Retelling Cinderella: Cultural and Creative Transformations, edited by Dr Nicola Darwood and Professor Alexis Weedon, looks to Bedfordshire’s archived Cinderella Collection to explore how the story remains active in societies around the world.

This new book draws on a collection of texts and items sourced by RIMAP (Research Institute for Media, Arts & Performance) related to the fairy tale – ranging from the 18^th to the 21^st century – which reside in the University Library. Beginning with modern and contemporary versions, the chapters of Retelling Cinderella then move back in time to trace the tale’s interpretation and influence throughout history.

It is the iconic basis of Cinderella – a lowly, overlooked servant who transforms into a princess – that has led to it being translated culturally across the globe. This, according to Retelling Cinderella’s authors, is because the illustration of social transformation from lower class to high society resonates with ‘everyday people’.

In this way, Professor Alexis Weedon, Director of RIMAP, believes Cinderella can be used as an insight into class prejudice and women’s rights. She said:

Retelling Cinderella is a fascinating documentation of how Cinderella’s story can be socially transformational, and speak to us about class prejudice, the rights of women and of the challenges of step-relationships.

Cinderella documents the feelings of rejection within a family, either through having step-parents or siblings or simply through being the least highly-regarded and the most put upon within the social structure of the household.

It is remarkable how many times the story of Cinderella has been told. You can find its story structure in China, in Ireland and in Icelandic sagas. It is an ancient story structure and although the characters, the magical items and the challenges to overcome do vary from culture to culture, the same fundamental story remains.

Dr Nicola Darwood, Senior Lecturer English Literature, says she found it fascinating to discover how the tale of Cinderella has been transformed and translated. She said:

It’s been great to work with colleagues around the world as we uncovered the many ways in which the Cinderella tale has been told and retold.

Working on this project, from the early planning of an international conference in 2017 at the University of Bedfordshire through to this collection of essays, has been a great deal of fun.

Retelling Cinderella: Cultural and Creative Transformations is available to buy from the Cambridge Scholars website now. A free 30-page extract is also available for download.

For information about projects and study opportunities with the University’s Research Institute for Media, Art & Performance, visit: www.beds.ac.uk/rimap

It's been wonderful working with @AlexisWeedon on Retelling Cinderella, and great to have the opportunity to write about Nancy Spain's fabulous & ridiculous detective story Cinderella Goes to the Morgue. pic.twitter.com/NAbQ5dzXEk

— Dr Nicola Darwood (@NicDarwood) January 11, 2021