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Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast; tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme... This is the best known version of the original story that inspired Walt Disney’s classic and has been retold countless times and adapted for screen, stage, prose, and television.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1756
About the author
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
491 books120 followersJeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, born Vaimboult was a French teacher, journalist and writer. She is the author of many classic tales for children and youth.
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, née Vaimboult était une pédagogue, journaliste et écrivain française. Elle est l'auteur de nombreux contes classiques pour les enfants et la jeunesse.
Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, née Vaimboult était une pédagogue, journaliste et écrivain française. Elle est l'auteur de nombreux contes classiques pour les enfants et la jeunesse.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 958 reviews
June 14, 2022
Once again, I'm shocked by the original tale.
Only this time it's a good shock.
Remember this?
Didn't happen.
In fact, he asked if she minded if he sat with her while she ate but added that if she didn't want him there, he'd just leave.
So.
In the original, Beast was actually concerned with what Beauty wanted and willing to listen to her needs. You know, besides the whole keeping her prisoner thing.
And just how did she become a prisoner?
Well, that went pretty much like you'd think. Her dad got lost, found a magic castle, picked a rose, and almost got himself eaten by a beast.
On the upside, her father wasn't willing to let any of his daughters take his place and only agreed to go back home so that he could say goodbye.
Yes, you read that right. Daughters. Plural.
Beauty, who was sweet, self-sacrificing, & hard working. Her brothers, who were actually pretty nice, but were always on the periphery of the story.
And then 2 spoiled a-hole sisters who hated her guts because she was humble and treated everyone with kindness. So naturally, everyone loved her. Meanwhile, they were both lazy golddiggers.
Bottom line was that Beauty was a good kid, and when she found out it was her rose that cost her father his freedom, she forced the issue and followed her father back to the castle to insist the Beast let her swap.
Oh, and the rose with all the petals falling?! Remember when the last rose petal fell and your 10-year-old self got all choked up because you just knew it was all too late, and she had waited too long to tell him she loved him, and you kind of hated her for a minute?
There was no rose other than the one her father took.
And there was no time limit for her to fall in love with him.
Plus! As if it wasn't bad enough that he looks like a fugly animal, he also has to pretend to be kind of dull-witted for some reason.
Every night he would ask her to marry him, and every night she would friend zone him.
Mostly, he took it on the chin like a champ.
Then one night he was feeling especially needy and he asked her to never leave him. But she said she couldn't promise that because she really needed to go see her father. And he said he'd rather die than cause her pain! And she said she couldn't bear to cause him pain, either!
And it was just the cutest thing because we all know where this is headed.
Then in true melodramatic fashion, he told her he would send her via a magic ring to her father's house, but that he would most certainly die from grieving if she didn't come back to him in a week.
All would have been great but her two assy sisters were so enraged with jealously over all the beautiful things Beast sent along with Beauty, that they went nuts. They plotted to keep her an extra week by being nice to her for once in their lives in the hopes that Beast would eat her in a fit of anger.
Wow. Just wow.
Family, amirite?
So. She stayed an extra week due to the evil machinations of her d-bag sisters.
But eventually, she remembered her promise to Beast, freaked out, magicked herself back to his castle, and found him crumpled in a heap!
OMG. What sort of magic was as work to cause this?!
None.
It was because the big dumbass went on a hunger strike and tried to starve himself to death.
Get up and eat a sandwich, Romeo. You'll be fine.
Of course, this is where the nooo! don't die! I looove you! I'll marry you! thing happens. This? This is a great example of the pity screw from a hot girl trope that has been responsible for a pipe dream doofy guys have held on to down through the ages.
Alright. To be fair, this is also a great example of how we ladies think we can fix a man.
In this version, the fairy pops up and changes him from a smelly beast to a perfect man as soon a Beauty says she'll marry him.
Ohmygod! He's HOT. He's a PRINCE. And he's a sparkling conversationalist to boot.
Things are coming up roses for Beauty and her Beast.
Beauty's cunty sisters didn't fare quite as well.
As punishment, the fairy turned them into sentient statues who would be forced to watch their little sister's happiness for all eternity.
Or until they learned to not be assholes.
But the fairy didn't hold out much hope for that.
Legend has it that in the distant future, these sisters went on to famously terrorize a Time Lord and his friends.
And speaking of curses, why did she curse the prince to start with? Was he an asshole who refused to help an old woman? Was he proud and vain? Did he not agree with vaccine mandates?
No.
There's no actual explanation for the curse in this version.
Fairies gotta be fairies, I guess.
Ok, while Jeanne Marie Le Prince de Beaumont's 1756 version of this tale is the most popular, a longer story was originally penned by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve in 1740. There are more variants out there, including Andrew Lang's similar version that appeared in The Blue Fairy Book.
I'm not an expert and I'm sure most countries have a tale like this, but I believe the French get the trophy for the most popular.
I'm not claiming to be any sort of expert on B&B, and this is all just info that I've gotten from quickie internet searches because I was curious about my favorite fairytale.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Only this time it's a good shock.
Remember this?
Didn't happen.
In fact, he asked if she minded if he sat with her while she ate but added that if she didn't want him there, he'd just leave.
So.
In the original, Beast was actually concerned with what Beauty wanted and willing to listen to her needs. You know, besides the whole keeping her prisoner thing.
And just how did she become a prisoner?
Well, that went pretty much like you'd think. Her dad got lost, found a magic castle, picked a rose, and almost got himself eaten by a beast.
On the upside, her father wasn't willing to let any of his daughters take his place and only agreed to go back home so that he could say goodbye.
Yes, you read that right. Daughters. Plural.
Beauty, who was sweet, self-sacrificing, & hard working. Her brothers, who were actually pretty nice, but were always on the periphery of the story.
And then 2 spoiled a-hole sisters who hated her guts because she was humble and treated everyone with kindness. So naturally, everyone loved her. Meanwhile, they were both lazy golddiggers.
Bottom line was that Beauty was a good kid, and when she found out it was her rose that cost her father his freedom, she forced the issue and followed her father back to the castle to insist the Beast let her swap.
Oh, and the rose with all the petals falling?! Remember when the last rose petal fell and your 10-year-old self got all choked up because you just knew it was all too late, and she had waited too long to tell him she loved him, and you kind of hated her for a minute?
There was no rose other than the one her father took.
And there was no time limit for her to fall in love with him.
Plus! As if it wasn't bad enough that he looks like a fugly animal, he also has to pretend to be kind of dull-witted for some reason.
Every night he would ask her to marry him, and every night she would friend zone him.
Mostly, he took it on the chin like a champ.
Then one night he was feeling especially needy and he asked her to never leave him. But she said she couldn't promise that because she really needed to go see her father. And he said he'd rather die than cause her pain! And she said she couldn't bear to cause him pain, either!
And it was just the cutest thing because we all know where this is headed.
Then in true melodramatic fashion, he told her he would send her via a magic ring to her father's house, but that he would most certainly die from grieving if she didn't come back to him in a week.
All would have been great but her two assy sisters were so enraged with jealously over all the beautiful things Beast sent along with Beauty, that they went nuts. They plotted to keep her an extra week by being nice to her for once in their lives in the hopes that Beast would eat her in a fit of anger.
Wow. Just wow.
Family, amirite?
So. She stayed an extra week due to the evil machinations of her d-bag sisters.
But eventually, she remembered her promise to Beast, freaked out, magicked herself back to his castle, and found him crumpled in a heap!
OMG. What sort of magic was as work to cause this?!
None.
It was because the big dumbass went on a hunger strike and tried to starve himself to death.
Get up and eat a sandwich, Romeo. You'll be fine.
Of course, this is where the nooo! don't die! I looove you! I'll marry you! thing happens. This? This is a great example of the pity screw from a hot girl trope that has been responsible for a pipe dream doofy guys have held on to down through the ages.
Alright. To be fair, this is also a great example of how we ladies think we can fix a man.
In this version, the fairy pops up and changes him from a smelly beast to a perfect man as soon a Beauty says she'll marry him.
Ohmygod! He's HOT. He's a PRINCE. And he's a sparkling conversationalist to boot.
Things are coming up roses for Beauty and her Beast.
Beauty's cunty sisters didn't fare quite as well.
As punishment, the fairy turned them into sentient statues who would be forced to watch their little sister's happiness for all eternity.
Or until they learned to not be assholes.
But the fairy didn't hold out much hope for that.
Legend has it that in the distant future, these sisters went on to famously terrorize a Time Lord and his friends.
And speaking of curses, why did she curse the prince to start with? Was he an asshole who refused to help an old woman? Was he proud and vain? Did he not agree with vaccine mandates?
No.
There's no actual explanation for the curse in this version.
Fairies gotta be fairies, I guess.
Ok, while Jeanne Marie Le Prince de Beaumont's 1756 version of this tale is the most popular, a longer story was originally penned by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve in 1740. There are more variants out there, including Andrew Lang's similar version that appeared in The Blue Fairy Book.
I'm not an expert and I'm sure most countries have a tale like this, but I believe the French get the trophy for the most popular.
I'm not claiming to be any sort of expert on B&B, and this is all just info that I've gotten from quickie internet searches because I was curious about my favorite fairytale.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
April 17, 2017
Beauty and the Beast, finally.
Not that one.
No, not the one with Hermione either.
Ah, the original! Where Beauty has five siblings including two (evil) sisters and Beast is pretty much a nice guy from the very beginning.
And I really don't understand the fairy's justice system.
You shall remain a beast until someone truly loves you.
You shall remain a statue until you own your faults and pains inflicted upon your sister.
You shall remain dead until someone solves Ecliptic alignment of CMB anisotropy.
Pfft, fairies!
Not that one.
No, not the one with Hermione either.
Ah, the original! Where Beauty has five siblings including two (evil) sisters and Beast is pretty much a nice guy from the very beginning.
And I really don't understand the fairy's justice system.
You shall remain a beast until someone truly loves you.
You shall remain a statue until you own your faults and pains inflicted upon your sister.
You shall remain dead until someone solves Ecliptic alignment of CMB anisotropy.
Pfft, fairies!
May 8, 2017
I couldn't resist reading this classic version of Beauty and the Beast after reading a few others last week. I'm having quite the Beauty and the Beast marathon here lately and finally saw the movie yesterday. :)
I was pleased with this classic original tale, although I'm reading now that this isn't the very first, I still enjoyed it. I grabbed the Kindle version on Amazon because it's free. It's a quick abridged version at about 36 pages or so. There are only a few pages of illustrations and the beast looks something like more of a wild boar.
I liked the writing and this is a good children's version for new readers.
3***
I was pleased with this classic original tale, although I'm reading now that this isn't the very first, I still enjoyed it. I grabbed the Kindle version on Amazon because it's free. It's a quick abridged version at about 36 pages or so. There are only a few pages of illustrations and the beast looks something like more of a wild boar.
I liked the writing and this is a good children's version for new readers.
3***
October 12, 2022
VERSION: Beaumont.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars
ARTWORK: 5 stars. Beautiful wood engravings.
BEAUTY: Brunette.
BEAST: Boar.
CURSE: "A magician" cursed the prince, no explanation given.
THE Rs: Shown, especially in the way they interact and their dialogue. The love declaration is worded differently, however.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: The rose: The merchant doesn't stay at the Beast's castle, simply steals the rose in passing and is forced to stay overnight afterwards. The sisters: They're not as spiteful, Beauty misses her deadline to return to the castle for other reasons, and they're not punished. The fairy: She's absent here.
FAVOURITE SCENES:
Here it is, "Beauty and the Beast" illustrated by Walter Crane. He is one of the best artists from the Golden Age of Illustration as well as one of my top favourites not just for this but other tales also. I count his interpretation of B&B amongst my top-ranked of all time, more so because he's not gone for over-exoticisation in his depictions, like the Orientalism in Dulac's illustrations, and has given his vision of Beauty and the setting a distinct "French" air that fits with the tale's origins. The characters here wear costume that looks like 18th century France, for example, no faux turbans or Renaissance clothing.
Walter Crane is the grandfather of all Beauty & Beast illustrators, no collection is complete without him. He is responsible for creating the hallmark scenes that are present in all good Beauty & Beast picture books, and he's inspired countless artists since the edition with his drawings débuted in the late Victorian period. The four scenes I've included above are the ones I mean, a lot of illustrators get inspiration from or copy Crane, for good reason I'd add.
As for the plot, this is very faithful to Madame de Beaumont's version, which as you'll notice is the preferred version for picture books. Beauty is a sweet and kind girl, as it should be, as is Beast. You can easily see why they'd get along, he's very attentive and gives her so many amenities, even naming her quarters "Beauty's Room," and she has all kinds of entertainment: music, books, monkey servants, theatre. When these two chat at their nightly dinners, you can see Beauty is frank without being rude and Beast doesn't merely bluntly pester her with a petition to marry him. There's an emphasis on her willingness, too.
Of course, this being a Victorian-era book, it has some Victorian peculiarities. For example, the emphasis on love is gone and replaced by marriage. In the original, love is important, the relationship is one of love, but here the emphasis is on having a nice rapport, understanding each other, and Beauty doesn't declare her love to a dying Beast, she simply tells him she'll marry him. The dreams Beauty has are also omitted. On the other hand, familial bonds and dutifulness are more important here, to the point that the reason for Beauty breaking her promise to return to Beast in time is familial dutifulness and not the sabotage of the sisters. In sum, some of the cultural expectations of the time are indeed noticeable in the subtext here.
This picture book has held up on a reread, in fact I'm increasing the rating for the adaptation in .5 stars, because all things considered and with the understanding I now have, it's a great adaptation. And just look at the art!
ADAPTATION: 5 stars
ARTWORK: 5 stars. Beautiful wood engravings.
BEAUTY: Brunette.
BEAST: Boar.
CURSE: "A magician" cursed the prince, no explanation given.
THE Rs: Shown, especially in the way they interact and their dialogue. The love declaration is worded differently, however.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: The rose: The merchant doesn't stay at the Beast's castle, simply steals the rose in passing and is forced to stay overnight afterwards. The sisters: They're not as spiteful, Beauty misses her deadline to return to the castle for other reasons, and they're not punished. The fairy: She's absent here.
FAVOURITE SCENES:
Here it is, "Beauty and the Beast" illustrated by Walter Crane. He is one of the best artists from the Golden Age of Illustration as well as one of my top favourites not just for this but other tales also. I count his interpretation of B&B amongst my top-ranked of all time, more so because he's not gone for over-exoticisation in his depictions, like the Orientalism in Dulac's illustrations, and has given his vision of Beauty and the setting a distinct "French" air that fits with the tale's origins. The characters here wear costume that looks like 18th century France, for example, no faux turbans or Renaissance clothing.
Walter Crane is the grandfather of all Beauty & Beast illustrators, no collection is complete without him. He is responsible for creating the hallmark scenes that are present in all good Beauty & Beast picture books, and he's inspired countless artists since the edition with his drawings débuted in the late Victorian period. The four scenes I've included above are the ones I mean, a lot of illustrators get inspiration from or copy Crane, for good reason I'd add.
As for the plot, this is very faithful to Madame de Beaumont's version, which as you'll notice is the preferred version for picture books. Beauty is a sweet and kind girl, as it should be, as is Beast. You can easily see why they'd get along, he's very attentive and gives her so many amenities, even naming her quarters "Beauty's Room," and she has all kinds of entertainment: music, books, monkey servants, theatre. When these two chat at their nightly dinners, you can see Beauty is frank without being rude and Beast doesn't merely bluntly pester her with a petition to marry him. There's an emphasis on her willingness, too.
Of course, this being a Victorian-era book, it has some Victorian peculiarities. For example, the emphasis on love is gone and replaced by marriage. In the original, love is important, the relationship is one of love, but here the emphasis is on having a nice rapport, understanding each other, and Beauty doesn't declare her love to a dying Beast, she simply tells him she'll marry him. The dreams Beauty has are also omitted. On the other hand, familial bonds and dutifulness are more important here, to the point that the reason for Beauty breaking her promise to return to Beast in time is familial dutifulness and not the sabotage of the sisters. In sum, some of the cultural expectations of the time are indeed noticeable in the subtext here.
This picture book has held up on a reread, in fact I'm increasing the rating for the adaptation in .5 stars, because all things considered and with the understanding I now have, it's a great adaptation. And just look at the art!
October 30, 2022
VERSION: Beaumont.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 4 stars.
BEAUTY: Black-haired and dark-eyed.
BEAST: Horned green man (with wings?).
CURSE: "A wicked fairy" did it, a reason is implied.
THE Rs: Correct, as in the tale.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None of the key elements, as this is Beaumont's version in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This picture book is another that includes the entirety of Beaumont's version with no changes, so there's nothing to remark on about the text. Beauty struck me as more forgiving of her sisters here, probably due to the phrasing and the fact that it's stated that she forgives them. Any variations are more of phrasing than of substance, so you can confidently read this one knowing it's faithfully Beaumont's text.
Oh, and it includes an Afterword by Jean Cocteau himself! The man who directed the cult icon film from 1946, La Belle et la Bête, that has inspired so many artists and launched many copycats. One of the artists inspired was Hilary Knight, who illustrates this book. She illustrated one of my favourite renditions of "Cinderella," so I was excited to see what she'd do for my favourite fairy tale.
I confess that the first time I read this, I wasn't fond of her interpretation of Beast. It was too Cocteau-esque (now it makes sense why) and lacked all the terror and majesty of Beast that he in my mind's eye. He looked like a green ram in a theatrical costume, a gentle one, and when he transforms back into the prince, he looks a tad Fae-ish more than a human male. And the clothing for him and Beauty was outlandish, very Fantasy, with no clearly identifiable period as they look like a mix of styles with a generous dash of haute couture fancy. Beauty's looks at least are original, for here she's a dark-eyed brunette with slightly slanted eyes, quite a departure from the standard chit she's depicted as.
In time, and on a reread, I've come to appreciate this very look, though. Perhaps it's because I can now see the homage to the film in many of the illustrations and have gained more appreciation for Knight's aesthetic of choice for here. I won't say this is my most favourite artwork, but it certainly has gained ground. It's nice, it's whimsy, it's grand theatre-like costume, it conveys what it should, and so on.
And speaking of Jean Cocteau, I didn't care much for his very short and hardly two paragraphs long, because he made a blunder in claiming B&B is "British in origin." That's surprising! As a Frenchman, he would know B&B is the quintessential 18th century salon fairy tale, and that Beaumont lived and worked in the UK doesn't change that fact. Unless he meant that Beaumont, being a governess and behaving very governess-y in retelling Villeneuve's, got influenced by British mentality. If that's the angle, I can understand where he is coming from.
4.5 stars rounded down for colouring Beast green (heh!). It is certainly a book that has earned more points on this B&B reread, so far the only one.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 4 stars.
BEAUTY: Black-haired and dark-eyed.
BEAST: Horned green man (with wings?).
CURSE: "A wicked fairy" did it, a reason is implied.
THE Rs: Correct, as in the tale.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None of the key elements, as this is Beaumont's version in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This picture book is another that includes the entirety of Beaumont's version with no changes, so there's nothing to remark on about the text. Beauty struck me as more forgiving of her sisters here, probably due to the phrasing and the fact that it's stated that she forgives them. Any variations are more of phrasing than of substance, so you can confidently read this one knowing it's faithfully Beaumont's text.
Oh, and it includes an Afterword by Jean Cocteau himself! The man who directed the cult icon film from 1946, La Belle et la Bête, that has inspired so many artists and launched many copycats. One of the artists inspired was Hilary Knight, who illustrates this book. She illustrated one of my favourite renditions of "Cinderella," so I was excited to see what she'd do for my favourite fairy tale.
I confess that the first time I read this, I wasn't fond of her interpretation of Beast. It was too Cocteau-esque (now it makes sense why) and lacked all the terror and majesty of Beast that he in my mind's eye. He looked like a green ram in a theatrical costume, a gentle one, and when he transforms back into the prince, he looks a tad Fae-ish more than a human male. And the clothing for him and Beauty was outlandish, very Fantasy, with no clearly identifiable period as they look like a mix of styles with a generous dash of haute couture fancy. Beauty's looks at least are original, for here she's a dark-eyed brunette with slightly slanted eyes, quite a departure from the standard chit she's depicted as.
In time, and on a reread, I've come to appreciate this very look, though. Perhaps it's because I can now see the homage to the film in many of the illustrations and have gained more appreciation for Knight's aesthetic of choice for here. I won't say this is my most favourite artwork, but it certainly has gained ground. It's nice, it's whimsy, it's grand theatre-like costume, it conveys what it should, and so on.
And speaking of Jean Cocteau, I didn't care much for his very short and hardly two paragraphs long, because he made a blunder in claiming B&B is "British in origin." That's surprising! As a Frenchman, he would know B&B is the quintessential 18th century salon fairy tale, and that Beaumont lived and worked in the UK doesn't change that fact. Unless he meant that Beaumont, being a governess and behaving very governess-y in retelling Villeneuve's, got influenced by British mentality. If that's the angle, I can understand where he is coming from.
4.5 stars rounded down for colouring Beast green (heh!). It is certainly a book that has earned more points on this B&B reread, so far the only one.
October 27, 2018
Hacía tiempo que quería leer este cuento y no me ha decepcionado. Me ha gustado ver lo diferente que es a la versión Disney, al igual que los dibujos que la acompañan tan diferentes. (Tengo que decir que esta no es la edición que he leído, pero a través del móvil sólo me salía esta versión)
April 1, 2017
Just perfect. What's not to like about this story? This fairytale, written in 1756, has been charming children and adults alike for over 250 years. Of course the modern interpretations and enhanced considerably, but this original tale is still an enjoyable read.
November 2, 2022
VERSION: Beaumont.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 4 stars, all in black & white.
BEAUTY: Assumed to be brunette as it's not stated in the tale and the art is B&W.
BEAST: Bat-like? Not sure, he looks somewhat like he has a bat head's structure.
CURSE: "Une fée méchante" did it, the reason is implied.
THE Rs: As in the tale, correctly depicted.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None, it's Beaumont's text in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This is a big book, and very hard to find. I had to wait years to get my own copy, which I finally got as a birthday present, and I'm so very happy with it. Nicole Claveloux's artwork is incredibly detailed. I've never seen an artist that does this level of detail in just black and white pencil and ink.
Although I wouldn't say Claveloux's depiction of Beast was the most pleasant surprise, for this one time I'm down with her vision because of two things: the homage to Cocteau, which is always a plus in my eyes, and that it seems obvious that she's going for a beauty/ugliness contrast, which explains her choice for Beast's appearance. Plus, he's so gentlemanly without being a milquetoast and doormat too eager to please Beauty, who is assertive whilst still remaining kind. A pretty good contrast and comparison of opposites.
Besides, he does look amusing! First Beast with this animal's trait that I've ever seen. I'm not fully sure it's a bat, but it certainly is reminiscent. He does have reminiscences of Cocteau's Beast, too. At times, I was puzzled by her choice of details, like the scene of Beast in Beauty's room, but at least I could see what she was going for there.
I also like the ambient, the atmosphere, and the nostalgic feel of the illustrations. What can I say? I loved this edition very much! I had read Claveloux's erotic retelling of B&B first, which I didn't like, so I was worried about what she'd do with the fairy tale, so I'm pleased to report it was a hit.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 4 stars, all in black & white.
BEAUTY: Assumed to be brunette as it's not stated in the tale and the art is B&W.
BEAST: Bat-like? Not sure, he looks somewhat like he has a bat head's structure.
CURSE: "Une fée méchante" did it, the reason is implied.
THE Rs: As in the tale, correctly depicted.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None, it's Beaumont's text in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This is a big book, and very hard to find. I had to wait years to get my own copy, which I finally got as a birthday present, and I'm so very happy with it. Nicole Claveloux's artwork is incredibly detailed. I've never seen an artist that does this level of detail in just black and white pencil and ink.
Although I wouldn't say Claveloux's depiction of Beast was the most pleasant surprise, for this one time I'm down with her vision because of two things: the homage to Cocteau, which is always a plus in my eyes, and that it seems obvious that she's going for a beauty/ugliness contrast, which explains her choice for Beast's appearance. Plus, he's so gentlemanly without being a milquetoast and doormat too eager to please Beauty, who is assertive whilst still remaining kind. A pretty good contrast and comparison of opposites.
Besides, he does look amusing! First Beast with this animal's trait that I've ever seen. I'm not fully sure it's a bat, but it certainly is reminiscent. He does have reminiscences of Cocteau's Beast, too. At times, I was puzzled by her choice of details, like the scene of Beast in Beauty's room, but at least I could see what she was going for there.
I also like the ambient, the atmosphere, and the nostalgic feel of the illustrations. What can I say? I loved this edition very much! I had read Claveloux's erotic retelling of B&B first, which I didn't like, so I was worried about what she'd do with the fairy tale, so I'm pleased to report it was a hit.
October 26, 2022
VERSION: Beaumont.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 5 stars.
BEAUTY: Light brunette.
BEAST: Wolfish-lionlike mix.
CURSE: "Une fée méchante" did it, a reason is implied.
THE Rs: Fairly correct.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None of the key ones, it's Beaumont in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This is a French language picture book that is essentially an illustrated edition of Madame de Beaumont's version, the French reads a bit modernised but I couldn't find any modifications of the text itself; it's as Beaumont wrote it.
The book has gorgeous artwork by Anne Romby, who went for a Medieval-ish style and costume (the architecture does look as if from Alsace, if I'm not mistaken). The illustrations are gloriously colourful and lovely, with a dreamy quality in some scenes, although I wish it had more detailed background in others. It's also one of the very few, if not the only, books that depicts the entirety of Belle's family in the room: her sisters, her three brothers, and her father. Hence why I selected that as one of my favourite illustrations.
Beast was a bit difficult to make out what animal he's supposed to be, I'm guessing he's a wolf but sometimes he strikes me as if he had a bit of a lionish mane. Cocteau's Beast influence, maybe? In any case, he has the presence and is appropriately frightening where he is supposed to be.
If you speak French or can read it, this is a must-have book for B&B enthusiasts as well as a good alternative for introducing new readers to one of the original, non-Disney, versions in an edition that has art appropriate for young ones as well as sophisticated enough to not feel too "children's picture book" for older readers.
ADAPTATION: 5 stars.
ARTWORK: 5 stars.
BEAUTY: Light brunette.
BEAST: Wolfish-lionlike mix.
CURSE: "Une fée méchante" did it, a reason is implied.
THE Rs: Fairly correct.
KEY ELEMENT CHANGED: None of the key ones, it's Beaumont in its entirety.
FAVOURITE SCENE:
This is a French language picture book that is essentially an illustrated edition of Madame de Beaumont's version, the French reads a bit modernised but I couldn't find any modifications of the text itself; it's as Beaumont wrote it.
The book has gorgeous artwork by Anne Romby, who went for a Medieval-ish style and costume (the architecture does look as if from Alsace, if I'm not mistaken). The illustrations are gloriously colourful and lovely, with a dreamy quality in some scenes, although I wish it had more detailed background in others. It's also one of the very few, if not the only, books that depicts the entirety of Belle's family in the room: her sisters, her three brothers, and her father. Hence why I selected that as one of my favourite illustrations.
Beast was a bit difficult to make out what animal he's supposed to be, I'm guessing he's a wolf but sometimes he strikes me as if he had a bit of a lionish mane. Cocteau's Beast influence, maybe? In any case, he has the presence and is appropriately frightening where he is supposed to be.
If you speak French or can read it, this is a must-have book for B&B enthusiasts as well as a good alternative for introducing new readers to one of the original, non-Disney, versions in an edition that has art appropriate for young ones as well as sophisticated enough to not feel too "children's picture book" for older readers.
October 31, 2022
Would highly recommend everyone to get the re-edition of this tale with artwork by James Mayhew, vastly better and more appropriate for the text than the horrible Alan Barrett illustrations this adaptation was originally published with. Mayhew's style is not only better but he actually goes by the story Philippa Pearce is adapting, too.
The story is the standard Beaumont version, with a few modifications. The merchant doesn't seem to have lost his fortune, at least it's not said explicitly, but it's implied that he has when he has to go retrieve the cargo of a ship. I found it very strange, too, that suddenly all the sisters want the rose for Beauty when they didn't ask for it, but only until they hear the holder of the rose has to go to Beast. I'm also not happy with the fact that this version has Beast blurt out the question of whether Beauty loves him on their very first conversation. That's not how it's supposed to be! The relationship between the two is non-existent, they barely have one conversation in all.
The rating goes for the art, although I didn't like how meek Beast looks here, like a cross between a teddy bear and a mane-less lion; the adaptation is forgettable.
The story is the standard Beaumont version, with a few modifications. The merchant doesn't seem to have lost his fortune, at least it's not said explicitly, but it's implied that he has when he has to go retrieve the cargo of a ship. I found it very strange, too, that suddenly all the sisters want the rose for Beauty when they didn't ask for it, but only until they hear the holder of the rose has to go to Beast. I'm also not happy with the fact that this version has Beast blurt out the question of whether Beauty loves him on their very first conversation. That's not how it's supposed to be! The relationship between the two is non-existent, they barely have one conversation in all.
The rating goes for the art, although I didn't like how meek Beast looks here, like a cross between a teddy bear and a mane-less lion; the adaptation is forgettable.
October 27, 2022
This edition with illustrations by Diane Goode has the entirety of Beaumont's version with no alterations. Goode has a lovely style, bright watercolours and beautiful use of colour, but I don't like her Beast at all and her Beauty was a bit insipid.
November 18, 2016
رحلة عبر الزمن..إلى زمن الطفولة و الذكريات الجميلة بعد قراءة هذه القصة الرائعة جدا :)
May 24, 2015
I love this story .. really :) .. and I think that: this story was able to teach -at some point- about the meaning of nobility and compassion to the children indirectly way !
بالمناسبة بعد قراءتي لألف ليلة و ليلة اكتشفت ان الجميلة و الوحش هي اقتباس لواحدة من حكاياتها :) ! كم انتي عظيمة يا الف ليلة و ليلة
:)))
بالمناسبة بعد قراءتي لألف ليلة و ليلة اكتشفت ان الجميلة و الوحش هي اقتباس لواحدة من حكاياتها :) ! كم انتي عظيمة يا الف ليلة و ليلة
:)))
May 16, 2012
Out of idle curiosity, I've lately been turning my reading to Scoutie into a discovery of the source texts for Disney's biggest films. I stumbled upon versions of both Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty that were surprisingly close to Disney's Princess movies, and we had much fun with them (I wish old Walt hadn't cut the baby-eating Ogre Queen Mum from Sleeping Beauty, though. What fun that would have been).
Our most recent read was Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve's La Belle et la Bête, the version abridged by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont in the late 1700s.
Again I was surprised by how closely the Disney company (this time under Katzenberg/Eisner) adhered to the text. All the key elements remain in the movie; they are often altered but they're there: the Enchantress (evil in the book), the rose(s), Belle's father meeting the Beast first, food magically appearing, Belle's release and return. I didn't expect the versions to be so closely related without Walt Disney's personal influence, but they were and that's likely at the root of why Disney's Beauty and the Beast is so successful.
What I found most delightful, however, is how much friendlier Villeneuve's original is compared to the Disney movie (I've since discovered that it is not much friendlier. It is actually the Beaumont adaptation, which is what I read, that is friendlier. I need to get my hands on the original). The Beast is far less the abusive kidnapper and much more a Prince trapped in bestial form. He's kinder from the outset, anonymously providing food and shelter for Belle's father, the tired, cold, passerby, and only reveals himself and takes her father prisoner when the father attempts to pick a rose for Belle. Moreover, there is no apparent clock the Beast is racing against, no nasty Gaston to muddy the waters, and no foolish villagers marching to destroy the Beast in his castle, and less of a feeling that Belle is a kidnap victim who falls prey to the Stockholm syndrome.
It's a straight up tale of love developing through friendship, and a tale of kindness and selflessness being rewarded. Winnie-the-Pooh is next (not a discovery for me, but it is for Scout). One more thing about this version of La Belle et la Bête: the art by Walter Crane is kind of beautiful in its quaint way -- even in an eBook.
Our most recent read was Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve's La Belle et la Bête, the version abridged by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont in the late 1700s.
Again I was surprised by how closely the Disney company (this time under Katzenberg/Eisner) adhered to the text. All the key elements remain in the movie; they are often altered but they're there: the Enchantress (evil in the book), the rose(s), Belle's father meeting the Beast first, food magically appearing, Belle's release and return. I didn't expect the versions to be so closely related without Walt Disney's personal influence, but they were and that's likely at the root of why Disney's Beauty and the Beast is so successful.
What I found most delightful, however, is how much friendlier Villeneuve's original is compared to the Disney movie (I've since discovered that it is not much friendlier. It is actually the Beaumont adaptation, which is what I read, that is friendlier. I need to get my hands on the original). The Beast is far less the abusive kidnapper and much more a Prince trapped in bestial form. He's kinder from the outset, anonymously providing food and shelter for Belle's father, the tired, cold, passerby, and only reveals himself and takes her father prisoner when the father attempts to pick a rose for Belle. Moreover, there is no apparent clock the Beast is racing against, no nasty Gaston to muddy the waters, and no foolish villagers marching to destroy the Beast in his castle, and less of a feeling that Belle is a kidnap victim who falls prey to the Stockholm syndrome.
It's a straight up tale of love developing through friendship, and a tale of kindness and selflessness being rewarded. Winnie-the-Pooh is next (not a discovery for me, but it is for Scout). One more thing about this version of La Belle et la Bête: the art by Walter Crane is kind of beautiful in its quaint way -- even in an eBook.
April 27, 2020
I had a lot of fun reading this beauty and the beast fairytale. It intrigued me that at first it read almost like a Cinderella tale. I truly have to wonder at the uselessness of Beauty's brothers? What were they doing throughout all the poor living and suffering? I could really see it driving home all of the virtuous qualities and condemning jealousy as the worst trait anyone could ever possess. I laughed at loud at the upfront way Beauty and the Beast spoke to each other. I found it inexplicably hilarious, but I did read this one aloud to my younger sister and she giggled right along with me. Interesting to see the prescence of a fairy godmother and how the curse isn't mentioned until the end instead of opening up the story with it. Quite a bit of religion nailed in too. I was interested to see how magical furniture would be handled/excluded and how it handled/didn't handle that was thought provoking indeed... I liked it!
July 25, 2016
Τραγική παράλειψη από μέρους μου να μην έχω προσθέσει ένα από τα αγαπημένα παραμύθια της παιδικής μου ηλικίας.Η διασημότερη ιστορία αγάπης και το πιο ρομαντικό παραμύθι που ειπώθηκε ποτέ.Το πιο σημαντικό όμως είναι ότι η ιστορία για την πεντάμορφη και το τέρας έχει πολλά κοινωνικά μηνύματα.Όπως το να μην κρίνεις και διαχωρίζεις τους άλλους ανάλογα με την εξωτερική τους εμφάνιση, είναι ένα από αυτά. Η ομορφιά ή η ασχήμια της ψυχής δεν συνάδει απαραίτητα με αυτή της εξωτερικής παρουσίας.
Πρέπει να αγαπάμε τους άλλους για αυτό που πραγματικά είναι και να μην φοβόμαστε να γνωρίσουμε τον αληθινό τους χαρακτήρα.Πολυαγαπημένο.
Πρέπει να αγαπάμε τους άλλους για αυτό που πραγματικά είναι και να μην φοβόμαστε να γνωρίσουμε τον αληθινό τους χαρακτήρα.Πολυαγαπημένο.
Read
January 16, 2021Beauty and the Beast, one of the most beautiful fairy tales. Belle, the youngest daughter of a merchant, takes captivity with the Beast for her father. But the Beast is hiding a secret and to uncover it, a woman must fall in love with the Beast. The beast does not give up and in the end, they live happily forever. For me, this is the most beautiful fairy tale and that's why I find it so interesting to have finally read it.
October 31, 2018
El cuento original de La bella y la bestia es PRECIOSO; así, en mayúsculas. Sólo hay que apreciar el trasfondo del libro.
January 3, 2021
LA BELLA Y LA BESTIA de Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont
"Has preferido la virtud a la belleza y al esprit, mereces encontrar todas estas cualidades reunidas en una misma persona. Te volverás una gran reina."
Este cuento muy conocido empieza con el padre, quien era un comerciante muy rico y además tenía tres hijos y tres hijas; por tener "esprit" (y me sorprendió un poco que esta palabra esté a lo largo del cuento como un aspecto tan característico de la época) dedica su caudal en educación de calidad para sus hijo. La más pequeña de ellas era más guapa que sus dos hermanas y por eso le decían "La bella", mientras que sus hermanas se divertían en placeres de la época Bella se enamoraba en los libros.
Luego que a causa de la súbita pobreza en la que cae la familia el padre hace un viaje de negocios, en medio de una tormenta, llega a la mansión de la Bestia.
La historia es ya conocida y en esta versión vemos que la participación de las malvadas hermanas hace más contraste con el carácter de Bella, mientras ellas son superficiales, mentirosas y envidiosas, Bella es humilde, poco vanidosa y muy generosa. También sus distintas parejas hacen comparaciones más ilustrativas para llevarnos el mensaje del cuento.
La idea de la virtud es quizás la más importante en este cuento como en el siglo en el cual fue escrito. Eso me ha llevado a tener más ganas de leer la versión de Villeneuve que es más completa y ver qué tanto difiere la una de la otra.
"Has preferido la virtud a la belleza y al esprit, mereces encontrar todas estas cualidades reunidas en una misma persona. Te volverás una gran reina."
Este cuento muy conocido empieza con el padre, quien era un comerciante muy rico y además tenía tres hijos y tres hijas; por tener "esprit" (y me sorprendió un poco que esta palabra esté a lo largo del cuento como un aspecto tan característico de la época) dedica su caudal en educación de calidad para sus hijo. La más pequeña de ellas era más guapa que sus dos hermanas y por eso le decían "La bella", mientras que sus hermanas se divertían en placeres de la época Bella se enamoraba en los libros.
Luego que a causa de la súbita pobreza en la que cae la familia el padre hace un viaje de negocios, en medio de una tormenta, llega a la mansión de la Bestia.
La historia es ya conocida y en esta versión vemos que la participación de las malvadas hermanas hace más contraste con el carácter de Bella, mientras ellas son superficiales, mentirosas y envidiosas, Bella es humilde, poco vanidosa y muy generosa. También sus distintas parejas hacen comparaciones más ilustrativas para llevarnos el mensaje del cuento.
La idea de la virtud es quizás la más importante en este cuento como en el siglo en el cual fue escrito. Eso me ha llevado a tener más ganas de leer la versión de Villeneuve que es más completa y ver qué tanto difiere la una de la otra.
January 14, 2018
Αναζητώντας μια πιο ενήλικη έκδοση, βρήκα απο τις Εκδόσεις Αρμος. Το παραμύθι, γνώστο, διαφορετικό από την γνωστη μας εκδοχή της Disney. Αυτό που μου άρεσε περισσότερο σε αυτή την έκδοση ηταν το επίμετρο του μεταφραστή Γιώργου Χρ. Κυθραιώτη. Εξαιρετίκη ανάλυση και σκιαγράφιση του μυθου!
June 26, 2020
Илюстрациите са повече от прекрасни.
February 19, 2017
UPDATES:
• Thanks to Rachel in the comments below, it turns out that Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve is the author of the original French version which was published in 1740, La Belle et la Bête, which is more elaborate but less famous.If anyone knows where I can get an eBook with good English translation, please be generous and kindly let me know.
• Found the original book! Reviewed [here].
• Can you feel the Belle in Emma Watson? I totally can. Imagine Emma x Hermione x Belle.. All in one; all beauty and brains.. I'm SO happy they've chosen the right gal to play the right character in Beauty and the Beast's latest movie adaptation that's to be released in March 2017. Bonus: It will have the music used in Disney's. I can hardly hold my horses.
__________
As a Disney freak, I have a profound weakness for all Disney movies. Beauty and the Beast is my ultimate favorite, and Belle is my all-time favorite princess. I mean, the girl is beautiful, brave, and bibliophile as a cherry on top! I just love her.
This is the first time I read Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. To my surprise, I found myself preferring the Disney movie to this book. In the movie, there is a more justified story and moral behind the Beast's situation. A good witch cursed him because he was selfish and unkind, and he is redeemed by Beauty's love. In the book, a wicked witch cursed him out of the blue, just like that! We don't understand why; was it out of pure cruelty? Or did he do something bad that made her punish him in such a manner? It's not clarified in the book. However, it's still a very good tale. Recommended to everyone.
Morals of the story:
- Stop the hypocrisy/jealousy bullshit before you end up as a statue outside the palace of the person you envy.
- Don't be shallow and judge people by their appearances.
- If a man gifts you a library, marry him! He's a keeper.
- Read more books even if you're hot. Reading is sexy.
• Thanks to Rachel in the comments below, it turns out that Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve is the author of the original French version which was published in 1740, La Belle et la Bête, which is more elaborate but less famous.
• Found the original book! Reviewed [here].
• Can you feel the Belle in Emma Watson? I totally can. Imagine Emma x Hermione x Belle.. All in one; all beauty and brains.. I'm SO happy they've chosen the right gal to play the right character in Beauty and the Beast's latest movie adaptation that's to be released in March 2017. Bonus: It will have the music used in Disney's. I can hardly hold my horses.
__________
As a Disney freak, I have a profound weakness for all Disney movies. Beauty and the Beast is my ultimate favorite, and Belle is my all-time favorite princess. I mean, the girl is beautiful, brave, and bibliophile as a cherry on top! I just love her.
This is the first time I read Beauty and the Beast by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. To my surprise, I found myself preferring the Disney movie to this book. In the movie, there is a more justified story and moral behind the Beast's situation. A good witch cursed him because he was selfish and unkind, and he is redeemed by Beauty's love. In the book, a wicked witch cursed him out of the blue, just like that! We don't understand why; was it out of pure cruelty? Or did he do something bad that made her punish him in such a manner? It's not clarified in the book. However, it's still a very good tale. Recommended to everyone.
Morals of the story:
- Stop the hypocrisy/jealousy bullshit before you end up as a statue outside the palace of the person you envy.
- Don't be shallow and judge people by their appearances.
- If a man gifts you a library, marry him! He's a keeper.
- Read more books even if you're hot. Reading is sexy.
June 3, 2016
4 Stars
It's a tale as old as time...
See what I did there? Hehe. Seriously, though, Beauty and the Beast has always been a favourite classic fairytale of mine. I grew up absolutely obsessed with the Disney version because of reasons...
I was always crazy jealous of Belle for snagging herself the owner of the greatest make-believe library in the world. That Beast seriously has it going on!!!
Hearing that a live-action film version is on the way in 2017 was the kick I needed to finally attempt to read the classic version of this tale, and apparently (according to Wikipedia) Leprince de Beaumont is the author of the most well known version, so here I am.
Although I still prefer the Disney version best, this version was sweet and charming and kept me captivated for the entirety of this (surprisingly short) story. My fellow library lovers will also be relieved to hear that even back in good old 1756 the Beast gives Belle his library. What a guy!
It's a tale as old as time...
See what I did there? Hehe. Seriously, though, Beauty and the Beast has always been a favourite classic fairytale of mine. I grew up absolutely obsessed with the Disney version because of reasons...
I was always crazy jealous of Belle for snagging herself the owner of the greatest make-believe library in the world. That Beast seriously has it going on!!!
Hearing that a live-action film version is on the way in 2017 was the kick I needed to finally attempt to read the classic version of this tale, and apparently (according to Wikipedia) Leprince de Beaumont is the author of the most well known version, so here I am.
Although I still prefer the Disney version best, this version was sweet and charming and kept me captivated for the entirety of this (surprisingly short) story. My fellow library lovers will also be relieved to hear that even back in good old 1756 the Beast gives Belle his library. What a guy!
May 26, 2019
"There is many a monster who wears the form of a man; it is better of the two to have the heart of a man and the form of a monster. "
قصتي المفضّلة على مر الزمان.
...
قصتي المفضّلة على مر الزمان.
...
April 23, 2012
That’s right I just read Beauty and the Beast. I’m a man too by the way. A MAN! I’m a man that wins pennants and state championship rings. I’m a man that fought in Valley Forge and later stormed the beaches of Normandy to kill Nazi’s. I’m a man that hates sissy stuff and will bench press your face off if you question otherwise. This is not a Disney book OH NO! This is not full of singing and chirping fa la la NO WAY! This is a cautionary tale for real men LIKE ME, who are seduced by pretty women to turn from beastlike man warriors into little girly men who hang out with fairies and buy their wife pretty lacy ballroom gowns which they no doubt put on when she’s not around.
This version of the classic story is an abbreviated adaptation by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont (1711 – 1770) of the longer and oldest known manuscript of the tale written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1695 – 1755). I wish I had the one by Gabrielle because the beast in that 100 page book is actually more beast in nature and not just in appearance. Sort of like me on the football field!
This was a quick read and one I used to buffer the pretty dreary and depressing Russian literature I’m currently going through, which I do love, but you need to take a break with some lighter material every now and then am I right fellas!?! In this version of the story Beauty asks this horrifically stomach wrenchingly deformed freak of a man to marry her, which he then immediately and magically turns into a handsome prince. This is all very convenient isn’t it? This is so as to not to shock the reader into thinking that this horribly deformed man is actually going to have consensual sex with this hot buxom high bred woman. That would be too shocking to the status quo and would have likely resulted in the guillotine or some other medieval form of death. All in all, a good story with no girly crap like that Disney garbage.
This version of the classic story is an abbreviated adaptation by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont (1711 – 1770) of the longer and oldest known manuscript of the tale written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve (1695 – 1755). I wish I had the one by Gabrielle because the beast in that 100 page book is actually more beast in nature and not just in appearance. Sort of like me on the football field!
This was a quick read and one I used to buffer the pretty dreary and depressing Russian literature I’m currently going through, which I do love, but you need to take a break with some lighter material every now and then am I right fellas!?! In this version of the story Beauty asks this horrifically stomach wrenchingly deformed freak of a man to marry her, which he then immediately and magically turns into a handsome prince. This is all very convenient isn’t it? This is so as to not to shock the reader into thinking that this horribly deformed man is actually going to have consensual sex with this hot buxom high bred woman. That would be too shocking to the status quo and would have likely resulted in the guillotine or some other medieval form of death. All in all, a good story with no girly crap like that Disney garbage.
July 24, 2015
Nunca había leído el cuento original, y esta ha sido una ocasión perfecta, aunque sea una versión abreviada escrita por Leprince de Beaumont. No voy a desvelar nada de la trama, pero sí que tengo que decir que tiene muchos cambios con respecto a la conocida versión de Disney, aquí Bella no es hija única y la rosa es importante, pero en otro sentido. En las apenas 50 páginas que tiene el volumen te ves sumergido en este cuento, tanto seas niño como adulto.
Un cuento lleno de magia y sobre todo, de valores; como la amistad, el amor, la bondad, el valor o el materialismo. La edición es preciosa, con un papel muy bueno y con unas ilustraciones de Nicoles Claveloux que quitan el hipo, todas en blanco y negro, algunas a doble página preciosas y que adornan un cuento que no puede faltar en cualquier estantería.
Un cuento lleno de magia y sobre todo, de valores; como la amistad, el amor, la bondad, el valor o el materialismo. La edición es preciosa, con un papel muy bueno y con unas ilustraciones de Nicoles Claveloux que quitan el hipo, todas en blanco y negro, algunas a doble página preciosas y que adornan un cuento que no puede faltar en cualquier estantería.
July 2, 2022
A young and attractive woman meets a man who is dangerous in a way. A bit of a monster if you will. Think beauty and the beast. Dr. Peterson explains this phenomenon with the female desire for predatory dominance, aggression, and a high position in the male dominance hierarchy in a man.
https://youtu.be/Rf3s6sglg6s
https://youtu.be/Rf3s6sglg6s
December 8, 2021
The text by Philippa Pearce is an excellent adaptation of the Beaumont version, but the artwork by Alan Barrett is terrible and often doesn't match the text.
June 11, 2019
Such a short and wonderful story about beauty and her wealthy family, and of course her confinement by the beast in exchange for her father's safety.
This is definitely a beloved and classic tale that anyone could enjoy ;)
This is definitely a beloved and classic tale that anyone could enjoy ;)
March 16, 2016
Me gustó (carita feliz con una lágrima). De más está decir que terminé de leerlo un poquitín indignada por las atribuciones que se tomó Disney para cambiar la historia (y lo peor de todo: asentarla en la memoria), aunque igual tenía cierta lógica. En el cuento no hay un desarrollo de los personajes, ya que es tan breve que no da tiempo para esas cosas e importa más la moraleja. En esta versión, Bella tiene hermanos e inciden directamente en la historia, por ejemplo. De todas formas, la esencia es la misma y se presta a las interpretaciones. Y la nostalgia es irremplazable.
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