Peau d’Âne is a 17th century coming-of-age story from Charles Perrault that resonates as strongly today as it has ever before. A French fairytale first published in 1695, the title translates from French to the word “Donkeyskin,” or the unfortunate nickname of the heroine. A blend of enchantment and adventure come together to create a story of courage and identity that rings true for readers today.
Charles Perrault was an author and member of the Académie Française. He is most well known for his stories Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Puss in Boots, and Peau d’Âne, and helped shape the modern fairy tale tradition. Perrault crafted tales that combined fantasy and moral lessons, and his storytelling helped establish his narratives as some of the most enduring and widely recognized in world literature.
Perrault played an influential role in French cultural and intellectual life during the reign of Louis XIV. He held several government positions, and ultimately achieved lasting fame through his collection Histoires ou contes du temps passé (Stories or Tales from Times Past), first published in 1697. His fairy tales have inspired countless adaptations in literature, theater, film, and popular culture, and has secured his legacy as one of the founding fathers of the fairy tale genre.
