatia Ewing was a noted English writer of children’s literature during the late 19th century. Born on August 3, 1841, in Ecclesfield, Yorkshire, Ewing’s literary career was marked by her enchanting storytelling and ability to elicit both laughter and moral reflection. She was the daughter of Rev. Alfred Gatty, a vicar and writer, and Margaret Gatty, who was also a well-known author of juvenile works, providing a rich literary environment for Ewing’s early development as a writer. Ewing began writing and illustrating stories for children at a young age and her first work to appear in print was ‘Melchior’s Dream and Other Tales’ published in 1862. Her storytelling was characterized by her whimsical style, love of folklore, and the use of vernacular speech. Her most renowned work, ‘Old-Fashioned Fairy Tales’, stands as a true testament to her skill as a narrator and her ability to breathe new life into traditional tales, presenting them in a manner that resonated with the children of her era. Her works often conveyed strong moral lessons intertwined with humor and pathos, earning her a place among the literati of children’s authors of her time. She remained prolific until her untimely death on May 13, 1885. Her legacy, however, endures in her charming and earnest tales that continue to be celebrated for their imaginative power and insight into child psychology.