# Andrew Lang

> Scottish poet, novelist and literary critic (1844–1912)

**Wikidata**: [Q505827](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q505827)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Lang)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/andrew-lang

## Summary
Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic renowned for his influential work in folklore, literary criticism, and children's literature. He is best known for creating the twelve-volume *Andrew Lang's Fairy Books* series, which compiled and popularized traditional fairy tales from around the world.

## Biography
- Born: March 31, 1844
- Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Education: Edinburgh Academy, University of St Andrews, Balliol College (University of Oxford)
- Known for: Founding the *Andrew Lang's Fairy Books* series and contributions to literary criticism, folklore, and poetry
- Employer(s): University of St Andrews, University of Oxford (Balliol College)
- Field(s): Literature, poetry, literary criticism, folklore, history, anthropology, translation, journalism

## Contributions
Andrew Lang made several significant contributions across literature, folklore, and criticism:
- **Andrew Lang's Fairy Books** — A twelve-volume series of fairy tale collections published between 1889 and 1910, including *The Blue Fairy Book* (1889), *The Red Fairy Book* (1890), and others. These books became foundational in shaping modern perceptions of classic fairy tales.
- **Literary Criticism** — Authored numerous essays and reviews that shaped 19th-century literary discourse, particularly on the works of Robert Louis Stevenson and Homer.
- **Poetry** — Published several volumes of poetry, including *Ballads and Lyrics of Old France* (1872) and *Ballads and Verses Vain* (1883), which explored historical and romantic themes.
- **Anthropology and Folklore** — Co-founded the Mythical Society and contributed to early anthropological studies of myth and oral literature.
- **Translation** — Translated classical texts, including Homer’s *Odyssey*, which was widely praised for its accessibility and literary quality.
- **History** — Authored historical works such as *History of Scotland* (1900) and *The Mystery of Mary Stuart* (1902), which examined political and cultural history.

## FAQs
### What is Andrew Lang best known for?
Andrew Lang is best known for his *Fairy Books* series, a collection of twelve volumes that compiled international folklore and fairy tales. These works have had a lasting influence on children's literature and continue to be widely read and referenced.

### Where did Andrew Lang study?
Andrew Lang was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, the University of St Andrews, and Balliol College at the University of Oxford, where he was deeply influenced by the intellectual environment and classical studies.

### What fields did Andrew Lang contribute to?
Lang contributed to literature, poetry, literary criticism, folklore, history, and anthropology. His interdisciplinary approach made him a central figure in the late Victorian intellectual movement.

### What awards or recognition did Andrew Lang receive?
Andrew Lang was a Fellow of the British Academy, one of the highest honors in British academia. This recognition underscored his scholarly contributions to literature and folklore.

### What were Andrew Lang’s major publications?
His major works include the *Fairy Books* series, *The History of Scotland*, *Ballads and Lyrics of Old France*, and his critical editions of classical texts like Homer’s *Odyssey*.

## Why They Matter
Andrew Lang’s work fundamentally shaped the preservation and popularization of global folklore, particularly through his *Fairy Books*, which introduced generations to classic tales from multiple cultures. His literary criticism and historical writings influenced the intellectual discourse of his time, bridging the gap between academic rigor and public engagement. Lang’s interdisciplinary approach to literature, history, and anthropology helped establish the scholarly study of folklore and myth as legitimate fields. His influence extended to contemporaries like Robert Louis Stevenson and continues to inspire modern writers and folklorists.

## Notable For
- Founding the *Andrew Lang's Fairy Books* series, a landmark in children’s literature
- Being a Fellow of the British Academy, a prestigious academic honor
- Pioneering the study and publication of international folklore and myth
- Influencing literary criticism through essays and scholarly analysis
- Translating classical works, including Homer’s *Odyssey*
- Writing historical works on Scotland and Mary Stuart
- Co-founding the Mythical Society, promoting the academic study of myth
- Being a prominent figure in the late-Victorian literary and intellectual scene

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Andrew Lang was born on March 31, 1844, in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. He began his education at the Edinburgh Academy, a prestigious independent school established in 1824. He later attended the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in Scotland, where he developed a strong foundation in literature and history. Lang continued his studies at Balliol College, Oxford, which has been a constituent college of the University of Oxford since 1263. His academic journey laid the groundwork for his later contributions to literature, folklore, and criticism.

### Career and Affiliations
Lang’s professional life was deeply rooted in academia and literary circles. He was associated with the University of St Andrews and Balliol College, where he engaged in both teaching and research. His career spanned multiple roles: poet, novelist, literary critic, historian, anthropologist, and folklorist. Lang’s work was recognized by his election as a Fellow of the British Academy, an honor granted by one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions, which was established in 1902. He also contributed to the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences through his scholarly engagement with myth and literature.

### Literary and Folkloric Works
Lang’s most enduring legacy is the *Andrew Lang's Fairy Books*, a twelve-volume series published between 1889 and 1910. These books, including *The Blue Fairy Book* (1889) and *The Red Fairy Book* (1890), compiled traditional tales from various cultures, making them accessible to a global audience. His approach to folklore emphasized cross-cultural storytelling and preservation. Beyond fairy tales, Lang published poetry collections such as *Ballads and Lyrics of Old France* (1872) and *Ballads and Verses Vain* (1883), which explored historical and romantic themes. His literary criticism included influential essays on major authors like Robert Louis Stevenson and classical figures like Homer.

### Historical and Scholarly Contributions
Lang’s historical works include *History of Scotland* (1900) and *The Mystery of Mary Stuart* (1902), which examined political and cultural history. He also contributed to the field of anthropology through his study of myth and oral literature, co-founding the Mythical Society. His translations of classical texts, particularly Homer’s *Odyssey*, were praised for their literary merit and accessibility. Lang’s interdisciplinary approach bridged literature, history, and anthropology, influencing the intellectual discourse of his time.

### Legacy and Influence
Lang’s influence on literature and folklore remains profound. His *Fairy Books* series continues to be a cornerstone of children’s literature, shaping the way fairy tales are perceived and retold. His critical essays and historical works have left a lasting mark on literary studies, while his anthropological contributions helped establish the academic study of myth. Lang’s work continues to inspire writers, scholars, and folklorists, ensuring his place in the canon of Western literature and culture.

## References

1. [Undiscovered Scotland](http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usebooks/lang-shorthistory/)
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16. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
17. [Andrew Lang | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL3152608A/Andrew_Lang)
18. Commons Creator page
19. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Lang%20Andrew)
20. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index10.html)
21. Lang, Andrew
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