Max Luthi – författare

This first paperback edition of the seminal work by the Swiss scholar Max Lüthi will be welcomed by folklorists for its informative survey of the various ways in which fairytales and related genres (local legends and saints' lives) may be read."Lüthi's lucid and intelligent book is refreshingly welcome." —Sewanee Review

"Niles' excellent translation should bring Lüthi's sensitive and articulate study the recognition it deserves among English readers." —Library JournalLüthi demonstrates how the folktale, by its very distance from reality, can play upon the most important themes of human existence.

In this major work by the distinguished Swiss folklorist Max Lüthi, the traditional fairytale is examined from two related points of view, that of aesthetics and that of anthropology. Lüthi shows that fairytales are more than just a pleasing form; they present a particular way of looking at the world and at human existence. Thus, they must be evaluated in terms of what they say about man and the human condition. This exemplary study will be read with enjoyment and profit not only by the literary scholar and folklore professional but by any reader who has ever delighted in fairytales.

Von Zaubermärchen und Lügenmärchen - eine Gattung im Wandel. Die Volksmärchen der Gebrüder Grimm, Hans Christian Andersens oder die Märchen aus Tausendundeinernacht stehen vielen Menschen lebhaft vor Augen. Wie aber sind sie entstanden? Wie hat sich die Gattung 'Märchen' entwickelt, und wodurch grenzt sie sich von Sage, Legende, Mythos, Fabel und Schwank ab? Max Lüthi, Doyen der Märchenforschung, förderte akribisch alle Feinheiten zu Tage. Seine Einführung avancierte zum Klassiker.