Madame d'Aulnoy: The Fairy Tale Queen
Madame d'Aulnoy (Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville) was a fascinating French author who lived from 1650/1651 to 1705. She's best known for her captivating fairy tales, which earned her the title "the fairy tale queen."
A Life of Intrigue and Creativity
- Controversial Past: D'Aulnoy's life was filled with drama. She was involved in a scandalous plot to accuse her husband of treason, which led to her exile from Paris for two decades.
- Literary Success: Despite her troubled personal life, she became one of the most popular and influential authors of her time. She hosted her own literary salon in Paris, where she read her fairy tales to a captivated audience.
- Fairy Tale Pioneer: D'Aulnoy is credited with coining the term "fairy tale" (contes de fées) and popularizing the genre. Her tales, like "The Blue Bird" and "The White Cat," are filled with magic, adventure, and witty social commentary.
Key Points About Madame d'Aulnoy
- Born: 1650/1651, near Honfleur, France
- Died: January 14, 1705, Paris, France
- Known for: Fairy tales, literary salon, controversial life
- Impact: Influenced other writers, especially aristocratic women, who embraced the fairy tale genre.
