Very interesting and thought-provoking Freudian analysis of classic fairy tales. Used as a textbook in my Critical Theory class on psychoanalyzing fairy tales. I don't agree with everything Bettelheim professes, but it is cool to look at these classic stories in a way I haven't before. ( )

With an illuminative power that startles and delights, the author opens up to us the real content of the great fairy tales. how, beneath their surface of palaces and princesses, fairies and witches, wishes and spells, they deal in the profoundest ways with the emotional turmoils of childhood . . .

I'm not sure what to do with this book. I... love it? But also it's a load of hogwash cooked up by a charlatan? ( )

what the hell was this guy on ( )

The Uses of Enchantment: The Meaning and Importance of Fairy Tales is written like a dissertation. Unfortunately, I am not interested in the author's thoughts nor do I agree with his interpretation of the symbolism of the fairy tales. Additionally, I believe that the author is too puffed up in self-importance.to even write this book. Consequently, I do not recommend the book and I gave it only 1 star. ( )