The terrifying events that befell the first Sleeping Beauty when she finally woke up, how Snow White's stepmother really died, and who the wolf actually was in Little Red Riding Hood—the true stories behind beloved nursery rhymes and fairy tales Until recently, weird tales of fairy curses and flesh-eating ogres were considered suitable bedtime reading. And the strange-sounding and sometimes violent rhymes we learned by rote were often taught to us in school. But have you ever asked yourself what on earth they were about? And what exactly were the morals and lessons we were meant to learn from them? This book delves into the origins of the best-known rhymes and tales to uncover a legacy of folk superstition, rotten royal families, execution, child marriage, cannibalism, and the multitude of other random acts of cruelty that make up any classic treasury. You’ll learn about the bloody history of "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary;" why Margery Daw, the subject of an innocent-seeming seesaw game, was accused of being a "dirty slut;" how pretending to decapitate your little friends to the tune of "Oranges and Lemons" became an acceptable pastime; and the origins of other favorite bedtime rhymes and tales.

This book is second hand, and while you may not get the same publication/version/reprint/edition shown in the picture it will be the same author and title.

Removing existing stickers from a second hand book may damage it, so we refrain from doing so.

Even if the picture shows no price stickers on the book they may be there on the copy you receive.

All of our books are in very good condition.

Please be aware that there will be a sticker with an identifying number on the spine of this book.

Other Details

9781784180133;

Product Videos

Custom Field

Product Reviews

Write a Review

Shop by Category

Shop by Brand

Liz Evers / Here Comes a Chopper to Chop Off Your Head (Hardback)

Product Description

The Dark Side of Childhood Rhymes and Stories