Cinderella across Cultures

This anthology examines the multifaceted adaptations of the Cinderella story, revealing its cultural significance and transformations over time. Cinderella Across Cultures enriches fairy-tale studies.

The Cinderella Across Cultures anthology presents a rich exploration of the enduring Cinderella tale, which has been retold in countless forms throughout history. This collection, edited by Martine Hennard Dutheil de la Rochère, Gillian Lathey, and Monika Wozniak, delves into the various cultural adaptations and interpretations of the story, revealing its multilayered nature and its capacity for reinvention across different media. Rather than focusing solely on Cinderella as a folklore item, the volume emphasizes its reception and transformation within diverse national contexts, including Italy, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Russia.

The first section, “Contextualizing Cinderella,” highlights the historical and cultural influences that have shaped literary versions of the tale over time. The second section, “Regendering Cinderella,” examines contemporary reinterpretations, particularly through feminist and queer lenses, showcasing innovative approaches to the classic story in recent literature. Lastly, “Visualising Cinderella” addresses the interplay between text and imagery, discussing how the tale's iconography has evolved and been revitalized.

Overall, Cinderella Across Cultures offers valuable insights for scholars and enthusiasts alike, contributing significantly to fairy-tale studies and expanding the understanding of this beloved narrative. Readers interested in visual arts, translation studies, and popular culture will find this collection particularly engaging, as it invites them to rediscover the Cinderella story through a fresh perspective.