The Complete Fables of Jean de la Fontaine"The English-speaking reader will typically find selections of translated fables by La Fontaine (1621-1695), and a large number of those stray rather far from the original in an effort to retain the poetic flavor of the genre. Other translations, treating the fables as reading matter for followers of Winnie the Pooh, do not retain the subtle overtones and wit intended, in fact, for educated adults. This translation remains extraordinarily faithful to the original not only in metrical patterns and rhyme schemes but also in tone: wit and le mot juste are skillfully and wonderfully combined. This is no small achievement, and we can now enjoy the grace, wit, and versatility of an author whose literary qualities were, until now, evident only in the original."-- Danielle Mihram, New York University Library. |
From inside the book
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Page 193
... better asylum , without delay . " Brothers , do not uncover or give me away , " to them he said . " I'll show you the fattest pasture on which you've ever fed . This service may well turn out to be of use to you someday ; You'll not ...
... better asylum , without delay . " Brothers , do not uncover or give me away , " to them he said . " I'll show you the fattest pasture on which you've ever fed . This service may well turn out to be of use to you someday ; You'll not ...
Page 379
... better off alone than with a fool , 40 As the Bear on any day was less than prolix as a rule , The Man could attend to his gardening without a sound . The Bear would go off to the hunt , bring game back , And from his duty never slack ...
... better off alone than with a fool , 40 As the Bear on any day was less than prolix as a rule , The Man could attend to his gardening without a sound . The Bear would go off to the hunt , bring game back , And from his duty never slack ...
Page 405
... better afford Two or three young curs : they'd be cheap , Cost him less ; and they'd much better guard the sheep Than just this one beast he saw : Alone it ate more than three ; but he failed to say It also had a triple - sized jaw When ...
... better afford Two or three young curs : they'd be cheap , Cost him less ; and they'd much better guard the sheep Than just this one beast he saw : Alone it ate more than three ; but he failed to say It also had a triple - sized jaw When ...
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Common terms and phrases
animal autre avait beast beau better bien C'est cause cent Chien chose coup court d'une dans deux Dieux dire dit-il encor enfin et le eyes fable faire fait fate faut folks Fortune gens give grand hand head homme J'ai jamais jour Jupiter kind king l'autre l'homme l'on L'un leur Lion live look Loup maître master mieux mind mort n'en n'est never nous once pass peine petits peut poor prend qu'il qu'on qu'un que le raison Renard rien s'en s'il sage sans seul soon sort tell temps tête thing thought took tout turn vient voilà voir vous Wolf