"Ann Schmiesing tells the tale behind the tales. [She] has brought the brothers to life in their fullness."--Dominic Green, Wall Street Journal "Schmiesing's biography of the Grimms is the first major English-language one in decades . [and] presents findings that complicate the brothers' image."--Jennifer Wilson, New Yorker "As Ann Schmiesing makes clear, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were far more than just compilers of fairy tales. They were, above all, scholars and celebrants of medieval German language and culture . [while] populating our imaginations with immortal characters and the plot arcs of much of our fiction and drama."--Michael Dirda, Washington Post "First-rate.

Rich in history and insight, this stands as the new authoritative biography on the famed fairy tale collectors."-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Magisterial."-- Kirkus Reviews "Engaging. Readers will delight to learn how tales featuring Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood became and remain central cultural touchstones and beloved tales often shared, read, and reread."--Bill Kelly, Booklist "What Ann Schmiesing does so memorably and so well is place [the brothers'] lives and achievements in the context of the upheavals of the Napoleonic era in which they lived. The Brothers Grimm is a pleasure to read, and in its own way is as captivating as any tale that begins with 'Once upon a time.'"--Jim Kelly, Air Mail , "Editor's Picks" "[A] brief, eloquent, and moving biography . bound to prove enlightening to English-language readers.

"--David Mason, Hudson Review "Ann Schmiesing's The Brothers Grimm: A Biography is the most thorough and important study of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm in the English-speaking world. It demonstrates that the talented brothers were more than collectors of wondrous fairy tales. They were gifted men of integrity once upon a revolutionary time. This book is a major accomplishment."--Jack Zipes, University of Minnesota "Schmiesing's wonderfully lucid and accessible biography of the Brothers Grimm is indispensable reading for all who want to learn about the context, origin, and development of the world's most famous fairy tale collection."--Jakob Norberg, author of The Brothers Grimm and the Making of German Nationalism "At long last--an authoritative biography in English of the remarkable Brothers Grimm. Rich in details and insights, Ann Schmiesing's unparalleled account draws on up-to-date research and her extensive knowledge of the brothers' extraordinary lives and times."--Donald Haase, Wayne State University.