Charles Perrault
- Born:
- January 12, 1628, Paris, France
- Died:
- May 16, 1703, Paris, France
- Nationality:
- French
- Profession(s):
- Author, Poet, Critic
Early Life and Education
- Born into a wealthy bourgeois family in Paris.
- Educated at the Collège de Beauvais, receiving a thorough classical education.
- Briefly worked as a lawyer after completing his studies.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the service of his brother, Pierre Perrault, a tax collector.
- Became a prominent figure in the Académie Française in 1671.
- Published various poems and other literary works, often associated with the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns.
- His most enduring achievement stems from his contribution to children's literature.
Notable Works
- Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Stories or Tales from Times Past), commonly known as Contes de ma Mère l'Oye (Tales of Mother Goose) (1697) - a collection of fairy tales.
- This collection includes:
- "Little Red Riding Hood"
- "Cinderella"
- "Puss in Boots"
- "Sleeping Beauty"
- "Bluebeard"
- "Hansel and Gretel" (though not written by Perrault, often associated with collections of his work)
Legacy and Impact
Charles Perrault is widely regarded as the founder of the modern fairy tale genre. His collection of stories, Contes de Charles Perrault biographie, has been translated into numerous languages and adapted into countless films, plays, and other media. His work continues to influence children's literature and popular culture worldwide.