The Story Le Bele Te Le Bete?

Question

Can any one tell me about the Story 'Le Belle Te Le Bete' by Gabriell-Suzanne Bardot De Villeneuve.

Also if youy could tell me where to get it cheaply it would be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Answer 1

"La Belle et la Bete," ("Beauty and the Beast" or "The Beautiful One and the Animal" in a more literal translation) is a fairy tale that goes back centuries. What I believe was the first published version was written by Madame Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740 that was approximately 200 pages. It was drastically abridged by Jeanne-Marie LePrince de Beaumont in a form that is more familiar to us.

Wikipedia has a good plot summary for the Villeneuve version and you can get a copy in French from Alibris for $27.49.

Answer 2

She is credited with being the first person to write down the Beauty and the Beast story (La Belle et la Bete in French). I like Robin McKinley's retelling called Beauty best.

If you are really interested in the history of this story, there is a lot. Betsey Hearne has an excellent book called Beauty and the Beast. If you just want the quick lowdown, try www.surlalunefairytales.com

Villeneuve's version can be found in many fairy tale compilations. Any library should have one, or be able to get it easily.

**The best English translation of de Villeneuve's entire story can be found in Jack Zipes' Beauties, Beasts, and Enchantment: Classic French Fairy Tales. This book is out of print, but can usually be found in larger libraries, or a used copies at www.bestbookbuys.com