The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney

"The Original Fables of La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables presented in prose, likely written in the 17th century. This compilation aims to convey moral lessons through entertaining stories often featuring anthropomorphic animals, showcasing themes of wisdom, folly, and the human condition. At the start of this work, the preface highlights La Fontaine’s renowned style, which blends humor with insightful reflections on society and human nature. It emphasizes the idea that his fables provoke thought while also entertaining young readers. Three fables are introduced: "The Two Mules," which contrasts pride and humility; "The Hare and the Partridge," which illustrates the folly of mocking others; and "The Gardener and His Landlord," which critiques the self-serving behaviors of authority figures. Each tale sets the tone for the whimsical yet poignant reflections that characterize La Fontaine's storytelling. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Jean de La Fontaine was a French fabulist and one of the most widely read French poets of the 17th century. He is known above all for his Fables, which provided a model for subsequent fabulists across Europe and numerous alternative versions in France, as well as in French regional languages.