Here are the original eight stories from the 1697 volume Contes de temps passé by the great Charles Perrault: "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "Puss in Boots," and more. Also includes 34 extraordinary full-page engravings by Gustave Doré.
The fairy tales of Charles Perrault—10 timeless stories published from 1693 to 1697—have endured in the public imagination, becoming archetypes that define the genre. Told with style, sophistication, and wry humor, Perrault’s tales inspired writers and folklorists throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries and were the basis for numerous popular adaptations, including the animated films of Walt Disney. Featuring all 10 of Perrault’s fairy tales—including “Little Red Riding-Hood,” “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Puss in Boots,” “Little Thumbling,” and “Bluebeard”—this Top Five Classics compilation also presents all 41 engraved illustrations by Gustave Doré from his famed 1862 edition, with a new translation of Perrault’s original French texts (including the morals in verse), an informative introduction, and a detailed author biography. Meant for children, but enjoyed by readers of all ages, this illustrated edition captures the wonder, charm, humor, and fright of the original tales, in a modern translation that reflects the simple yet elegant language of Charles Perrault.
"The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault" is a timeless collection of classic fairy tales written by Charles Perrault, a French author who lived in the 17th century. This compilation includes some of the most beloved and enduring stories that have enchanted generations of readers worldwide. The book features iconic fairy tales such as "Cinderella," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Sleeping Beauty," "Bluebeard," "Puss in Boots," and "Beauty and the Beast." Each story is a magical journey into a world of fantasy, where talking animals, wicked witches, handsome princes, and courageous heroines populate the pages. In "Cinderella," readers follow the journey of a kind-hearted girl who overcomes adversity with the help of her fairy godmother to attend the royal ball and capture the heart of a prince. "Little Red Riding Hood" tells the cautionary tale of a young girl who encounters a cunning wolf on her way to her grandmother's house. The enchanting "Sleeping Beauty" revolves around a princess who falls into a deep slumber and can only be awakened by true love's kiss. "Bluebeard" delves into a dark and suspenseful story of a curious wife who uncovers the sinister secrets of her husband's past. "Puss in Boots" features the clever cat who helps his poor master rise to wealth and nobility through a series of cunning tricks. And in "Beauty and the Beast," readers witness a touching love story that transcends appearances and teaches the value of inner beauty. Charles Perrault's fairy tales are not only captivating and imaginative but also carry moral lessons and universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages. They have become an integral part of the literary canon, inspiring countless adaptations, retellings, and interpretations in various forms of media. "The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault" continues to be cherished by readers for its timeless appeal and enduring charm, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to experience the enchantment and magic of classic fairy tales."
Originally published in 1958, this book contains a selection of 28 traditional stories from the French, German, Danish, Russian and Japanese traditions. Includes The Sleeping Beauty, The Frog Prince, Puss in Boots, Thumbelina, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Beauty and the Beast.
Charles Perrault ranks alongside Hans Christian Andersen and the Grimms as a master storyteller. Perhaps he is less well known because he had done in the late 1600,s what the Grimm Bros. did in the mid-1800’s, which overshadowed his earlier achievements. In fact the Grimm Bros. translated a lot of Perrault’s stories into German and rebranded them in their own volumes. Like Dickens and Andersen in their time, during his own age Perrault (1628 – 1703) was one of the best-liked personages and has remained ever since a prime favourite. Everyone likes a man who enjoys life. Perrault was such a man and he was more. He was the cause of enjoyment to countless of his fellow countrymen, and his stories still promise enjoyment to countless more to come. We are fortunate in knowing a great deal about his varied life, deriving our knowledge mainly from D'Alembert's history of the French Academy and from his own memoirs. It was his enjoyment of life which led him to translate folklore and fairy tales, initially from France, but as empires expanded, he embarked upon translating and publishing stories from around the world. "La Belle au Bois Dormant" ("Sleeping Beauty") was the first: and a number in quick succession rapidly followed - "Le Petit Chaperon Rouge" (Red Riding-Hood), "Le Maistre Chat, ou le Chat Botté" (Puss in Boots), "Les Fées" (The Fairy), "Cendrillon, ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre" (Cinderella), "Riquet à la Houppe" (Riquet of the Tuft), and "Le Petit Poucet" (Tom Thumb) all of which appear in this volume. The stories soon crossed the Channel; and were translated by Mr Samber (presumably one Robert Samber) and printed for J. Pote. of New Inn. The first edition won a wide popularity, evidenced by the fact that there was a seventh edition published in 1795 for J. Rivington, a bookseller from New York. Additional stories in this illustrated volume are: “Blue Beard”, “The Ridiculous Wishes” and “Donkey-Skin”. We invite you to download and enjoy these stories, which are as close to the originals as you are ever likely to get. The 10 full page colour illustrations and 36 Pen and Ink illustrations by Irishman Harry Clarke (1889 – 1931) bring an added dimension to these lively stories. Rest assured, once you read these to the younger members of your family, they will keep on coming back to you for more. ============== KEYWORDS/TAGS: Folklore, fairy tales, myths, Legends, French, France, Charles Perrault, illustrated, Children’s stories, storyteller, fables, moral tales, myths, happiness, laughter, Little, Red Riding-Hood, The Fairy, Blue Beard, Sleeping Beauty, Woods, Master Cat, Puss In Boots, Cinderella, Glass Slipper, Riquet, Tuft, Little Thumb, Ridiculous Wishes, Donkey, Skin, Prince, Princess, King, Queen, mother, key, closet, misfortune, aged Countryman, Sauce, Marquis, joy, Crystal slipper, shoe, Jupiter, thunderbolts, black pudding, wriggle, ornament, beauty, gown, colour of the moon, Curiosity, keyhole, La Belle au Bois Dormant, Le Petit Chaperon Rouge, Le Maistre Chat, ou le Chat Botté, Les Fées, Cendrillon, ou la Petite Pantoufle de Verre, Riquet à la Houppe, Le Petit Poucet
A spectacular menagerie of seven classic favourites tales from Charles Perrault in one beautiful volume, re-told and illustrated by Val Biro. Gold foiled, matt laminated cover with spot UV on the illustrations gives an extra special feel. A perfect gift.
In her haste to flee the palace before the fairy godmother's magic loses effect, Cinderella leaves behind a glass slipper. The illustrations set the story in 1920s London.