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
Results 1-3 of 65
Page xxxv
... gives up . That's what I've done in the case of some morals for the success of which I hadn't much hope . There ... give his hero a character and adventures that correspond to his fables . That judgment at first seemed appropriate ...
... gives up . That's what I've done in the case of some morals for the success of which I hadn't much hope . There ... give his hero a character and adventures that correspond to his fables . That judgment at first seemed appropriate ...
Page 503
... give you pause . My life's in your hands , cut it off : your justice is defined 20 By its use to you , your caprice , pleasures you find . Convict me then , by those laws , But let me , since I'm obliged to die , At least give you one ...
... give you pause . My life's in your hands , cut it off : your justice is defined 20 By its use to you , your caprice , pleasures you find . Convict me then , by those laws , But let me , since I'm obliged to die , At least give you one ...
Page 593
... give the witch a drink like those she'd brewed . Goddesses say all they feel in unequivocal fashion : This one declared her passion . Ulysses was too clever not to profit on the spot From the opportunity at hand . 50 Recovery of form he ...
... give the witch a drink like those she'd brewed . Goddesses say all they feel in unequivocal fashion : This one declared her passion . Ulysses was too clever not to profit on the spot From the opportunity at hand . 50 Recovery of form he ...
Other editions - View all
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