Don't Bet on the Prince

An entertaining feminist classic. A humorous and wise different view on mythology and fairy tales.

I was a charter subscriber to MS. magazine decades ago. The first issue included a story called The Green Woman which I adored. From time to time over the years I would try to find the story but could not. It is in this storybook and I am SO PLEASED to read it again after so many decades

I first read Don't Bet on the Prince roughly 20 years ago, and recently went searching for my copy (apparently loaned or lost). I bought a replacement copy and came to the realization that a lot has changed in 20 years. My intent this time was to have some stories to read to my daughters that offered a counterpoint to the traditional/Grimm/Disney imaging of women in general and princesses in particular. Some of the stories are well above the elementary or middle school levels, while some others are appropriate as stories for children. Zipes acknowledges this by segmenting the stories into two groups, one for the young, and the other for the young at heart. Most are referential, though, in the sense that strong familiarity with the traditional tales make these more interesting. An additional section of feminist literary criticism follows. To the end of stories for kids, I very much like "The Princess Who Stood on Her Own Two Feet," and "Prince Amilec." That said, there are most likely better anthologies of stories for children. As a bit of critical text, it certainly represents a step in the progression of feminist theory, just not the current one.

I love this book, I received my first copy of this when I was a teenager and I have treasured it ever since. I most recently bought this as gifts for a friend's daughter. Feminist fairytales with a variety of approaches to the subjects. I must for anyone who wants to counter the princess "rescue me" obsession.

The stories in the first section are entertaining, with that indescribable fairy tale sense of wonder and optimism. I am struggling to get into the second section, because too many of the stories don't have that sense of optimism that a good fairy tale should have, (according to things Zipes has written in his other books). One of the stories, by Jane Yolan, is more fantasy than fairy tale, and is downright tragic. This might be a good book for the serious student of fairy tales or feminism, but I wouldn't read any of the stories in the second section to my children.

Love this book. I enjoy the stories and use them once in a while in class

The book tells feminist fairy stories that are gentle with the guys too. Jack Zipes, the editor is, after all, a man. I've used the book with students, grandchildren, fellow feminists - all to a warm welcome. Highly recommended.

This is such an amazing book. It's part of what lead me into my research into looking at strong female characters in folk tales. This book is a must for people who don't want to read stories about wishy washy princesses waiting for the prince, and scholars alike. I reccomend this book highly.

The book is of course great but instead of a used, good copy I received an ancient, stained, battered copy. Not happy at all. Also the price marked on the back cover was 1£ and I bought it for 305 INR!

Excellent condition and arrived earlier than expected.

Arrived quickly. Intriguing book. Good seller. Thank you.

Great book. Has come as described. Very fast shipping. Very pleased

Fun, cleverly written tales that challenge the old trope of a princess or damsel in distress needing a "prince" to save her.