Beauty and the Beast – Origins of the Fairy Tales from around the World' contains seven different versions of the 'Beauty and the Beast' story. It includes an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as the folkloric provenance of the dark tale of 'Beauty and the Beast'. It encompasses Leprince de Beaumont's 'La Belle et La Bête', the ancient Roman story of 'Cupid and Psyche', 'The Enchanted Tsarévich' from Russia and the tale of 'Zelinda and the Monster' from Italy.
What is a fairy tale? The 'Origins of Fairy Tales from around the World' series helps to answer this question, by showcasing the amazing breath and diversity involved in classic fairy tales. It focuses on the unusual phenomenon that the same tales, with only minor variations, appear again and again in different cultures – across time and geographical space. Traditionally told as short stories for children, and for adults too, these popular fairy tales will be sure to delight both young and old. Beautifully illustrated, these story books combine the best story-telling, with the best art-work, in order that the two may be fully appreciated.
