Andrew Lang, born on March 31, 1844, in Selkirk, Scotland, was a Scottish writer, folklorist, and literary critic. He is best known for his extensive collections of fairy tales, folklore, and myths from various cultures. Lang’s works were characterized by his scholarly approach, keen interest in anthropology, and his ability to bring these tales to a wider audience.

Lang studied at the University of St. Andrews and later at the University of Oxford. He began his career as a journalist and literary critic, contributing to several prominent publications. Lang’s fascination with folklore and mythology led him to compile and edit numerous collections, including the “Coloured Fairy Books” series, which brought together fairy tales from different countries and cultures.

Here are a few quotes from Andrew Lang:

1. “Folklore means that the soul is sane, but that the universe is wild and full of marvels.”
2. “He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lampposts—for support rather than for illumination.”
3. “My own business always bores me to death; I prefer other people’s.”
4. “The true spirit of delight, the exaltation, the sense of being more than Man, which is the touchstone of the highest excellence, is to be found in mathematics as surely as in poetry.”
5. “He uses statistics like a drunk man uses lampposts—for support rather than illumination.”

As for his best five books, Andrew Lang produced a vast body of work covering a wide range of subjects. Here are five notable books associated with him:

1. “The Blue Fairy Book” (1889) – The first volume in Lang’s “Coloured Fairy Books” series, containing a collection of fairy tales from various sources and cultures.
2. “The Book of Romance” (1902) – A compilation of romantic tales from different periods and cultures, exploring themes of love, adventure, and chivalry.
3. “The Arabian Nights’ Entertainments” (1898) – Lang’s retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folk tales, including Aladdin, Sinbad, and Ali Baba.
4. “Custom and Myth” (1884) – A collection of essays exploring the origins and significance of folklore, myths, and rituals in various cultures.
5. “The Making of Religion” (1898) – An examination of the evolution of religious beliefs and practices, drawing from a wide range of historical and anthropological sources.

These works demonstrate Andrew Lang’s passion for collecting and preserving folklore, his scholarly approach to studying myths and legends, and his efforts to make these stories accessible to a broader audience. Lang’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of folklore and continue to be cherished by readers interested in myths, fairy tales, and cultural traditions.