The Childhood of Fiction: A Study of Folk Tales and Primitive Thought is a book written by John Arnott MacCulloch, which explores the origins and development of folk tales and the primitive thought that underpins them. The book is a comprehensive study of the ways in which folk tales reflect the beliefs, values, and practices of the societies in which they originate, and how they have evolved over time.MacCulloch argues that folk tales are the products of a primitive mode of thought, which is characterized by a belief in magic, animism, and the supernatural. He explores the ways in which these beliefs are reflected in the themes and motifs of folk tales, such as the use of magic, the presence of supernatural beings, and the portrayal of the natural world as a place of mystery and wonder.The book also examines the ways in which folk tales have been transmitted and adapted over time, and how they have been used to reflect and reinforce cultural values and norms. MacCulloch draws on a wide range of sources, including comparative mythology, anthropology, and psychology, to provide a rich and nuanced analysis of the origins and significance of folk tales.Overall, The Childhood of Fiction is a fascinating and insightful exploration of the world of folk tales and the primitive thought that lies at their heart. It will be of interest to anyone interested in the origins of human culture and the ways in which stories shape our understanding of the world.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.