The Informed Heart

by Bruno Bettelheim

Published 1 November 1960
A psychoanalysis discussing the purpose and meaning of life in the mid20th century.

The Uses of Enchantment

by Bruno Bettelheim

Published 12 April 1976

Wicked stepmothers and beautiful princesses ... magic forests and enchanted towers ... little pigs and big bad wolves ... Fairy tales have been an integral part of childhood for hundreds of years. But what do they really mean?

In this award-winning work of criticism, renowned psychoanalyst Dr Bruno Bettelheim presents a thought provoking and stimulating exploration of the best-known fairy stories. He reveals the true content of the stories and shows how children can use them to cope with their baffling emotions and anxieties.