Synopsis
Jean de la Fontaine (1621-95) freely plundered the works of Aesop, Phaedrus, Bidpai and others to transform the world's great fables into charming poems of astonishing originality, wit and verve. Here he depicts lions, frogs, donkeys, rats, insects, birds and wily foxes in situations that reveal the quirks, follies and frailties he observed in humankind. Sins of pride, greed and vanity come under humorous attack - a cunning fox tricks a crow out of his dinner, an arrogant hare loses a race to a steady tortoise, a merry cicada who sings all summer finds herself hungry in winter, and the goddess Juno scolds a peacock who covets a nightingale's song. But faith in human nature can also be found in poems such as those in which a wolf is saved from choking by a helpful stork, demonstrating an engaging belief in the possibilities of redemption.
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About the Author
Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) French poet, whose FABLES rank among the masterpieces of world literature. His FABLES CHOISIES MISES EN VERS, usually called 'La Fontaine Fables', were published over the last 25 years of his life. The first volume appeared when the author was 47. The book includes some 240 poems and timeless stories of countryfolk, heroes from Greek mythology, and familiar beasts from the fables of Aesop.
James Michie was born in 1927. His publications include translations of The Odes of Horace, The Poems of Catullus and The Epigrams of Martial.
From the Back Cover
La Fontaine (1621-95) is best known for his comic and delightful fables. This lively new translation of the most famous among them captures the wit and nuances of the original. The selection - of 110 of the 240 Fables - spans La Fontaine's long writing life and shows his progression from short, charming children's tales to longer, more philosophical fables. The parallel French text, scholarly introduction, and detailed notes and appendices make it ideal both for students and for all lovers of poetry.
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
Seller: HPB-Ruby, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_436209714
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
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Condition: Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Item in good condition. Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00088732223
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
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Condition: acceptable. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Book is considered to be in acceptable condition. The actual cover image may not match the stock photo. Book may have one or more of the following defects: noticeable wear on the cover dust jacket or spine; curved, dog eared or creased page s ; writing or highlighting inside or on the edges; sticker s or other adhesive on cover; CD DVD may not be included; and book may be a former library copy. Seller Inventory # SEWV.0140455248.A
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
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Condition: Very Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Seller Inventory # F09J-00124
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Selected Fables
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Softcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Text appears clean, light to mild shelf, corner and edge wear to cover, bookstore sticker on spine and back cover, some pages are folded at top, binding is tight and spine is fully intact. residue from removed sticker on spine 272 pages. Multiple copies available this title. Quantity Available: 4. Shipped Weight: Under 1 kilo. Category: Poetry; ISBN: 0140455248. ISBN/EAN: 9780140455243. Pictures of this item not already displayed here available upon request. Inventory No: 1561027984. Seller Inventory # 1561027984
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
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Condition: Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned. Seller Inventory # rev6792748798
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
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Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR002302445
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Selected Fables (Penguin Classics)
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: Good. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR006395920
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Selected Fables
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Condition: New. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Seller Inventory # 4050583-n
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Seller: INDOO, Avenel, NJ, U.S.A.
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Condition: New. Grandville, J. J. (illustrator). Seller Inventory # 9780140455243