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Beauty and the Beast, the classic French fairy tale, dates from the mid-eighteenth century - though it is rooted in older stories like Cupid and Psyche. It has also inspired newer tales like the Hunchback of Notre Dame and even King Kong. Laughing Elephant is proud to present the seminal version of the story that is so rooted in our culture.

The anonymous author of this Beauty and the Beast brings the familiar tale to life admirably. This version doesn't dwell too long on Beauty's family's financial troubles or her horrible sisters - instead, the narrative proceeds quickly to Beauty's fateful visit to the magical castle, with all the delightful details that have long fascinated children, like the disembodied hands that serve dinner and the magic rose.

H.M. Brock's illustrations are sumptuous and romantic. The animal servants are lavishly clothed, Beauty is exquisite, and even the Beast is a rather handsome lion. The castle is so huge and dazzling and the gardens are so lavish that one can't imagine why Beauty would ever want to leave.

This powerful story and Brock's lovely illustrations are accompanied by a new introduction from children's literature expert Professor Jerry Griswold. Laughing Elephant and The Green Tiger Press have long enjoyed bringing great illustrators out of obscurity. This version of Beauty and the Beast, part of Laughing Elephant and Green Tiger Press's Illustrated Classics series, revives a treasure with grace and intelligence. This is the quintessential version of an immortal tale, here to delight a whole new generation.