The Bee

One of the most prominent French writers, Anatole France is best known for his novels aimed at an adult audience. He has penned only one fairy tale. But what a tale it is! Beautiful and kind, wise and touching, it plays on the most delicate strings of our souls. It is a story about what will never lose its relevance—about friendship and loyalty, perseverance and generosity.

The heroes of the fairy tale—the young Count Georges Blanshelan and his stepsister the Bee Claridian—set out in search of a mysterious lake seen from the high tower of a castle and find themselves captured by fairy tale creatures—the king of gnomes and the mistress of the waters. The heroes must endure many trials and overcome numerous temptations while remaining loyal to each other.

Remarkable illustrations by the artist Vladimir Nenov astonishingly convey the atmosphere of this magical romantic story.