Who wrote Cinderella and Puss in Boots? - briefly
The stories of "Cinderella" and "Puss in Boots" are part of the collection known as "Tales of Mother Goose," which was first published in France in the late 17th century. Charles Perrault is credited with writing these tales, which have since become beloved classics worldwide.
Who wrote Cinderella and Puss in Boots? - in detail
The tales of "Cinderella" and "Puss in Boots" are part of a rich European folklore tradition, with numerous variations and adaptations over centuries. While it is challenging to attribute these stories to a single author due to their oral nature and widespread dissemination, we can trace their earliest known written forms to specific collections.
"Cinderella," also known as "The Little Glass Slipper," has its earliest recorded version in the Chinese story "Ye Xian" from the 9th century during the Tang dynasty. However, the most well-known and widely recognized version is found in Charles Perrault's "Cendrillon" from his collection of fairy tales, "Histoires ou contes du temps passé," published in 1697. Perrault’s work significantly influenced later adaptations, including the Brothers Grimm's "Aschenputtel" (1812), which is closer to the darker and more gruesome original tales.
On the other hand, "Puss in Boots" originated from Italian folklore, with its earliest known written version appearing in Giovanni Francesco Straparola's collection of stories, "Le Piacevoli Notti" (The Pleasant Nights), published in 1550-1553. This story, titled "Costantino Fortunato," features a clever and resourceful cat who helps its master rise to prominence. The tale was later adapted by Charles Perrault into the more familiar "Le Maître Chat ou le Chat Botté" (The Master Cat or Puss in Boots), published in 1697 as part of his collection, "Histoires ou contes du temps passé."
Both tales have been retold and adapted countless times across different cultures and languages, contributing to their enduring popularity. While we cannot definitively say who wrote the original oral versions of these stories, we can attribute their earliest known written forms to specific authors: Straparola for "Puss in Boots" and Perrault for a popular version of "Cinderella." These early written adaptations have significantly shaped our modern understanding and enjoyment of these classic tales.