Romanian Folk Tales: In English and Romanian

First published in the 19th century, Romanian Folk Tales by Petre Ispirescu stands as one of the most treasured collections of Eastern European folklore, bringing to life the myths, heroes, and enchanted worlds of Romania’s oral tradition. Presented here in both English and Romanian, this bilingual edition preserves the rhythm, humor, and poetic beauty of Ispirescu’s storytelling for readers of every background.

Ispirescu—often called the Grimm of Romania—gathered his tales from peasants, shepherds, and village elders, capturing the timeless struggles between good and evil, love and betrayal, fate and courage. His stories brim with princes, dragons, enchanted forests, and wise old women, reflecting the moral and spiritual imagination of a nation shaped by faith, hardship, and wonder.

A cornerstone of Romanian literature and world folklore, Romanian Folk Tales remains a bridge between cultures and generations, celebrating the enduring power of storytelling to preserve identity and inspire the soul.

Complete bilingual edition of Petre Ispirescu’s classic collection of folk tales

Includes parallel English and Romanian texts for cultural and linguistic study

A masterpiece of European folklore, mythology, and moral imagination

Essential for readers of fairy tales, cultural heritage, and world literature