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 xxxv
... things he sees he can't do well : And on those things he despairs of being able to do brilliantly he 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 remains only to speak ...
... things he sees he can't do well : And on those things he despairs of being able to do brilliantly he 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 remains only to speak ...
Page 333
... thing came out as he desired . His imprudence caused his defeat : A badly loaded ship sank in the very first gale ... things go ill , We curse at Fate , loud and long . Nothing's more common here below : Good is what we do ; evil comes ...
... thing came out as he desired . His imprudence caused his defeat : A badly loaded ship sank in the very first gale ... things go ill , We curse at Fate , loud and long . Nothing's more common here below : Good is what we do ; evil comes ...
Page 511
... thing to do ? " " Move away from here , " he said . “ Just how can that be done ? ” 25 " Don't worry about a thing . I'll transport you , every one In order , straight off to my den . None but God and I know how to get there through the ...
... thing to do ? " " Move away from here , " he said . “ Just how can that be done ? ” 25 " Don't worry about a thing . I'll transport you , every one In order , straight off to my den . None but God and I know how to get there through the ...
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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