The Fables of Aesop / Selected, Told Anew, and Their History Traced

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

28

Title

The Fables of Aesop / Selected, Told Anew, and Their History Traced

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This collection retells classic Aesop's Fables with new illustrations and historical context. Featuring timeless tales like 'The Lion and the Mouse' and 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' the book offers simple moral lessons on greed, friendship, and wisdom. Written for children yet accessible to all, its gentle humor and clear allegories provide enduring entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

Summary up to 500 words

Joseph Jacobs presents a curated selection of Aesop's fables in a volume that blends traditional narratives with fresh storytelling. The work opens with a preface tracing the fables' history from Greek prose collections to medieval versions, noting that while Aesop remains a shadowy figure, these stories stand as effective moral allegories. The text includes over forty distinct tales, each concluding with a concise maxim. Key narratives include 'The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,' where a visit to the city reveals that luxury without safety is undesirable, teaching that peace is preferable to fear. In 'The Fox and the Crow,' flattery leads to loss, illustrating the danger of trusting insincere praise. 'The Sick Lion' warns that those who insult the dying often face retribution, while 'The Ass and the Lapdog' demonstrates that imitation without understanding leads to disaster. Other stories explore themes of preparation and foresight in 'The Ant and the Grasshopper,' where industry saves one from winter hunger, and 'The Swallow and the Other Birds,' which cautions against ignoring wise advice. 'The Frogs Desiring a King' shows that a tyrant is worse than no ruler, and 'The Mountains in Labour' suggests that great commotion may yield little result. The collection also addresses social dynamics: 'The Wolf and the Kid' highlights the cowardice of those who criticize from a distance, while 'The Dog and the Wolf' reveals the hidden cost of domestic security. 'The Belly and the Members' argues that all parts of a body must contribute to its survival. Jacobs retells these stories with a focus on clarity and charm, ensuring the lessons remain relevant. The book serves as both an educational tool for young readers and a source of philosophical reflection for adults, preserving the innocence and grotesque grace of the original apologues. Through these tales, the volume emphasizes that appearances can be deceptive, union provides strength, and it is best to prepare for days of necessity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/28.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg28.epub

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Categories

• Classics
• Fiction