Reveals the intricate sexual politics, moral ambiguities, and philosophical underpinnings of the folktale, tracing its history from the court of Louis XIV to its applications in modern marketing, and showing how it has served as a measure of social and sexual mores for women. 25,000 first printing.

In Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked Catherine Orenstein reveals for the first time the intricate sexual politics, moral ambiguities and philosophical underpinnings of Red Riding Hood's epic journey to Grandmother's house--and how, from the nursery on, the story influences our view of the world. Beginning with its first publication as a cautionary tale on the perils of seduction, written in reaction to the licentiousness of the court of Louis XIV, Orenstein traces the many and various lives the tale has lived since then, from its appearance in modern advertisements for cosmetics and automobiles to the inspiration it brought to poets like Anne Sexton and its starring role in pornographic films. In Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked, Red appears as seductress, hapless victim, riot grrrrl, femme fatale, and even she-wolf, as Orenstein shows how, through centuries of different guises, the story has served as a barometer of social and sexual mores pertaining to women. Full of fascinating history, generous wit, and intelligent analysis, Little Red Riding Hood Uncloaked proves that the story of one young girl's trip through the woods continues to be one of our most compelling modern myths.

"Alan Dundes of the University of California, Berkeley, continues his exploration of well-loved fairy tales with this casebook on one of the best-known of them all: Little Red Riding Hood. The twelve essays are by international scholars representing an impressive cross section of theoretical approaches."--Page 4 of cover.

This unique anthology contributes to cross-cultural exchange and facilitates comparative study of the tale for readers interested in fairy-tale studies, cultural studies, and literary history.

Twenty-six classic fairy tales are supplemented by extensive literary, cultural, and historical commentary.

First Published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

An American journalist is trapped in Nazi Germany in this variation on the Sleeping Beauty theme.