Old French Fairy Tales, USA, Applewood Books, Paperback A wonderful book by Sophie Rostopchine, Comtesse De Segur (1799-1874) of 5 timeless French fairy tales, magnificently illustrated with beautiful and dramatic color and black-and-white drawings by Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931). De Segur, a French writer of Russian descent, wrote numerous books, the most famous of which was Les Malheurs de Sophie (Sophie’s Misfortunes). Done when she was only 19 years of age, this was Chicago-born Sterrett’s first book. She is often called the “female Kay Nielsen,” referring to the renowned Danish fairy tale illustrator.