Beauty and the Beast: And Other Classic French Fairy Tales

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Summary: From Marketing to Marked: How to Win Maidens Fair
Review: If I was a betting person, I would bet that this oft told story was the result of a middle aged or older man who was seeking a method of introducing the concept that the troll like features of old age need not discount the nature of the love and affection required to be felt by such persons who prefer the company of fair maidens who might be seduced into giving them that pleasure. Having the ear marks of the fantasy like prominence of isolation and illusion that accompanies old age, and the unlikelihood that such a worn out vision of masculinity might have appeal for the flower of youth, the mind of man can be very cunning, and is often very seductive while preying upon the naive, softhearts of the dew that lies in the hearts of young maidens, fair or not. Drawn in to the care taker role of a kindly, parent-like figure, however disfigured by the ideal model of the Prince that young maidens are taught to favor, the marketing has worked for some years as we can see by the recent wedding of Jack Welch from the much touted, and idealized wedding of his new fair princess, and can be seen in many other instances of fantasized idealism that grace the covers of many celebrity photo magazines meant to send the message of similar outcomes. There has been no sequel, however, from the perspective of the troll or the maiden as society is left to ponder such an unlikely but perhaps sacred alliance. Whether the distinction is holy or not has much to do with the many years of a course of events that most will never know, and few will seek to discover. While the power of logic has never been a part of the romance ideology of love, perhaps our illusions of it are shortsighted and misaligned within the context of the flesh and blood that such a union represents. Where most men might tend to view any male as beast, few women take that position, and measure the man by a broader yardstick in relation to herself, and her experience with the world. From the perspective of the maiden, which is rare, unique insights about her condition are possible to be deduced from her submission in that circumstance and may reflect her reduced array of option, rather than her choice. Few would consider this tale much else but the submission of a highly desirable beauty to the beast she fawns. But is there justice amidst the fantasy? This may well be a modern day tale for women's choice.

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Summary: Entertaining and Informative
Review: Not only is this collection of fairy tales entertaining reading, Zipes goes into the history of the French literary salon and the backgrounds of the fairytales. Wonderful book.

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Summary: Classic fairy tales--and some others.
Review: What a lovely collection of fairy tales! People have their favorites from among the French tales; they're familiar and classic, but too often watered down. It's delightful to see a collection of some original "parlor" stories in their beautiful prose, an amazing form of literature that I feel is rather ignored. The introduction gives depth and history to the stories as well.