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Beauty and the Beast is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales, but long before it became a movie, it was told in the literary salons of France.

'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781),

In this classic version, Beauty chooses kindness over comfort and discovers that appearances can hide unexpected truths.

Set in a world of enchanted castles, mysterious promises, and quiet courage, the story explores what it means to see beyond outward appearances.

This tale has been shared for generations because its message remains timeless.

A NOTE ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:

"La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was first published in 1740.

A more succinct version of Villeneuve’s story was later published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. (1711-1781) This is the version of "Beauty and the Beast" that you will hear in this episode.

Many people thought that this story was written by Charles Perrault, the famous author of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Before I did some more research on the story, I thought so myself.

Charles Perrault who was born on January 12, 1628, and died on May 16, 1703 had nothing to do with this story. He was not yet born when it was written.

"Beauty and the Beast" is credited to Charles Perrault in Tales of Passed Time Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1900. Possibly, the publishers simply wanted to use his more famous name to sell the book.

In Old Time Stories Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1921. There is a PREFATORY NOTE that includes this:

"To the eight tales of Perrault three others have been added here. 'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), has a celebrity which warrants its inclusion, however inferior it may seem, as an example of the story-teller's art, to the masterpieces of Perrault."

I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com

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"Beauty and the Beast" by Mme Leprince de Beaumont is a work in the public domain.

A Look Ahead:

July 8th " The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

July 15th "The Tell Tale Heart" By Edgar Allan Poe

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