Beauty and the Beast by Madame de Beaumont

Beauty and the Beast by Madame de Beaumont

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2493630/fan_mail/new] Beauty and the Beast is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales, but long before it became a movie, it was told in the literary salons of France. 'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), In this classic version, Beauty chooses kindness over comfort and discovers that appearances can hide unexpected truths.  Set in a world of enchanted castles, mysterious promises, and quiet courage, the story explores what it means to see beyond outward appearances. This tale has been shared for generations because its message remains timeless.     A NOTE ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: "La Belle et la Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), was written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve and was first published in 1740.  A more succinct version of Villeneuve’s story was later published in 1756 by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. (1711-1781)   This is the version of "Beauty and the Beast" that you will hear in this episode.   Many people thought that this story was written by Charles Perrault, the famous author of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. Before I did some more research on the story,  I thought so myself.   Charles Perrault who was born on January 12, 1628, and died on May 16, 1703 had nothing to do with this story.  He was not yet born when it was written.   "Beauty and the Beast" is credited to Charles Perrault in Tales of Passed Time Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1900.  Possibly, the publishers simply wanted to use his more famous name to sell the book.    In Old Time Stories Told by Master Charles Perrault, published in 1921.  There is a PREFATORY NOTE that includes this:  "To the eight tales of Perrault three others have been added here.  'Beauty and the Beast,' by Mme Leprince de Beaumont (1711-1781), has a celebrity which warrants its inclusion, however inferior it may seem, as an example of the story-teller's art, to the masterpieces of Perrault."  I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com    OR Send me some fan mail.    "Beauty and the Beast" by  Mme Leprince de Beaumont is a work in the public domain.   A Look Ahead: July 8th " The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs July 15th "The Tell Tale Heart" By Edgar Allan Poe A podcast by SBKA LLC

Bernice Bobs Her Hair Part 2 of 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2493630/fan_mail/new] Today's story is "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald. "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published on May 1, 1920  in The Saturday Evening Post.  In 1920, well to do women were still growing their hair very long.  As F. Scott Fitzgerald describes Bernice's feelings about her hair.  "she would never again feel its long voluptuous pull as it hung in a dark-brown glory down her back"   Later that year, it was published in book form as part of his first short story collection, titled Flappers and Philosophers (published in September 1920). Many readers know Fitzgerald as the author of The Great Gatsby, but before that celebrated novel, he was already capturing the voice of a generation fascinated by youth, style, popularity, and social change. More than a century after it was written, the story still feels remarkably familiar. The desire to belong, the fear of embarrassment, and the challenge of remaining true to oneself are experiences that have not changed nearly as much as the hairstyles. 1920 follows just after the horrors of World War 1 and the global influenza epidemic and just as America was entering what would become known as the Jazz Age. It was a confusing and difficult time. World War I claimed an estimated 16 million lives. The influenza epidemic that swept the world in 1918 killed an estimated 50 million people. One fifth of the world's population was attacked by this deadly virus. Within months, it had killed more people than any other illness in recorded history.  Young adults, usually unaffected by these types of infectious diseases, were among the hardest hit groups along with the elderly and young children. 1920 also saw the passage of the 19th amendment.  The 19th amendment granted women the right to vote.  It was passed by Congress June 4, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920 I would love to hear your thoughts: greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" is a work in the public domain.   A Look Ahead: July 1st "Beauty and the Beast" by Madame de Beaumont July 8th "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs   A podcast by SBKA LLC

Bernice Bobs Her Hair Part 1 of 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2493630/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Great Stories Well Told, we turn from Kate Chopin's quiet examination of personal freedom to F. Scott Fitzgerald's sharp and often humorous portrait of youth in the Jazz Age. When shy and awkward Bernice visits her glamorous cousin Marjorie, she quickly learns that popularity has its own rules. Determined to transform herself, Bernice follows Marjorie's advice and becomes the center of attention. But when appearances become more important than authenticity, the results are both surprising and unforgettable. "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" captures the energy, social ambitions, and changing values of a new generation while revealing timeless truths about identity, friendship, and the cost of trying to fit in. "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" by F. Scott Fitzgerald was first published on May 1, 1920  in The Saturday Evening Post.  Later that year, it was published in book form as part of his first short story collection, titled Flappers and Philosophers (published in September 1920). Bernice Bobs Her Hair by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a work in the public domain.   A Look Ahead: June 24th "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald July 1st    "Beauty and the Beast" by Madame de Beaumont A podcast by SBKA LLC

The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2493630/fan_mail/new] Welcome to the first episode in Season 2 of Great Stories Well Told:  “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin. This is a remarkable and quietly powerful short story about marriage, identity, freedom, and the hidden emotions that can live beneath ordinary life. First published in 1894, Chopin’s story unfolds over the course of a single hour, revealing the inner thoughts of a woman confronted with sudden and life-changing news.  With subtle emotional depth and striking psychological insight, this classic work remains as thought-provoking today as when it was first written. An Early Edit by the Author: Kate Chopin wrote “The Story of an Hour” on April 19, 1894. It was first published in Vogue on December 6, 1894, under the title “The Dream of an Hour.”  It was reprinted in St. Louis Life on January 5, 1895, with two changes that are included in this version of the story. One of those changes adds the word “her” to the first sentence of paragraph 14.   You can see that change here in this sentence:   “There would be no one to live for her..."  I have been doing some thinking as to why the author made this small change and how it affects the meaning of the sentence.  If you are also interested: Please let me know what you think:  greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin is a work in the public domain.   A Look Ahead for Season 2: June 17th - "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 1  by F. Scott Fitzgerald  June 24th - "Bernice Bobs Her Hair" Part 2 by F. Scott Fitzgerald A podcast by SBKA LLC

Why the Sea is Salt

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2493630/fan_mail/new] This story contains scenes of violence, as some classic stories do. Listener discretion is advised In this episode of Great Stories Well Told, we present "Why the Sea is Salt", a traditional tale told in many places and in a number of different versions.    It is a story of a poor man, a magical gift, and what can happen when more is taken than is needed. And it offers a simple answer to a question we have all heard: why is the sea salty? This is  Norse folktale "Why the Sea is Salt" (originally titled Kvernen som maler på havsens bunn).  It was first translated into English in 1859 by Sir George Webbe Dasent in his book Popular Tales from the Norse.  It has also been published in other story collections.  This version is taken from Sara Cone Bryant's book How to Tell Stories to Children, published in 1918.   Please let me know what you think:  greatstorieswelltold@gmail.com "Why the Sea is Salt" is the final story in Season 1.  I hope that you will join me for Season 2 , scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 10th.   "Why The Sea Is Salt" is a story in the public domain. A podcast by SBKA LLC