Book excerpt: Puss in Boots' – Origins of the Fairy Tale from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Puss in Boots' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the folkloric provenance of the 'Puss in Boots' story. It encompasses 'Le Maître Chat' by Charles Perrault, Straparola's 'Constantino Fortunato', 'The Poor Miller's Boy and the Cat' by the Brothers Grimm, the Indian narrative of 'The Match-Making Jackal', the Scandinavian tale of 'Lord Peter' and Joseph Jacob's 'The Earl of Cattenborough'. What is a fairy tale? The 'Origins of Fairy Tales from around the World' series helps to answer this question, by showcasing the amazing breath and diversity involved in classic fairy tales. It focuses on the unusual phenomenon that the same tales, with only minor variations, appear again and again in different cultures – across time and geographical space. Traditionally told as short stories for children, and for adults too, these popular fairy tales will be sure to delight both young and old. Beautifully illustrated, these story books combine the best story-telling, with the best art-work, in order that the two may be fully appreciated. .