Tales of Passed Times

"Tales of Passed Times" by Charles Perrault is a collection of classic fairy tales written in the late 17th century. This enchanting compilation includes well-known stories such as "The Sleeping Beauty," "Little Red Riding-Hood," and "Cinderella," showcasing the rich tradition of storytelling that has captivated audiences for generations. Each tale is imbued with moral lessons, imaginative elements, and memorable characters that reflect timeless themes of love, bravery, and the triumph of virtue over malevolence. At the start of the collection, Perrault introduces "The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood," detailing the melancholy plight of a King and Queen longing for a child. After the birth of their daughter, a royal christening is held, where seven fairies bestow magical gifts upon her. However, a spiteful, overlooked fairy curses the child, foretelling that she will prick her finger and die from a spindle's wound. A young fairy softens the curse, suggesting that instead of dying, she will enter a deep sleep for one hundred years, only to be awakened by a prince. This opening tale sets the stage for the collection, weaving a tapestry of fantastic elements, enchanting characters, and profound narratives that invite readers into the magical realm of fairy tales. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Perrault was a French author and member of the Académie Française. 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 passé. The best known of his tales include "Little Red Riding Hood", "Cinderella", "Puss in Boots", "Sleeping Beauty", and "Bluebeard".