by Ellen Datlow
First published 2004
This anthology presents twenty contemporary stories and poems that reimagine faery lore from cultures across the globe. Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling commissioned leading fantasy authors to create fresh takes on ancient traditions. The collection includes Neil Gaiman's title story "The Faery Reel," Kelly Link's "The Faery Handbag," and Gregory Maguire's "The Oakthing." Writers like Charles de Lint, Tanith Lee, and Patricia McKillip contribute tales that span from Japanese tengu spirits to undines to shape-shifting foxwives. These are not gentle children's stories. The faeries here embody their traditional dual nature as both benevolent helpers and dangerous tricksters. Some stories update classic folklore for modern readers, while others cast entirely new light on age-old themes. The anthology serves as a companion volume to The Green Man, which was nominated for the World Fantasy Award. Each piece draws from the rich tradition of world faery literature while offering contemporary perspectives on these enduring mythological figures.
Genres: short-stories, fantasy, fairy-tales, folklore
Vibes: atmospheric, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, tricksters
528 pages · Hardcover · Viking Juvenile