Cendrillon and the Glass Slipper: The French 'Cinderella' Fairytale

Charles Perrault (1628–1703) was a French poet and author who laid the foundations for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, with his works derived from pre-existing folk tales. Though he began his career as a lawyer in charge of royal buildings, by around 1660, Perrault had earned a positive reputation for his poetry. As an influential figure in the 17th century French literary scene, he was elected to the Académie Française in 1671, and played a prominent role in a literary controversy known as the quarrel between the Ancients and Moderns.

The best known of his stories are from his fairy tales for children, Tales of Mother Goose (1697; Contes de ma mère l’oye). These include Little Red Riding Hood (Le Petit Chaperon Rouge), Cinderella (Cendrillon), Puss in Boots (Le Chat Botté), The Sleeping Beauty (La Belle au bois Dormant), and Bluebeard (Barbe Bleue).

Some of Perrault's versions of old folk tales influenced the German versions published by the Brothers Grimm more than a century later. The stories continue to be printed and have been adapted to opera, ballet, theatre, and film.

Rachel Louise Lawrence is a British author who translates and adapts folklore and fairytales from original texts and puts them back into print.

Since writing her first story at the age of six, Rachel has never lost her love of writing and reading. A keen wildlife photographer and gardener, she is currently working on several writing projects.

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