A wonderful book by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse De Segur (1799-1874) of 5 timeless French fairy tales, magnificently illustrated with beautiful and dramatic black-and-white drawings by Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931). De Segur, a French writer of Russian descent, wrote numerous books, the most famous of which was Les Malheurs de Sophie (Sophie's Misfortunes). Done when she was only 19 years of age, this was Chicago-born Sterrett's first book. She is often called the "female Kay Nielsen," referring to the renowned Danish fairy tale illustrator.

This book is Edward Thomas's only book specifically for children. It contains 24 wonderful tales drawing influence from a very happy time in his life living on Elses Farm in Kent, England. Edward Thomas was an accomplished writer and his work included essays, travelogues, topographical descriptions, reviews, critical studies and biographies. He was killed in action in the First World War in 1917.