'Four and Twenty Fairy Tales' is a collection of stories, selected from the writings of Perrault among others, and translated by J. R. Planché (1796-1880). The text is accompanied by the beautiful illustrations of James Godwin, Edward Corbould and William Harvey. Perrault (1628-1703) was among the first writers to bring magical children's stories into the literary mainstream, proving to their original seventeenth century readers that such works were important, enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking. The stories in this particular text encompass favorites such as 'Blue Beard', 'Sleeping Beauty', 'Puss in Boots' and 'Cinderella' as well as other, near-forgotten tales such as 'Fairer than a Fairy'. 'The Impossible Enchantment' and 'The Widow and her Two Daughters.' Planché himself was a British dramatist and antiquary, chiefly responsible for introducing historically accurate costume into nineteenth century British theatre. His interest in folklore stemmed from such endeavours - and his passion for the tales as well as mastery of the French language is apparent in this text. The book contains a selection of black-and-white illustrations, which further serve to refine and enhance the tales.