Christopher Adam Zakrzewskis admirable translation of The Fair Folk and Little Orphan Mary captures the full scope of Maria Konopnickas genius, her enchanting storytelling, her wisdom, imagination, and whimsical sense of humor. He raises the Polish masterpiece to its rightful place on the Parnassus of world literature.
Professor Kazimierz Braun, Polish writer and scholar
The title of this moving tale evokes Hans Christian Andersen and his distinctive treatment of the fairy tale genre, but what is delivered here goes beyond the pattern popularized by the Danish author. Yes, the standard elements of nineteenth-century fairy tales are present: gnomes, queens, nature and its seasons, and a happy ending. But the gnomes have unmistakably Polish features, the orphan does not become a queen, societys problems are intensely present, and the show ends annually with the coming of winter.
Konopnickas tale is a joy to read. It can cheer up adults as well as children. Beautifully translated by arguably the best Polish-English translator alive, it belongs with Kenneth Grahames The Wind in the Willows, Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland, and medieval morality plays. A mood-lifter and serenity summoner, it is a book to reach for when one needs a proclamation that all is (almost) right with the world.
Ewa Thompson, Rice University
This translation of Konopnicka's classic fairy tale is a true blessing not merely to a new generation of children who will be introduced to it for the first time but for all lovers of fantasy. As G. K. Chesterton reminds us in 'Ethics of Elfland' and as Tolkien insists in his seminal essay 'On Fairy-Stories', classic tales from the realm of Faėrie offer a restorative to grown-ups in need of consolation and the recovery of a clearer view of reality.
Joseph Pearce, author of Tolkien: Man and Myth and Further Up and Further In: Understanding Narnia
For those who love fairy stories, and the folklore of Europe in general, this charming and deftly translated English edition of Maria Konopnickas classic will offer numerous delights. Christopher Zakrzewski's poetic gifts are unsurpassed.
Michael D. OBrien, author of Island of the World
