The Tales of Mother Goose, as first collected by Charles Perrault in 1696 are here presented, with a translation by Charles Welsh and an Introduction by M.V. O’Shea. Perrault (1628 – 1703) was among the first writers to bring magical children’s stories into the literary mainstream, proving to his original seventeenth century readers (and those in the present day!) that such works were important, enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking.The stories in this edition of ‘Tales of Mother Goose’ encompass favorites such as ‘Blue Beard’, ‘Little Red Riding-Hood’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’, ‘Puss in Boots’ and ‘Cinderella’ as well as other, less well known tales such as ‘Riquet of the Tuft’, ‘Little Thumb’ and ‘The Fairy.’ The text is accompanied by the wonderful black-and-white illustrations of D. J. Munro; inspired by – and in the style of, the great artist Gustave Doré (1832 – 1883). Doré worked primarily with wood engraving, though also with watercolours, landscapes, and historical works.Presented alongside the text, Munro’s images further refine and enhance Perrault’s legendary storytelling. This is a book to be enjoyed and appreciated by both young and old alike.
