Charles Perrault

French author (1628-1703)

Charles Perrault was a 17th-century French author who laid the foundations for the fairy tale genre with his famous works like ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, ‘Cinderella’, and ‘Sleeping Beauty’. His stories influenced the later German versions by the Brothers Grimm and continue to be popular in various entertainment formats.

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About the Charles Perrault

Charles Perraultwas a French author and member of the Academie Francaise. He laid the foundations for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, with his works derived from earlier folk tales, published in his 1697 book Histoires ou contes du temps passe (Stories or Tales from Past Times). The best known of his tales include “Le Petit Chaperon Rouge” (“Little Red Riding Hood”), “Cendrillon” (“Cinderella”), “Le Maitre chat ou le Chat botte” (“Puss in Boots”), “La Belle au bois dormant” (“Sleeping Beauty”), and “Barbe Bleue” (“Bluebeard”).

Some of Perrault’s versions of old stories influenced the German versions published by the Brothers Grimm more than 100 years later. The stories continue to be printed and have been adapted to most entertainment formats. Perrault was an influential figure in the 17th-century French literary scene and was the leader of the Modern faction during the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charles Perrault was a French author and member of the Académie Française who lived in the 17th century. He is considered the founder of the fairy tale genre with his influential works derived from earlier folk tales.

Some of Charles Perrault’s best-known fairy tales include ,Little Red Riding Hood,, ,Cinderella,, ,Puss in Boots,, ,Sleeping Beauty,, and ,Bluebeard,.

Perrault’s versions of old folk tales influenced the German versions published by the Brothers Grimm more than 100 years later. His stories continue to be widely printed and adapted to various entertainment formats.

Perrault was an influential figure in the 17th-century French literary scene and was the leader of the Modern faction during the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns.

Charles Perrault was born on January 12, 1628, and died on May 16, 1703.

Perrault’s 1697 book ,Histoires ou contes du temps passé, (Stories or Tales from Past Times) laid the foundations for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, with his works derived from earlier folk tales.

Charles Perrault was an influential figure who helped establish the fairy tale genre with his renowned works that have been widely adapted and continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

12 Quotes by Charles Perrault

  1. 1.

    After a hundred years the son of the King then reigning, who was of another family from that of the sleeping Princess, was a-hunting on that side of the country, and he asked what those towers were which he saw in the middle of a great thick wood.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  2. 2.

    Monsieur Puss came at last to a stately castle, the master of which was an Ogre, the richest ever known; for all the lands which the King had then passed through belonged to this castle.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  3. 3.

    The poor child was the drudge of the household, and was always in the wrong. He was, however, the most bright and discreet of all the brothers; and if he spoke little, he heard and thought the more.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  4. 4.

    The King’s son, who was told that a great princess, whom nobody knew, was come, ran out to receive her. He gave her his hand as she alighted from the coach, and led her into the hall where the company were assembled.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  5. 5.

    The next day the two sisters went to the ball, and so did Cinderella, but dressed more magnificently than before. The King’s son was always by her side, and his pretty speeches to her never ceased.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  6. 6.

    He obliged Cinderella to sit down, and, putting the slipper to her little foot, he found it went on very easily, and fitted her as if it had been made of wax.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  7. 7.

    Once upon a time there was a widow who had two daughters. The elder was so much like her, both in looks and character, that whoever saw the daughter saw the mother.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  8. 8.

    The gentleman had also a young daughter, of rare goodness and sweetness of temper, which she took from her mother, who was the best creature in the world.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  9. 9.

    I wish with all my heart that you may be the most lovable prince in the world, and I bestow my gift on you as much as I am able.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  10. 10.

    Her godmother simply touched her with her wand, and, at the same moment, her clothes were turned into cloth of gold and silver, all decked with jewels.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  11. 11.

    Once upon a time there was a Queen who had a son so ugly and so misshapen that it was long disputed whether he had human form. A fairy who was at his birth said, however, that he would be very amiable for all that, since he would have uncommon good sense.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)

  12. 12.

    The Prince, charmed with these words, and much more with the manner in which they were spoken, knew not how to show his joy and gratitude; he assured her that he loved her better than he did himself.

    Charles Perrault

    French author (1628-1703)