The books in this section are usually hardcover and in decent shape, though we'll sometimes offer hard-to-find books in lesser condition at a reduced price. Though we often put images of the book with their original dust jackets, the copies here won't always (or even often) have them. If that is important to you, please call ahead or say so in the order comments!
The folk tales of France are as varied in background as the French people themselves. At the time when many of these stories developed, transportation and communication within a country as large as France was very difficult. Different ways of life were important in different parts of the country. The folk tales told in one area often were not the same as tales from another part of France.
Stories from France includes tales from many backgrounds. There are stories of clever animals like Reynard the Fox and the Mother Goat. There are tales of magic, including the story of beautiful Princess Fifine and her magic White Mare. Some of the stories, like the old tale of the stones and the honest stonecutter, tell of the victory of good over evil. Several favorites come from the early Middle Ages when troubadors traveled from court to court, singing of the adventures of brave knights and their ladies. The last story, "The Horn of Roland," is about a real battle between the French and the Saracens.
For young readers, these fascinating and varied old folk tales, coupled with Gordon Laite's striking illustrations, will serve as a delightful introduction to the treasury of French folklore.
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