Tales of Passed Times

by Charles Perrault

"Tales of Passed Times" by Charles Perrault is a collection of literary fairy tales published in Paris in 1697. Written after Perrault retired from serving Louis XIV's court, these stories emerged during a period when fairy tales captivated Parisian aristocratic salons. The collection includes eight iconic tales, each concluding with a cynical moral lesson. Perrault transformed simple plots into elaborate narratives for noble audiences, reflecting themes of class superiority and Catholic beliefs. The work became instantly popular, requiring two reprints in its first year.