The Types of International Folktales presents an essential index of the Aarne-Thompson-Uther tale-type system, or ATU, which is one of the most widely recognized and enduring infrastructures developed in folklore research.

This is the third iteration of the index and its fifth revision since it was first published in 1910. The ATU catalog is constituted of international types, practically defined as identified among three or more cultural or national groups. The types are accompanied by plot summaries and descriptions that vary in detail according to the complexity of the international tradition or what otherwise unites traditions cataloged under that type. Each entry is accompanied by citations of essential research, which includes monographs and articles on the particular type and references to listings in relevant catalogs. This list of works is followed by citations for particular groups, which offers a perspective on the type's international distribution. The accompanying indices include Thompson's motifs referenced in the type descriptions as well as a detailed subject index that includes the most important subjects, actions, and other motifs of actors and settings.