The Island of Happiness: Tales of Madame d''Aulnoy

An enchanting selection of Madame dAulnoys seventeenth-century French fairy tales, interpreted by contemporary visual artist Natalie Frank

Marie-Catherine Le Jumel de Barneville (16501705), also known as Madame dAulnoy, was a pioneer of the French literary fairy tale. Though dAulnoys work now rarely appears outside of anthologies, her books were notably popular during her lifetime, and she was in fact the author who coined the term fairy tales (contes des fées). Presenting eight of dAulnoys magical stories, The Island of Happiness juxtaposes poetic English translations with a wealth of original, contemporary drawings by Natalie Frank, one of todays most outstanding visual artists. In this beautiful volume, classic narratives are interpreted and made anew through Franks feminist and surreal images.

This feast of words and visuals presents worlds where women exercise their independence and push against rigid social rules. Fidelity and sincerity are valued over jealousy and greed, though not everything ends seamlessly. Selected tales include Belle-Belle, where an incompetent king has his kingdom restored to him through an androgynous heroines constancy. In The Green Serpent, a heroine falls in love with the eponymous snake, is punished by a wicked fairy, and endures trials to prove her worthiness. And in The White Cat, a young prince is dazzled by the astonishing powers of a feline. Jack Zipess informative introduction offers historical context, and Natalie Franks opening essay delves into her aesthetic approaches to dAulnoys characters.

An inspired integration of art and text, The Island of Happiness is filled with seductive stories of transformation and enchantment.