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Fairy tales -- France Books
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Charles Perrault
Popular Tales
"Popular Tales" by Charles Perrault is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 17th century. This work includes well-known stories such as "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Little Red Riding Hood," exploring themes of morality, love, and adventure through enchanting narratives and fantastical characters. Perrault's tales have significantly influenced the fairy tale genre and continue to capture the imaginations of readers across generations. At the start of the collection, an introduction provides context on Charles Perrault's life and literary contributions, emphasizing his role in popularizing stories that blend folk traditions with sophisticated literary style. The introduction highlights how these tales, originally oral traditions, made their way to the courts of France, where they were embraced by nobility and ultimately transformed into printed tales. Readers are drawn into the charm of these stories with familiar settings and characters, setting the stage for the magical narratives to unfold in the subsequent tales.
Charles Perrault
The Tales of Mother Goose As First Collected by Charles Perrault in 1696
"The Tales of Mother Goose" by Charles Perrault is a collection of literary fairy tales published in 1697. Written for aristocratic audiences in Parisian literary salons, this work transformed simple folk plots into elaborate stories suited for French court tastes. The collection includes eight now-classic tales, each concluding with a cynical moral. Perrault crafted these stories after retiring from royal service, blending ancient narratives with modern sensibilities while reflecting themes of nobility, class distinction, and Catholic values that resonated with his sophisticated readers.
Charles Perrault
Old-Time Stories
"Old-Time Stories" 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 tales emerged during a period when fairy stories captivated French aristocratic salons. The collection features eight beloved stories, including "Cinderella," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "Sleeping Beauty," each enhanced with elaborate embellishments and ending with cynical morals. Perrault transformed simple plots into sophisticated narratives that reflected both his belief in noble superiority and Catholic values of sin and redemption.
Sophie Ségur
Old French Fairy Tales
"Old French Fairy Tales" by comtesse de Sophie Ségur is a collection of enchanting stories likely written in the 19th century. The book features a variety of fairy tales set in whimsical landscapes, showcasing moral lessons through magical characters and adventures. Through its narratives, readers can expect to encounter themes of innocence, family, and the triumph of good over evil, with notable characters such as Princess Blondine and her kind-hearted friends. The opening of the collection introduces us to the story of Princess Blondine, who is cherished by her father, King Benin, after the death of her mother. As Blondine grows up, she soon faces the threat posed by her wicked new stepmother, Queen Fourbette, who harbors a deep jealousy toward the innocent princess. Ensnared by trickery, Blondine finds herself lost in the enchanted Forest of Lilacs, where her adventures take a turn towards danger and magic. The tale intertwines elements of betrayal, loyalty, and the pursuit of happiness, setting the stage for Blondine’s journey and the exploration of various fantastical events that unfold thereafter.
Arthur Quiller-Couch
The sleeping beauty and other fairy tales from the old French
"The Sleeping Beauty and other fairy tales from the Old French" retold by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch is a collection of classic fairy tales that draw on the rich narrative traditions of old French literature, likely compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology features beloved stories such as "The Sleeping Beauty," "Cinderella," "Blue Beard," and "Beauty and the Beast," showcasing enchanting characters that include fairies, princesses, and valiant princes. Quiller-Couch’s retellings aim to preserve the charm and moral lessons of these timeless tales, making them accessible for contemporary readers. The opening of the collection sets the stage for the iconic story of "The Sleeping Beauty." It begins with a royal couple longing for a child, whose birth leads to a grand celebration among the fairies, with each one bestowing gifts on the new princess, Aurora. Their joy is quickly dimmed by the ominous pronouncement of an overlooked fairy who curses Aurora to die from a spindle's prick. However, another fairy softens the curse, declaring that Aurora will instead fall into a deep sleep, which will only be broken by a prince's kiss. As the narrative unfolds, we see the princess grow up unaware of her fate, until destiny intervenes, preparing to weave together the magical elements of love, fate, and redemption central to the tale.
Charles Perrault
Tales of Passed Times
"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.
Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) Aulnoy
Contes, Tome I
"Contes, Tome I" by Madame d'Aulnoy is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 17th century. The volume includes enchanting stories filled with elements of fantasy, such as beautiful princesses, brave heroes, and talking animals. The narratives often revolve around themes of love, the triumph of good over evil, and the importance of kindness and loyalty. The opening of "La Belle aux cheveux d'or," the first tale in the collection, introduces us to a stunningly beautiful princess whose golden hair captivates all who see her. A neighboring young king falls deeply in love with her at first hearsay and decides to propose marriage through an envoy. However, the princess refuses, which sets off a chain of events that leads to the hero, Avenant, coming into the picture. He is resilient and determined to win her heart, embarking on a journey filled with encounters with magical creatures who assist him, setting the stage for both adventure and romance in his quest to fulfill the young king’s desire for the princess.
H. A. (Hélène Adeline) Guerber
Contes et légendes. 1re Partie
"Contes et légendes. 1re Partie" by H. A. Guerber is a collection of fairy tales and legends written in the late 19th century. This work is designed to serve as an introduction to French reading, showcasing a variety of stories aimed at enriching vocabulary through engaging narratives. The tales range from familiar nursery stories to unique adaptations, encouraging readers to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of folklore. The opening portion of the book presents a preface highlighting its educational purpose, emphasizing repetition and a simple narrative style to help learners acquire vocabulary effortlessly. The first story, "Les Trois Ours," introduces three bears living in a forest who, after cooking a soup that is too hot, leave their home unattended. A curious little girl enters their home, tasting their soup and eventually falls asleep in the small bear's bed. The tale sets a playful stage for the collection, indicating a blend of charming characters and leisurely storytelling aimed at both entertainment and language learning.
Madame d' (Marie-Catherine) Aulnoy
Contes, Tome II
"Contes, Tome II" by Madame d'Aulnoy is a collection of fairy tales written in the late 17th century. The book features whimsical narratives filled with enchantment, royalty, and magical creatures, following the adventures of main characters entangled in fantastical situations. One of the prominent stories is "La Chatte Blanche," which introduces a prince and a talking white cat who possess extraordinary powers and embark on various adventures. The opening of "La Chatte Blanche" sets the stage for a captivating tale, beginning with a king concerned about his three sons competing for his throne. To divert their ambitions, he promises to pass on his crown to the son who brings him the finest little dog. As the brothers set off on their quest, the youngest prince encounters a magnificent castle and the alluring Chatte Blanche, who becomes his companion. With rich descriptions and whimsical elements, the narrative hints at dreams, love, and trials that await, promising an engaging journey through love and transformation entwined with the whimsical world of fairy tales.
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