Charles Perrault

Date of Birth: January 12, 1628

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: May 16, 1703

Biography

Charles Perrault was a French author and member of the Académie Française, born on January 12, 1628. He is best known for laying the foundations for a new literary genre, the fairy tale, with his works derived from pre-existing folk tales. His most famous stories include “Cinderella,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Puss in Boots,” which were later popularized by the Brothers Grimm and Walt Disney. Perrault was born into a wealthy bourgeois family in Paris and trained as a lawyer. He initially followed a career in government service, working as a secretary to his brother, a high-ranking official. In 1671, he became a member of the Académie Française, where he played a significant role in the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns, advocating for modern literature over classical literature. In 1697, Perrault published “Histoires ou contes du temps passé” (“Tales and Stories of the Past with Morals”), subtitled “Tales of Mother Goose,” which became immensely popular. His tales have since been translated into numerous languages and continue to be beloved by children and adults alike.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Perrault

1. Charles Perrault was a key figure in the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns, a literary debate that pitted the value of contemporary literature against classical works.

2. His fairy tales often included moral lessons, which were intended to instruct as well as entertain children.

3. Perrault’s works were initially published under the name of his son, Pierre Darmancour, leading to some confusion about their true authorship.

4. He was a lawyer by training and held several important government positions, including serving as the secretary to the finance minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert.

5. Perrault’s tales have inspired countless adaptations in various media, including ballet, opera, film, and theater.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Perrault

1. “Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life.”

2. “The moral of this story is that gentle manners and virtue, besides being good in themselves, are better than a handsome face.”

3. “Beauty in a woman is a treasure rare / Which we are never weary of gazing on.”

4. “Patience and time do more than strength or passion.”

5. “Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As Charles Perrault lived in the 17th century, it is difficult to assign a modern equivalent net worth. However, he was born into a wealthy family and held various prestigious positions, suggesting he was quite well-off for his time.

Children

Charles Perrault had three children with his wife, Marie Guichon: a daughter, Marguerite-Catherine, and two sons, Charles-Samuel and Pierre, the latter of whom he used as a pseudonymous author for his fairy tales.