The Pomegranates and Other Modern Italian Fairy Tales

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This collection features magical Italian folk and fairy tales, many appearing in English for the first time. It presents twenty enchanting stories published between 1875 and 1914, during Italy's political unification. In this transformative era, folklorists gathered tales from various regions while writers created original narratives in standard Italian, often drawing from local dialects and translating works from France. The anthology includes contributions from notable authors like Carlo Collodi, known for Pinocchio, and Domenico Comparetti, often called the Italian Grimm, as well as Grazia Deledda, the only Italian woman Nobel laureate in Literature. With one exception, all tales are newly translated into English. The stories explore themes of metamorphosis: a man transforms into various creatures, a handsome youth emerges from a pig, and three beautiful women arise from pomegranate rinds. Introspective changes are also present, such as a self-absorbed princess learning manners, a melancholic prince rediscovering joy, and a complacent young woman finding gratitude. Cristina Mazzoni's introduction provides cultural and historical context, while the collection is enhanced with period illustrations and author biographies. Filled with adventure, supernatural events, and complex characters, this anthology promises to delight and astonish readers.