New Release: The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault (Calla Editions)

The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault (Calla Editions) is one of the new Calla releases for Fall 2012. It's a great price, too, at 43% off list price. Roughly $20 for a hardcover illustrated book is wonderful these days.

I'm always torn over buying these for my library since I already own so many older editions of these Golden Age fairy tale illustrations. But I like having the facsimiles that are less fragile and more complete. I've had to buy abused editions to afford some of these, often with at least some of the color plate removed. No, the color reproductions in the Calla editions are not exceptional--they pale in comparison to the original editions with their tipped in plates--but the rest is great and it's nice to have them either way. Besides, in this case, I've always preferred Clarke's pen and ink work to his color work.

Book description:

In the late 17th century, French author Charles Perrault helped define the fairy tale genre, transforming what had previously been an oral tradition. This magnificent hardcover reproduces his captivating renditions of "Cinderella," "Sleeping Beauty," "Little Red Riding Hood," and ten other childhood favorites. Twenty-four graceful, witty illustrations by Irish artist Harry Clarke include full-color, pen-and-ink, and silhouette images. Introduction by art historian Thomas Bodkin.