Told Again - Old Tales Told Again Illustrated Edition

In this review of Told Again: Old Tales Told Again, the bottom line is simple: readers seeking a gently curated collection of traditional fairy tales will find much to admire. Compiled by Walter de la Mare and illustrated by A. H. Watson, this edition gathers familiar stories such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Bluebeard and Snow-White into a single volume that emphasizes narrative charm and classic illustration. The review highlights the book's appeal for family reading and collectors who value period illustration and careful retelling rather than modernized adaptations.

Key Features

• Curated tales: The collection brings together well known fairy tales in a single volume, making it convenient for repeated family readings and reference.
• Notable compiler: Walter de la Mare, a respected writer of children's literature and poetry, provides sensitive retellings that preserve the tone of traditional folklore.
• Distinctive illustrations: Alice Helena Watson's drawings accompany the text, adding visual charm and a period feel that complements the stories.
• Varied selection: With favourites like Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and Bluebeard, the book balances familiar tales across different moods and lessons.
• Good for gifting: The combination of classic stories and elegant illustrations makes this edition suited to gift giving for children or collectors of vintage-style books.

Who It's For

Family readers and young listeners will appreciate the straightforward retellings and the way Watson's illustrations help sustain attention during read-aloud sessions. The language and tone are best suited to older children and adults reading aloud rather than very young toddlers who need heavily illustrated picture books.

Collectors and fans of literary retellings who value Walter de la Mare's approach to folklore will find this volume a pleasant addition to a home library. Those seeking annotated scholarship, extensive historical notes or modernized, child-friendly rewrites should look elsewhere, since the edition focuses on narrative and imagery rather than academic apparatus.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The retellings by Walter de la Mare preserve the atmosphere of traditional fairy tales without heavy modernization.
• A. H. Watson's illustrations add unique, graceful visuals that enrich the reading experience.
• The selection includes many well known favourites, making it easy to share with a broad audience.
• Compact and suitable as a gift for literary-minded readers or families who enjoy classic tales.

Cons

• Does not provide modernized language or extensive explanatory notes, which some readers may prefer.
• Illustration focus is stylistic rather than full-color picture book style, so very young children may prefer a different format.

Specifications

Title	Told Again - Old Tales Told Again
Compiler	Walter de la Mare
Illustrator	A. H. Watson (Alice Helena Watson)
Contents	Traditional fairy tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Bluebeard, Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow-White
Genre	Children's literature / Anthology of folk tales
Suitable for	Family reading, collectors of illustrated editions

Our Verdict

For readers who value classic storytelling and period illustration, this edition of Old Tales Told Again offers solid value: Walter de la Mare's measured retellings combined with A. H. Watson's drawings create a pleasant, timeless collection. It is especially worth buying for family reading and for anyone who collects illustrated literary editions rather than seeking modern retellings or scholarly commentary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the illustrations full color?
The edition is described as accompanied by A. H. Watson's drawings, which are presented in a classic illustrated style rather than full-color picture book plates.

Which stories are included?
The collection includes traditional tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Bluebeard, Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin and Snow-White among others.

Is this suitable for very young children?
It suits older children and family read-aloud sessions; very young children who need highly visual, full-color picture books may prefer a different format.