A Book of Giants facts for kids
![]() First US edition
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Author | Ruth Manning-Sanders |
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Illustrator | Robin Jacques |
Country | United Kingdom |
Language | English |
Genre | Fairy Tales |
Publisher | Methuen & Co. Ltd. (UK) E. P. Dutton (US) |
Publication date
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1962 (UK) 1963 (US) |
Media type | Print (hardcover) |
Pages | 125 pp |
A Book of Giants is a special collection of 13 fairy tales. These stories are all about giants. Ruth Manning-Sanders gathered and retold them. This book was first published in the United Kingdom in 1962. It came out in the United States in 1963.
This book was the first in a famous series by Manning-Sanders. All her later books also started with "A Book of...".
Contents
About Giants in Stories
In the introduction to A Book of Giants, Ruth Manning-Sanders talks about old giant stories. She explains that these tales come from many different countries. She also mentions that they are very, very old.
How Old Are These Tales?
Manning-Sanders says we do not know who first told stories like "Jack and the Beanstalk". This story has always been a favorite. It used to be sold in small, simple books called chapbooks. Traveling sellers would sell these for a penny or two.
What Do Giants Have in Common?
Ruth Manning-Sanders points out something interesting about giants. No matter where they come from, they are usually not very smart. The best way to beat a giant is to use your brain. Being clever is more important than being big and strong!
Stories You Will Find
Here are the 13 exciting stories included in A Book of Giants:
- 1. Jack and the Beanstalk (from England)
- 2. The Giant and the Dwarf (from Georgia)
- 3. Fin M'Coul and Cucullin (from Ireland)
- 4. Sneezy Snatcher and Sammy Small (from Cornwall)
- 5. Hans, the Horn, and the Magic Sword (from Jutland)
- 6. Jack the Giant-Killer (from Cornwall)
- i. Jack and the Giant Cormoran
- ii. Jack and the Giant Tantarem
- iii. Jack and the Welsh Giant
- iv. Jack, the King of England's Son, and the Giant with Three Heads
- v. Jack and the Giant Thunderdell
- vi. Jack, the Giant Galligantua, and the Enchanter
- 7. King Johnny (from Slavic lands)
- 8. Conall Yellowclaw (from Ireland and Scotland)
- 9. The Giant in the Cave (from Ireland and Scotland)
- 10. The Brave Little Tailor (from Germany)
- 11. The Giant Who Had No Heart in His Body (from Norse lands)
- 12. The Three Golden Hairs of the King of the Cave Giants (from Germany)
- 13. Prince Loaf (from Romania)