The Complete Fairy Tales (Oxford World's Classics) - Softcover

Perrault, Charles

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199585806 ISBN 13: 9780199585809

Publisher: OUP Oxford, 2010

Synopsis

'Oh grandmama, what great big teeth you have!'

Charles Perrault's versions gave classic status to the humble fairy tale, and it is in his telling that the stories of Little Red Riding-Hood, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and the rest have been passed down from the seventeenth century to the present day. Perrault's tales were enjoyed in the salons of Louis XIV as much as they were loved in the nursery, and it is their wit, humour, and lively detail that capture the imagination of adult and child alike. They transmute into vivid fantasies the hidden fears and conflicts by which children are affected: fears of abandonment, or worse, conflicts with siblings and parents, and the trials of growing up.

In addition to the familiar stories, this edition also includes the three verse tales - the troubling account of patient Griselda, the comic Three Silly Wishes, and the notorious Donkey-Skin. This new translation by Christopher Betts captures the tone and flavour of Perrault's world, and the delightful spirit of the originals.
ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

About this title

Review:

Bett's new edition positions Perrault in relation to the many other tales in circulation before and after, offering helpful comparisions. (Margaret Reynolds)

Bett's new translation of the tales is subtle and clever. (Margaret Reynolds, The Times)

About the Author:

Christopher Betts was a Senior Lecturer in French at the University of Warwick until retirement. He has translated Montesquieu's Persian Letters for Penguin, and Rousseau's Social Contract for OWC.

About this edition

• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0199585806
• ISBN 13: 9780199585809
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256