The Original Fables of La Fontaine

Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney

Translated by F. C. Tilney

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"The Original Fables of La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables published between 1668 and 1694. Drawing from Western and Eastern sources, La Fontaine adapted 239 tales into French free verse across twelve books. These humorous and ironical fables feature animals and human characters, offering sharp insights into human nature and social commentary beneath their deceptively simple surfaces. Originally aimed at adults, they became required reading for French schoolchildren and remain classics of French literature, their phrases woven into everyday language.

Summary written by Project Gutenberg, by machine.