In 1947 the Untermeyers compiled a collection of stories they believed represented "the finest and most enduring," in a 10-volume set. For this omnibus the publisher excerpted 71 of the entries considered the best of the best in the anthologists' numerous choices. This is a large, hefty edition that can stand the years of use it's bound to get.

The solitary reader and listeners at family storytelling hours will find the book full of enchantment. Well-known artists illustratein color and black-and-whitetales by Kipling, P. L. Travers, Dickens, Milne, Andersen, the Grimm Brothers, Perrault, Andrew Lang and other creators of classic literature.

This treasury consists of complete stories as well as excerpts from classic books such as Winnie the Pooh, the Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland. It has variety of genres -- Aesops fables, Grimm's fairy tales, stories from the Arabian nights, as well as more contemporary work. Turn on the Night, is a great story to help soothe children who are scared of the dark. Additionally, the book is filled with wonderful illustrations. Each story has its own style, so there is something new and interesting on each page.

One of the best qualities of this collection is its tendency towards accuracy. If you were ever a lover of fairy tales, you would have heard of Snow White, Cinderella, or Rapunzel. Some versions are told better than others, but in this book, you have a thorough telling of each story, and if you read them, you realize: What possessed them to turn the poisoned comb into an apple? Why were the the six lizards that the fairy godmother transformed into 'spruce footmen in dashing liveries' omitted from the tale? And why do they never tell of the prince's suicide attempt that lost him his sight, and how Rapunzel restored his vision with her tears?

Several of the stories retold aren't widely known, but become favorites all the same, such as Poo-Poo and the Dragons,' 'The Selfish Giant,' and 'Snow-White and Rose Red'.