An interview with Melissa Ashley, the Australian author of the 'The bee and the orange tree', a work of historical fiction that centres on the life and work of Marie Catherine d'Aulnoy.
Hi Mamma Yaga, I'm glad you liked the interview. The book the translation comes from is 'Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment' edited by Marina Warner. My copy is hard cover and the book itself is a small, squarish format. It was published in 1996. I love it, I'm sure there's a copy floating about somewhere.
I adore that little book! Such a satisfying little object of beauty (to look at and to read). There are editions available from either Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, or Vintage Books. Either way, the book includes all those delicious tales, and some wonderful commentary on the writers.
I think, however, that in that particular book the translation of 'The White Cat' is by John Ashbery, and Byatt does the translator's dance with d'Aulnoy's less well-known 'The Great Green Worm' (Le Serpentin Vert, often translated as 'The Green Serpent')--can that be right, Melissa? I often misremember authors/translators/variants! I should have fact-checked you while we were doing the interview (bad interviewer!).
Thank you! I just bought 'The Island of Happiness Tales of Madame dAulnoy' inspired by this interview, I believe, and must pace my purchases. With two votes of approval for 'Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment' I am sincerely drooling. It will be in my hands one day. Thanks again!
Hi. Lovely interview. I admire everyone's work here including Melissa Ashley's vision which shone through this piece. I was not able to find a source for "AS Byatt’s version/translation from the French of Marie Catherine d’Aulnoy’s ‘The White Cat’, for which she’s best known." Where might I read that version?
I really enjoyed reading this interview. It was interesting to learn about Melissa Ashley as an author and to become acquainted with the subject matter she explores in her writing. "The Little Match Girl" was a favorite tale for me as a young girl as well!
Hi Mamma Yaga, I'm glad you liked the interview. The book the translation comes from is 'Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment' edited by Marina Warner. My copy is hard cover and the book itself is a small, squarish format. It was published in 1996. I love it, I'm sure there's a copy floating about somewhere.
I adore that little book! Such a satisfying little object of beauty (to look at and to read). There are editions available from either Farrar, Strauss, Giroux, or Vintage Books. Either way, the book includes all those delicious tales, and some wonderful commentary on the writers.
I think, however, that in that particular book the translation of 'The White Cat' is by John Ashbery, and Byatt does the translator's dance with d'Aulnoy's less well-known 'The Great Green Worm' (Le Serpentin Vert, often translated as 'The Green Serpent')--can that be right, Melissa? I often misremember authors/translators/variants! I should have fact-checked you while we were doing the interview (bad interviewer!).
Yes, you're right. Wishful thinking, on my behalf! Thanks for pointing that out.
Thank you! I just bought 'The Island of Happiness Tales of Madame dAulnoy' inspired by this interview, I believe, and must pace my purchases. With two votes of approval for 'Wonder Tales: Six French Stories of Enchantment' I am sincerely drooling. It will be in my hands one day. Thanks again!
Thank you very much for answering my question. I am looking forward to reading beyond the excerpt of your work provided here.
Hi. Lovely interview. I admire everyone's work here including Melissa Ashley's vision which shone through this piece. I was not able to find a source for "AS Byatt’s version/translation from the French of Marie Catherine d’Aulnoy’s ‘The White Cat’, for which she’s best known." Where might I read that version?
I really enjoyed reading this interview. It was interesting to learn about Melissa Ashley as an author and to become acquainted with the subject matter she explores in her writing. "The Little Match Girl" was a favorite tale for me as a young girl as well!
Congratulations! The book, from what I read here, sounds enchanting, and a well-researched masterpiece.