This is a collection of classic fables by Jean de La Fontaine, translated into English by Elizur Wright and accompanied by notes. The fables use animal characters to explore human nature and impart moral lessons. They are enjoyable for listeners of all ages, offering wit and wisdom in brief, memorable tales.
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Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
THE FABLES OF LA FONTAINE Translated From The French By Elizur Wright. A New Edition, With Notes By J. W. M. Gibbs. 1882 PREFACE To The Present Edition, With Some Account Of The Translator. The first edition of this translation of La Fontaine's Fables appeared in Boston, U.S., in 1841. It achieved a considerable success, and six editions were printed in three years. Since then it has been allowed to pass out of print, except in the shape of a small-type edition produced in London immediately after the first publication in Boston, and the present publishers have thought that a reprint in a readable yet popular form would be generally acceptable.