Maxim Gorky wrote "Fairy Tales" when, in 1906–1913, he lived in Italy on the magical, unusually beautiful island of Capri.
"Tales about Italy" are not, in fact, fairy tales. They are essays, sketches of real life—stories about ordinary people, their feelings, everyday longings and experiences.
And yet, they are fairy tales. Because within them, unusually poetic and romantic images of rich and colorful nature are complemented by vivid human portrayals, zestful and strong characters, and beautiful, noble deeds.