The Essential European Fairy Tales Collection (Boxed Set): Grimms' Fairy Tales; Joseph Jacobs's English Fairy Tales; Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy T (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781665975391)

Wilhelm (1786-1859) and Jacob (1785-1863) Grimm were two German brothers who are best known for their collection of fairy tales. After studying law and linguistics, the brothers began collecting folktales and published their first volume in 1812. These tales became wildly popular and have been published in over 100 different languages, influencing children's literature and pop culture around the world. In addition to their academic contributions, the brothers were supporters of the nationalistic movement in Germany and played a role in shaping German cultural identity through their work.

Joseph Jacobs (1854-1916) was an Australian-born writer who is best remembered for his collections of folklore. Jacobs spent much of his life studying literature, and he was an advocate against antisemitism. Inspired by Charles Perrault, the Grimm brothers, and the romantic nationalism movement, he collected English fairy tales so that English children could read stories from their own heritage. Additionally, he published collections of Celtic and Indian tales.

Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) was a Danish author who is best known for his fairy tales, which have become definitive staples of the genre.

Charles Perrault (1628-1703) was a French author born in Paris. He was elected as a member of the Académie Française and worked as an advisor in the court of Louis XIV. Perrault is best known for writing The Tales of Mother Goose and is considered to be a founder of the fairy tale genre.