Contes de Perrault - Illustrations de Margaret Tarrant

The initiator of the literary fairy tale genre, Charles Perrault, published in 1695 under the name of his son a collection of fairy tales Histoires ou contes du temps passes, avec des moralites, which grew better known under its subtitle, Contes de ma mere l'Oye or Tales of My Mother Goose. Perrault's publication marks the first authenticated starting-point for Mother Goose stories.

Celebrating the golden age of illustration in children's literature. Encompassed is a collection of Charles Perrault's (1628-1703) finest tales, including 'Little Red Riding Hood', 'Puss in Boots', 'Cinderella', 'Blue Beard' and 'Beauty and the Beast'. Perrault was an incredibly influential literary figure in seventeenth century France, and was one of the first writers bring magical children's stories into the literary mainstream. He proved to his readers that such works were important, enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking. Perrault's stories are here accompanied by the dazzling colour illustrations of Margaret Tarrant (1888-1959). She was a much celebrated English illustrator who specialised in depictions of fairy-like children and religious subjects; a pioneering woman in the male-dominated world of fine-art. The fairy tales are presented here in their original translations, alongside Tarrant's beautiful images. This book forms part of our 'Pook Press' imprint, celebrating the great 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's classics and fairy tales - a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.