Little Long-Nose

Although the Brothers Grimm and Hans Andersen came to dominate the world of fairytales in the second half of the nineteenth century, they were not the only collectors or authors of fairytales to gain an English-speaking public during this period. Other German collectors of traditional tales are dealt with elsewhere, but of those writers who composed their own tales Wilhelm Hauff heads the list. His Marchen, whether published as a book or separately, have kept a firm place in German children’s reading from the time of their first appearance right to the present day. Equally, there has been a steady stream of English editions over the same period. “Dwarf, the Nose” (or “Little Longnose”) is one of the most famous fairy tales of the German writer Wilhelm Hauff. The main character of the tale is a boy, who was stolen by an old witch and transformed into the ugly dwarf. After he had fled from her, he tried to return home. But his parents didn’t recognize him. Working at the lord’s kitchen, he managed to save the girl Mimi, who was also transformed into the goose by the witch. Their friendship helps them to overcome all difficulties and to become uncharmed. Includes vintage illustration!