The Grimms' first collection of folktales was not published during their lifetime. It was a manuscript containing 53 stories, some written out in detail, others sketched in brief outline form. In December 1810 they submitted this collection to Clemens Brentano and Achim von Arnim for inclusion in a planned third volume to their successful collection of folk poetry entitled Des Knaben Wunderhorn (The Boy's Magic Horn, 3 volumes, 1806, 1808, 1808), which was to be dedicated to folktales. This fairy-tale volume never materialized, and the manuscript was not returned to its authors, but the Grimms' interest in collecting and editing folklore did not die. In 1812 they came out with their own fairy-tale collection.

Kinder- und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales), vol. 1, 1812; vol. 2, 1814 (pre-dated 1815).

2nd edition, 1819.

volume 3, Anmerkungen (Commentary), 1822.

3rd edition, 1837.

4th edition, 1840.

5th edition, 1843.

6th edition, 1850.

7th edition, 1857. This final version is the basis for most editions and translations published after the Grimms' death.

The final version of this pioneering collection consists of 200 numbered stories plus ten "Children's Legends." The standard abbreviation for the collection is KHM, from the German title.

Professor D. L. Ashliman

University of Pittsburgh