Prince Ricardo of Pantouflia: Being the Adventures of Prince Prigio's Son

"Prince Ricardo of Pantouflia: Being the Adventures of Prince Prigio's Son" by Andrew Lang is a fantasy novel likely written in the late 19th century. This whimsical tale follows Prince Ricardo, the son of the clever Prince Prigio, as he embarks on his own adventures filled with magical elements and moral lessons. The story addresses themes of growth, courage, and the importance of intellect over mere physical prowess, all while delivering a blend of humor and charm befitting a fairy tale. The opening of the story introduces us to King Prigio and Queen Rosalind, who express concern over their son's reckless and adventure-seeking behavior, contrasting with their hopes for his education. As they discuss the influences of fairy tales on Ricardo's upbringing, the narrative hints at his inclination to avoid studying in favor of mythical exploits. In a series of light-hearted exchanges, we learn of his recent escapades, including rescuing a princess from a sea monster, and the expectations placed on him due to his lineage. The stage is set for his forthcoming adventures, marked by the dynamics of father-son relationships and the looming question of how each character’s strengths will shape their fates. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic, and contributor to the field of anthropology. He is best known as a collector of folk and fairy tales. The Andrew Lang lectures at the University of St Andrews are named after him.