They have been a gift for my nieces, but it seems to me that they will read them when they are older and know how to read better. Meanwhile, his aunt, which is me, has already delighted in these precious editions of the most classic tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. A delight that I discover.

These two compilations also include a magnificent selection of Historical illustrations by artists from the 20s to the 50s. Among them are from the legendary and prestigious Kay nielsen even the british Walter Crane, to Harry Clarke, Heinrich Strub, Herbert Leupin or Lotte Reininger, pioneer of cinematographic animation.

Are intended for readers of all ages and at the beginning of each one there is a very complete analysis from the editor, Noel daniel, on the lives and works of the Grimms and Andersen. And they can almost also be considered art books.

Grimm brothers

Jakob and Wilheim Grimm were German academics and linguists who spent years compiling popular fairy tales and other folk tales such as Cinderella, Snow White y Rapunzel. The result was more than 200 stories, one of the collections of the world's most famous stories, (It is said that before it there is only the Bible). Influence and inspiration in past and future generations of writers, musicians, artists, and filmmakers are possibly infinite.

• Tales included in the selection: The Frog King or Henry the Iron, Raponchigo, Hänsel and Gretel, The Brave Little Tailor, Cinderella, Mrs. Holle, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, The Jumping Dwarf, Starfall, Puss in Boots, The Goose of gold, the twelve dancing princesses.

Of course there are film adaptations based on both the Brothers Grimm and Andersen. Of the most recent, The Brothers Grimm's Secret, Terry Gilliam (2005), with Heath Ledger and Matt Damon, which turned his story into a tale as magical and dark as in his tales.

Hans Christian Andersen

«Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale»Is one of the phrases of possibly most famous Danish writer of all time. Andersen was born in Odense, in 1805. From humble origin and solitary character, soon developed a great imagination. He was also a poet and playwright.

• Tales included in the selection: The Princess and the Pea, The Nightingale, The Little Mermaid, The Emperor's New Clothes, The Tin Soldier, The Snow Queen, The Ugly Duckling, The Tinder Lighter.

His most remembered film adaptation may be The fabulous Andersen, by Charles Vidor (1952), is a musical with a Danny Kaye who played the Danish writer in one of those performances and movies that if you see her as a child, you no longer forget. It is not a biography, but a very fairy tale about Andersen and it was an international success.