Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment

by Marina Warner (Editor), Sophie Herxheimer (Illustrator)

Once upon a time, in the Paris of Louis XIV, five ladies and one gentleman-- all of them aristocrats-- seized on the new enthusiasm for "Mother Goose Stories" and decided to write some of them down. Telling stories resourcefully and artfully was a key social grace, and when they recorded these elegant narratives they consciously invented the modern fairy tale as we still know it today.
For this beautiful anthology of six masterpiece wonder tales, Marina Warner gathered five writers with a special sympathy for the French stories they render here in burnished, cunning and amusing English. The stories, "The White Cat" (translated by John Ashbery), "The Subtle Princess" (Gilbert Adair), "Bearskin" and "Starlight" (Terence Cave), "The Counterfeit Marquise" (Ranjit Bolt), and "The Great Green Worm" (A.S. Byatt), are as unforgettable today as they were when first published centuries ago. Wonder is the key to the stories, and each tale abounds with transformation and magic. Wonders can be benign (like the garden fruits that come when you whistle) or baneful (like the bad fairy Magotine's spells), producing dread and desire at the same time. But, fortunately, they almost always punish those who deserve it: tyrants, seducers, and other forces of malevolence.
Heroes and heroines are put to mischievous tests, and their quest for love is confounded when their objects of desire change into beasts or monsters. Still, true understanding and recognition of the person beneath the spell wins in the end, for after wonder comes consolation, and after strange setbacks comes a happy ending. In Wonder Tales , a magical world awaits all who dare to enter.

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Anthologies, France, Folklore

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Marina Sarah Warner is a British novelist, short story writer, historian and mythographer. She is known for her many non-fiction books relating to feminism and myth.

She is a professor in the Department of Literature, Film and Theatre at the University of Essex, and gave the Reith Lectures on the BBC in 1994 on the theme of 'Managing Monsters: Six Myths of Our Time.'

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are thrills that you can get from reading a book. There is the thrill of a totally mind numbing, heart stopping good book. The thrill one gets from reading a beloved book yet again. Then there is a different thrill. The wow, the author likes it too thrill.

That's what happened here.

I've read four of these tales before. My favorite French fairy tale is included in this volumne.

It's "The Great Green Wurm".

I get the book and see, to my surprise, that A.S. Byatt translated one of the stories. I start reading and get a bigger thrill that she translated, you guessed it, "The Great Green Wurm".

I love "TGGW" because it is a fairy tale about the elder princess (hence, why Byatt might have translated it). I love the story because it is a dual "Beauty and the Beast" and a descendent of "Cupid and Pysche", except Hidessa, the heroine, is far, far cooler.


She's not stupid. She's got guts.

It's so cool that Byatt translated this one. I wonder if it is her favorite French fairy tale too. I know she was influenced by it in some of her work, but this is so awesome.

Also included in this volumne is the wonderful "The Subtle Princess" also sometimes called "The Story of Finette" (Finessa this translation). I have read several translations of this tale, and all the translations seem to have been good. Gilbert Adair's, however, has the most life and most humor. If you haven't read "SP" before, be prepared for a princess who can handle an ax ("with which her fingers toyed as though it were as light and airy as a fan"), can make a man take responisblity for his offspring instead of the single mother having to deal with the children, and she kicks people into glass filled barrels. It's a shame that this story is not read to young girls more often. Finessa is a better role model than any of the standard fairy tale heroines.

"The White Cat" is the lead story, and most likely the most famous one. It is a good inversion of a Beauty and Beast story, yet the changes are interesting. The cat helps the prince, not the prince's father as in the standard girl versions of the story.

I didn't like Murat's version of "Bearskin", though it has some humor. Part of the problem is that after the "SP", I kept wondering what happened to the princess' maid, for she had cunning and the princess didn't. "Starlight", as well, lacked some charm.

I haven't read "The Counterfeit Marquise" before. As I read it, I kept imagining Monty Python acting it out.

It really works.

[Jalilah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book not only to fairy tale aficionados, but also to people who want to learn more about the 17th Century French salon writers. I did not know about them until I joined the Into the Forest group here on Goodreads. In this collection are some lesser known tales with the White Cat being the only one I was familiar with. The Historical background of the mainly female writers is especially interesting and leads to a greater appreciation of their tales.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is NOT a bad book, but it's not as easy as others make it out to be.

Most people will pick up a "fairy tale" book because they have kids or want an easy read. Most kids will be bored by this book. Just being honest. The stories are long winded and can take awhile to get to the point. That doesn't mean they are bad. They're actually really enjoyable stories. You just have to be prepared to spend some time reading them.

Now to the point... Wonder Tales is a collection of "fairy" tales told in the french court. They called them "wonder tales" in france because not all stories involved fairies. I actually liked this aspect. I've read numerous "fairy tales" and find the label quit limiting. Folk tales, tall tales, wonder tales, fables.. You get the picture. The labels just depend on the region.

These wonder tales are a blend of famous fairy tale tropes. Enchantments, hidden identities, strange bridegrooms/bedfellows, curses, etc. Each carries out a little aspect of french society. It's easy to imagine a group of people spending the afternoon together reciting one of these stories. The stories would be enjoyable to both fairy tale enthusiasts and history buffs. But again, I do think children will be bored by these stories. There are also some elements that parents may not want their children exposed to. For those reasons, I would recommend the book to anyone 14+.

[Grania · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Frenchies know how to make any situation ambiguous.

[Story · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious re-tellings of lesser known 17th century wonder tales.

[S]

I cannot, in my current state of mind, enjoy these though I am sure they are charming. I read the first story and decided to put this one down. Called "The White Cat," here is how it goes:

A prince, who is described as Good, has to go on these arbitrary scavenger hunts in a competition with his two older brothers for his father's crown. The king wants to give up the crown because he is approaching the age where he is likely to be murdered by one of his own sons in order to take it. Delightful. But the young prince is, as has been stated, Good. So we follow him on his quests.

Each time he sets off, he goes to this gorgeous palace made of otherworldly materials that is owned by the White Cat who takes an interest in Our Hero. She provides him the object he needs to fulfill the quest and they spend the rest of the quest period dicking about together how royals do. This seems to involve a lot of chess and hunting. I'm not sure this is a royal thing so much as a cat thing, but at one point the White Cat stages a naval battle between her cat courtiers and the rats. The rats have the advantage at first (because they can swim), but the cats eventually get the upper hand at which point the White Cat calls the battle to end. Her logic is that if the cats kill all the mice, they will have nothing do and get restive. Ah. Such wisdom.

This is all just a very long framing story for the real tale. Eventually, the thing the prince needs to fetch is a wife. Now, because the prince is Good, when the White Cat says, "Hey man, I want you to murder the hell out of me" he does it. The Cat is revealed to be Actually a Princess. Apparently, her mom, a human queen and a richer one than the prince's (never mentioned) mom, liked to travel. One day she was in the hinterlands and heard about some fairy place with very good fruit. She was seized with a craving for it and tried to get it, but she couldn't figure out how to enter the garden. She sits there, retinue and all, for SIX WHOLE WEEKS while PREGNANT and wasting away because she wants . . . fruit?

OBVIOUSLY this fairy fruit has put the magic disease in her brain and body because there is no way a pregnant woman is going to eat nothing for six weeks and also not, uh, die. Nevertheless, because she accepts the fairies' offer of fruit for unborn baby (she figured if she didn't get the fruit she'd die anyway), she is the one who gets blamed at the very end of the tale for screwing up. (The baby gets turned eventually into the White Cat because she tried to pull a Rapunzel and got caught.)

So, there were a lot of places where this story could have gone weird and wonderful, but ultimately, here's what the author suggests are the takeaways for us (emphasis mine):

This young prince was lucky indeed
To find in a cat's guise an august princess
Whom he would later marry, and accede
To three thrones and a world of tenderness.
When two enchanting eyes are inclined
To inspire love, they seldom find resistance, [lol -- ed.]
Especially when a wise and ardent mind
Moves them to inspire lasting allegiance.
I'll speak no more of the unworthy mother
Who caused the White Cat so many sorrows
By coveting the fruit of another,
Thus ceding her daughter to the fairies' powers.
Mothers, who have children full of charm,
Despise her conduct, and keep them from all harm.

TL;DR: An ensorcled woman is blamed for all the problems and that is the moral, I guess.

I'm sure these stories are great, and I really did enjoy imagining the palace (because I am a fool for gemstones and butterfly wings) but it's not what I need right now.

But I am enjoying the story about a dude who's nose fell off. Aw yeah.

[Abi]

The Counterfeit Marquise
Love, love, love! Trans rep with a happily-ever-after. And that plot twist was everything!

She took all the necessary precautions and made the midwife promise to announce to the world the birth of a girl, even if it was a boy.

The Great Green Worm
I liked that the protagonist and her love interest started the story as unbearably hideous and fell in love with each other anyway. It did feel a bit like reading a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. My only complaints are that this one was a bit long-winded, and I would have preferred a slightly different ending (say, the main characters remained ugly but got their hea anyway, and maybe the protagonist's family would be called out somehow for their vanity).

she was now painfully aware that they could not stand the sight of her--so she would go back to her wilderness, where the trees, the flowers, and the fountains made no comments about her ugliness when she came near them

[Lazuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pretty interesting! I love fairytales (wonder tales?) and am always looking for more, and this anthology delivered decently well.

My favorite tale was by far 'The Counterfeit Marquise', and the fact that people were not only writing but PUBLISHING stories featuring canonically trans characters in 1697 makes me, a trans person, feel a lot of feelings. That story definitely has a special place in my heart now, and is a very interesting tidbit of trans history as well.

That being said, Wonder Tales failed in one main area. The story 'Starlight' is quite racist and should not have been included.

[Skye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the most perfect book I’ve ever held. Just in terms of physically being a book. It’s size perfectly fits my hands. Its pages are the perfect thickness. It has a delightfully formatted front cover with charming illustrations. The actual text is very interesting as well… I love it when the history of fairy tales is discussed and I learned a bit about French salon writers. But the book! I could never regret purchasing this magnificent hardcover.

[Ania Gaska · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection of fairy tales that were told to adults and meant for adults. My favorite tale in the collection tells the story of a boy who was raised as a girl because his mother did not want him to die in battle like his father. She is happy as a girl and finds the perfect partner in the end!

[Francesca Astraea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really interesting fairy tales. Very 'of their time'; a lot of the sexism, racism and social hierarchy irritated the f out of me, but the stories themselves were well written and well translated. Interesting notes as well.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh.

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[crista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can it be possible that you have such simple faith in such fairy stories?

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I was happy to purchase this book. I read some fairy tales (or here they are wonder tales) that I've never heard of before. They also pushed the boundaries. Thus proving that before many were sanitized, fairy tales held heavier adult themes for both entertainment and warnings. Be warned here come SPOILERS. I rated them separately (per tale) as follows:

*Introduction-Good beginning telling how these stories came to be, and their social commentary for their time in France. There could have been a little more examples, as well as humorous bits. 3/5 stars

*The White Cat-A much more detailed version than prior ones I've read of for this d'Aulnoy story. This included more on the cat's back story at the near end (maybe too much). But with so much detail throughout, I felt less surprise build-up for the ending. But this could be biased, since I did read other translations. Also I am not sure which is more authentic now of the 3 versions I've read (1. Dealt with leisure, 2. Dealt with a fight not mentioned elsewhere, 3. Dealt with back story). 3/5 stars

*The Subtle Princess-My favorite tale I'd never read before. I loved the characters in the books, particularly the clever Finessa and rakish Richcraft (I enjoyed their battle of wits). This tale is not a little kiddie's story. It deals with a ladies' man, trusts and mistrusts, character flaws, a clever heroine, gruesome deaths, and revenge. I do declare that if this was made into a revamped YA NOVEL, I would read it in a heartbeat (seriously someone get to it). 4.5/5 stars

*Bearskin-I liked this story, which I also had never read before. Another great story of transformation. I have one nit-picky thing about it, though. It is dealing with the details of how the people living, dead, and missing through most of the story appear at the end (slightly a deus ex machina moment). 4/5 stars

*The Counterfeit Marquise-Another interesting one now dealing with gender roles. I found it not really a fairy tale as more of a "wonder" tale. Nothing really magical occurs, except for fate seeming to intervene in these characters' lives. I like to see that back in that time there weren't such rigid guidelines, as in other eras on how a lady or man should depict themselves. It is more like commentary in that men of the era could wear heels, powder, and wigs and not be chastised for it. They too "dolled" themselves up. Interesting turn of events at the end for our heroine/hero. 3.5/5 stars

*Starlight-Another lovely fairy tale, that if revamped today it surely would be a large novel. I enjoyed the main characters and creatures that appeared. I do comment though that the island of Quietlife seemed to sidetrack from the lover's story. Though I do also see some necessity in it by helping the Prince Izmir become a more capable ruler. I also found the transformation slightly unnecessary at the end. Mainly because the fairy nor Starlight were detailed as to being on the watch for pursuers after Starlight. I guess it was more or less meant to surprise Izmir at the end. 3/5 stars.

*The Great Green Worm-Another new tale introduced to me about transformations. This one looking at how curiosity can be a downfall, and how the best beauty is in the soul. I enjoyed the twists and turns for our heroine, Hidessa, and her search for happiness and love. My only problem is that I felt Hidessa got off a little easy on her curiosity crime. But then again she has a fairy godmother. 3.5/5 stars

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute delight. In the late 1600s, over a century before the Grimms began collecting German folktales, the fairytale was already receiving literary attention in Paris. Even though Charles Perrault is the only writer of this movement that is well-known today, most of the writers were women. These tales were nurtured by a salon culture. Run by women, these salons were essentially the only places where these women could discuss politics, literature, and philosophy. Storytelling became a popular activity, with the women drawing on folklore, myth, and their own imaginations. Through the tales, the women call for intellectual equality and a change in the relationships between men and women. One of their biggest targets was the system of arranged marriages. They felt that a marriage should involve intellectual compatibility, friendship, and love; lovers should chose each other. For their time, these stories were quite daring and socially subversive.

Wonder Tales collects six stories: 5 are by three of the leading women writers of the movement: Marie-Catherine D'Aulnoy (whose life story is as fantastic as her stories), Merie-Jeanne L'Heritier de Villandon , and Henriette-Julie de Murat (who was exiled for satirizing one of the king's affairs). This sixth is believed to be a collaboration between Perrault and the Abbé de Choisy (priest, libertine, transvestite), but it is far more controversial than any of the tales Perrault included in his famous Contes du temps passé, as it features cross-dressing. It is probably my least favourite tale of the collection, but it is still quite interesting.

These were not stories for children, though a number of the tales (such as the white cat and bearskin) have endured in bowdlerized versions. The abundance of opulent detail may bother some time, but I found the display of imagination impressive. Most of the tales are told in more conversational style, allowing the personalities of these remarkable women comes through. Their heroines are, generally, not the timid passive doormats that many associate with fairytales. They are intelligent, resourceful, and they take active roles. Though beautiful, their beauty is secondary. Finessa, The Subtle Princess, is now my favourite fairytale heroine ever. That tale and The White Cat are my favourites from the collection.

If I had a daughter, I would want her to know these versions of these stories. I just wish the collection included more stories.

Be sure to read the excellent introduction.

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belle gave me this book a while back and I just re-read it. It is a collection of six translated french "wonder tales" or fairy tales that were written in a time when they were considered witty and clever and in high demand. I happen to be a big fan of fairy tales which is why I read it twice. I also plan on illustrating a scene from each story as practice. Certainly they come from another time, when things happen like the beautiful girl who's skin is like starlight turns into a Moorish woman and she attempts to kill herself because her lover will no longer find her beautiful are a bit irritating to today's society. Luckily her lover still finds her charming. Mostly though, it's enjoyable. Fantastic things happen in fantastic places and the good always triumph over the less good. Those bits are timeless.

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this is a collection of fairy tales, what more do I need to say? Or, "Six French Stories of Enchantment," if you would rather. The introduction by Marina Warner explains the setting and the three authoresses (and Perrault/de Choisy who liked to cross-dress - who knew?) in the "salons" during Louis XIV's reign.

The heroines are strong women and the tales are told by strong women, but they are still fairy tales. So though you get variations on "Beauty and the Beast," good and vindictive fairies, pagods and pagodines, serpents, curses, and shape shifters, the plots are ever the same. It is is trial and tribulation with help from good fairies, followed by living happily ever after.

So great translations, A.S. Byatt! And an amusing read, but there is nothing extraordinary, just fun fantasy. Best in small doses.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

These aren't real fairy tales, and they sure don't contain any of the wisdom of folktales -- the "wonder" in them generally stems from descriptions of really expensive-sounding things which rich people (princes and princesses) are showered with by their fairy guardians.

But, some foreshadowings of magic realism pop up accidentally, which keeps about half of the stories interesting. And some of the translators (Gil Adair and AS Byatt in particular) manage to inject some decent commentary (others get mired in a kind of ironic drollery).

[Ellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

#3 - a book you own but haven't read

Wonder Tales represents the worst of traditional fairy tales. The language was unbearably flowery, the characters were unappealing, and for the most part the stories were just. so. boring. Only one of the stories, The Subtle Princess, was readable, a lone spark of humor in this otherwise unbearably dull book.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay if you're into fairy tales. The first couple were a trip down memory lane from childhood, but after that I rather lost interest. I gave up about half way through.

[Madly Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these tales. A re-read.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of these are impossible to find anywhere else. Recommended highly for fans of literary fairy tales.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The White Cat- 5/5 stars
The Subtle Princess- 4.5/5 stars
Bearskin- 4/5 stars
The Counterfeit Marquise- 3/5 stars
Starlight- 4/5 stars
The Great Green Worm- 3/5 stars
Overall rating- 4 stars

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Utterly enjoyable, astonishingly queer and funny: a great, quick summer read for all those who love the fantastic, dreamy atmosphere of childhood fairytales!

[Meha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun! I wasn't super familiar with Belle Epoque tales, but this was a great, highly readable selection.