The Fables of La Fontaine

The Fables of La Fontaine is a book by Jean de La Fontaine, first published in 1668. Drawing on classical sources such as Aesop and Phaedrus, as well as long-standing European folklore, La Fontaine reshaped traditional fables into elegant verse that spoke to the social and moral concerns of his own age. His work preserves the timeless charm of animal tales while offering pointed reflections on human behaviour, ambition, greed, and folly. The result is a collection that has endured for centuries in both French literature and world literature, celebrated for its wit, clarity, and keen insight into society. These fables blend moral storytelling with imaginative animal characters, making them ideal for readers interested in classic moral tales, folklore, and mythology. They have influenced countless writers, illustrators, and educators, becoming a staple in the study of traditional storytelling and children’s literature while still appealing to adults who enjoy historical texts and finely crafted poetic narratives. For anyone exploring the roots of European fables, ethical storytelling, or early modern literature, this collection remains a cornerstone. This translation by Elizur Wright was originally published in 1882.