The stories found in this volume aim to faithfully reflect the spirit of the common folk. The stories are mostly genuine fairy tales bearing at times some resemblance to the tales heard in other lands. However, they are more often legends and wayside stories that are undeniably Dutch from start to finish with droll touches of humor. Some are parables or allegories on life. The author spent many years as a resident of Holland and has personal knowledge of the people and their tales.