A note to readers: although this is indeed a Greek myth, the Roman names are used for almost every mythological figure, a function no doubt, of the identity of the first person to write the story down. Charlotte Craft's narrative, which I found to be a skillful adaptation of a much longer and more complex text, making this wonderful story more accessible to young readers. That portrait, as well as the picture of Psyche mourning the loss of Cupid by the lily-pond, are my favorite illustrations in the book. Charlotte Craft (Author), Kinuko Craft (Illustrator) 115 ratings See all formats and editions Kindle 3.99 Read with Our Free App Library Binding 4.91 2 Used from 4. Her darker illustrations can be very compelling, as in the full-page depiction of Proserpine. Charlotte Craft Cupid and Psyche Library Binding Januby M. They are terribly romantic, but I do not find them sentimental. Her paintings are simply gorgeous - colorful, lush, and very detailed - I can look at them for hours.

But I thought I would start with this title, because I am a great fan of Kinuko Craft, the illustrator of this particular retelling. I collect illustrated fairy tales and myths, and have in my collection a few other versions of this story, which I hope to eventually review here. It is an ancient variant of the more contemporary Beauty and the Beast tale, and exhibits some striking parallels to Madame le Prince de Beaumont's fairytale of that name. The tale of Cupid and Psyche is of great antiquity, not only in various oral traditions, but in the written record as well, having first been recorded as part of Apuleius's 2nd century novel, The Golden Ass. Separated from all she has come to love, the mortal Psyche must accomplish three inhuman tasks, or relinquish all claim on her beloved Cupid. But a visit from her envious sisters causes Psyche to doubt her new husband, and in a moment of weakness, she betrays his trust. When Psyche is told that she will marry 'a creature feared by the gods themselves' she is terrified, but soon discovers that her invisible bridegroom is gentle and loving, and she spends her days in contentment. A picture-book retelling of the classic Greek myth, in which Cupid, the god of love and the son of Venus, falls in love with a mortal princess named Psyche.

Cupid and Psyche by M. Charlotte Craft