Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known for his work as a collector of folk and fairy tales. A prolific author, Lang produced a diverse array of writings, including the twelve-volume 'Fairy Books' series, which has ensured his lasting fame. These books compiled stories from various cultures and were notable for the way he preserved the original storytelling virtues. 'The Blue Fairy Book' (1889), the first in the series, is perhaps the most famous. An accomplished academic, Lang also explored historical topics, authoring works such as 'A Short History of Scotland' and dipped into classical scholarship with translations like 'The Odyssey'. His interest in the supernatural and the unexplained is exemplified in 'The Book of Dreams and Ghosts' (1897), a compilation of uncanny phenomena which reflects both his scientific interest in psychical research and a keen understanding of human fascination with the mysterious. Lang's approach to writing was often marked by a clear, narrative style, and an ability to relate complex ideas in an accessible manner. A polymath and a prominent figure at the crossroads of literature and anthropology in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lang's literary style combined the objectivity of a researcher with the creativity of a storyteller — a blend that continues to engage and enchant readers to this day.