The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales
by Bruno Bettelheim

Name: The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales
Brand: Bruno Bettelheim
SKU: 9780307739636
Rating: 4.33 (802 reviews)

The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales Cover

The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales Book Cover — The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales Cover

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the deep analysis of fairy tales presented in this work, discovering psychological elements and symbolism that enhance their understanding of the genre. Many find Bettelheim's insights valuable for educators and parents alike, as they highlight the impact of these stories on children's development. However, some critique the book's reliance on Freudian theory and question its modern relevance.

Deep psychological insightsValuable for parents and educatorsEducational and thought-provokingHeavy reliance on outdated Freudian theory

Synopsis

Bruno Bettelheim was one of the great child psychologists of the twentieth century and perhaps none of his books has been more influential than this revelatory study of fairy tales and their universal importance in understanding childhood development.

Analyzing a wide range of traditional stories, from the tales of Sindbad to "The Three Little Pigs," "Hansel and Gretel," and "The Sleeping Beauty," Bettelheim shows how the fantastical, sometimes cruel, but always deeply significant narrative strands of the classic fairy tales can aid in our greatest human task, that of finding meaning for one's life.