The Doodle created by artist Sophie Diao features illustrations from his famous fables Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Puss in Boots.
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‘Once upon a time…’, a spindle, a glass slipper, princess and her prince charming all became part of our lives all thanks to 17th-century author and academician Charles Perrault.
Perrault, surprisingly started writing his stories only after he retired.
Charles Perrault pretty much invented the fairy tale.
Perrault was born into a wealthy family, studied law and enjoyed a successful career as a civil servant. He borrowed several elements from stories that were already widely narrated, but provided what were then modern twists to the narrative.
Once upon a time – well, today actually – Google transformed its logo to celebrate Charles Perrault’s 388th birthday. Two of his well known works have been the famous fairy tale novels- Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Perrault’s stories also include Little Red Riding Hood and Bluebeard.
He died in 1703.
The tales, based on French popular tradition, proved popular at court and Perrault is credited as being the founder of the modern fairy tale genre, predating the Brothers Grimm by some 200 years.
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His stories continue to be printed, and have been adapted in opera, ballet, theater, and film.
