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Black Swan, White Raven

Black Swan, White Raven

Fairy TalesFantasy
Pages
368
Published
1998
Language
English

Synopsis

Explore a collection of nineteen reimagined fairy tales, many offering a fresh, feminist perspective. Discover stories where classic villains are re-examined, like in a Snow White retelling where the stepfather is the true antagonist and the dwarfs are wise women. This anthology breathes new life into beloved narratives, challenging traditional roles and expectations.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

Thought-ProvokingReflectiveComplexIntellectual
Redemption ArcFound FamilyMorally Grey

Genres

Fairy Tales Fantasy Folklore

Authors

A
Anne Bishop

Anne Bishop is an American fantasy writer. Her most noted work is the Black Jewels series. She won the Crawford Award in 2000 for the first three Black Jewels books, sometimes called the Black Jewels trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness. Please note: there is more than 1 author with the name Anne Bishop. Not to be confused with OL4942244A or OL12503988A

E
Ellen Datlow

Ellen Datlow is a leading editor in horror and science fiction, known for anthologies like Final Cuts, Christmas and Other Horrors, and Echoes: The Saga Anthology of Ghost Stories. She also edited The Second Omni book of science fiction and the Women Destroy Horror! special issue of Nightmare Magazine.

M
Michael Blumlein

Michael Blumlein was a distinctive voice in dark fantasy and speculative fiction. His notable works include the collections Dark Love and Body Shocks, alongside novels like Black Swan, White Raven, and The Movement of Mountains. He was known for stories that often explored the strange edges of human experience.

T
Terri Windling

Terri Windling is a writer and editor known for her work in fantasy, myth, and folklore. She has edited anthologies such as Silver Birch, Blood Moon, Black Swan, White Raven, and Sirens and Other Daemon Lovers. Windling also co-edited the Women Destroy Fantasy! special issue of Fantasy Magazine.

Characters

Snow WhiteProtagonist
StepfatherAntagonist
The StepmotherSupporting
All characters in Black Swan, White Raven

Frequently asked questions

  • What makes Black Swan, White Raven unique among fairy tale anthologies?

    This collection stands out for its focus on reinterpreting classic fairy tales with a darker, more complex, and often feminist lens, moving beyond simple retellings to explore the psychological depths and societal implications of these stories. It features contributions from prominent authors known for their work in speculative fiction, offering diverse perspectives on familiar narratives.

  • How does Black Swan, White Raven relate to other works by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling?

    Black Swan, White Raven is part of a significant series of fairy tale anthologies curated by Datlow and Windling, known for their influential role in modernizing and expanding the genre. This particular volume continues their tradition of showcasing literary, often darker, interpretations of folklore, distinguishing it from more traditional or children-focused collections.