Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont 
Beauty and the Beast 

Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont’s classic fairy tale ‘Beauty and the Beast’ elegantly intertwines themes of transformation, love, and the inner beauty of individuals. Written in a simple yet captivating narrative style, the story follows the journey of the kind-hearted Beauty as she learns to look beyond appearances and discovers the true nature of the Beast. This beloved tale is renowned for its timeless message of finding beauty within oneself and others, making it a staple in fairy tale literature worldwide. Beaumont’s work showcases her ability to weave moral lessons into enchanting storytelling, reinforcing the theme of inner beauty triumphing over outward appearances in a graceful manner fitting for all ages. Beauty and the Beast stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and self-discovery, making it a must-read for fans of classic fairy tales and those seeking a heartwarming tale of compassion and transformation.

About the author

Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont (1711–1780) was a French author who played a pivotal role in the development of the conte de fées, a genre of French fairy tales. Born in Rouen to a family with modest means, Leprince de Beaumont pursued a career in education, which formed a basis for her writing endeavors. In 1756, she published ‘Magasin des Enfants, ‘ a collection of moralistic stories, which included her most famous work, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ (‘La Belle et la Bête’). The story has since become a timeless classic, enchanting children and adults alike with its deeply human themes of inner beauty, love, and redemption. Her rendition of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is in fact an abridgement and adaptation of Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve’s longer version. Leprince de Beaumont’s version is distinguished by its didactic approach and streamlined narrative, making it more accessible to young readers. This adaptation is credited with popularizing the tale across Europe, later inspiring numerous adaptations in literature, film, and other media. Her literary style combined narrative simplicity with a moralistic tone that reflected her vocation as a teacher, often aiming to instruct as much as to entertain. Leprince de Beaumont’s other works, such as ‘The Young Misses Magazine’ (‘Le Magasin des adolescentes’), also reflect her educational goals and remain enduring contributions to the genre of fairy tales and children’s literature.