Send us Fan Mail

Beauty and the Beast is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales, but long before it became a movie, it was told in the literary salons of France.

'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781),

In this classic version, Beauty chooses kindness over comfort and discovers that appearances can hide unexpected truths.

Set in a world of enchanted castles, mysterious promises, and quiet courage, the story explores what it means to see beyond outward appearances.

This tale has been shared for generations because its message remains timeless.

A NOTE ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:

"La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was first published in 1740.

A more succinct version of Villeneuve’s story was later published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. (1711-1781) This is the version of "Beauty and the Beast" that you will hear in this episode.

Many people thought that this story was written by Charles Perrault, the famous author of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Before I did some more research on the story, I thought so myself.

Charles Perrault who was born on January 12, 1628, and died on May 16, 1703 had nothing to do with this story. He was not yet born when it was written.

"Beauty and the Beast" is credited to Charles Perrault in Tales of Passed Time Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1900. Possibly, the publishers simply wanted to use his more famous name to sell the book.

In Old Time Stories Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1921. There is a PREFATORY NOTE that includes this:

"To the eight tales of Perrault three others have been added here. 'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), has a celebrity which warrants its inclusion, however inferior it may seem, as an example of the story-teller's art, to the masterpieces of Perrault."

I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com

OR Send me some fan mail.

"Beauty and the Beast" by Mme Leprince de Beaumont is a work in the public domain.

A Look Ahead:

July 8th " The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

July 15th "The Tell Tale Heart" By Edgar Allan Poe

A podcast by SBKA LLC

Send us Fan Mail

Today's story is "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published on May 1, 1920 in The Saturday Evening Post.

In 1920, well to do women were still growing their hair very long. As F. Scott Fitzgerald describes Bernice's feelings about her hair. "she would never again feel its long voluptuous pull as it hung in a dark-brown glory down her back"

Later that year, it was published in book form as part of his first short story collection, titled Flappers and Philosophers (published in September 1920).

Many readers know Fitzgerald as the author of The Great Gatsby, but before that celebrated novel, he was already capturing the voice of a generation fascinated by youth, style, popularity, and social change.

More than a century after it was written, the story still feels remarkably familiar. The desire to belong, the fear of embarrassment, and the challenge of remaining true to oneself are experiences that have not changed nearly as much as the hairstyles.

1920 follows just after the horrors of World War 1 and the global influenza epidemic and just as America was entering what would become known as the Jazz Age. It was a confusing and difficult time.

World War I claimed an estimated 16 million lives. The influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people.

One fifth of the world's population was attacked by this deadly virus. Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history. Young adults, usually unaffected by these types of infectious diseases, were among the hardest hit groups along with the elderly and young children.

1920 also saw the passage of the 19th amendment. The 19th amendment granted women the right to vote. It was passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920

I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" is a work in the public domain.

A Look Ahead:

July 1st "Beauty and the Beast" by Madame de Beaumont

July 8th "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs

A podcast by SBKA LLC

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Great Stories Well Told, we turn from Kate Chopin's quiet examination of personal freedom to F. Scott Fitzgerald's sharp and often humorous portrait of youth in the Jazz Age.

When shy and awkward Bernice visits her glamorous cousin Marjorie, she quickly learns that popularity has its own rules. Determined to transform herself, Bernice follows Marjorie's advice and becomes the center of attention. But when appearances become more important than authenticity, the results are both surprising and unforgettable.

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" captures the energy, social ambitions, and changing values of a new generation while revealing timeless truths about identity, friendship, and the cost of trying to fit in.

"Bernice Bobs Her Hair" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published on May 1, 1920 in The Saturday Evening Post.

Later that year, it was published in book form as part of his first short story collection, titled Flappers and Philosophers (published in September 1920).

Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a work in the public domain.

A Look Ahead:

June 24th "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald

July 1st "Beauty and the Beast" by Madame de Beaumont

A podcast by SBKA LLC