Enchanted Hunters by Maria Tatar

The Power of Stories in Childhood

A lively, accessible study arguing that children’s fascination with fairy tales reveals deep psychological and cultural needs: stories feed imagination, help youngsters confront fear and desire, and serve as a testing ground for moral and emotional development. Combining close readings of classic tales, historical context, and anecdotes about reading practices and censorship, the book traces how adults’ attitudes toward storytelling shape children’s access to wonder and explains why darker, transgressive narratives remain vital to growing up.

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