Thank you for downloading "Beauty and the Beast" by Jeanne-Marie LePrince. Born in France in 1711, Jeanne-Marie LePrince loved books from a very young age. Her first book, "The Triumph of Truth,"  was published in 1748 and was followed by 40 other volumes through her lifetime. Her life and her writings revolved around the teaching and training of young girls. In France, she was a governess. While in London, she married Thomas Pichon, had six children, founded a girl's school and published magazines for young, adolescent girls and young ladies. She returned alone to France where she died in 1780. In retrospect, Jeanne-Marie LePrince could be considered one of the earliest feminists as she passed on her love of education to her many female students. A novel concept in the 1700s.  The above unsigned portrait is believed to have been done by Jeanne-Marie's brother artist Jean LePrince.

In "Beauty and the Beast" a young, self-centered prince is cursed and turned into a beast. Unless he finds true love by his 21st birthday, he will be a beast for the rest of his days. Beauty, in payment of her father's debt, agrees to go live in the castle with the Beast. The rest is history. Enjoy reliving it in its 18th century  - and most popular - version.

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