The Complete Fables

This collection showcases Aesop's timeless fables, rich with humor and moral lessons that reflect human nature and ancient Greek life.

In The Complete Fables, the author presents a collection of witty and insightful tales that explore various aspects of human nature through a vibrant cast of characters. Each fable delivers a moral lesson, often featuring animals that embody human traits, such as a clever fox outsmarted by a resourceful cicada or a determined tortoise triumphing over a boastful hare. These stories not only entertain but also reflect the values and challenges of everyday life in Ancient Greece.

Aesop, a slave who became a renowned storyteller, utilized these allegorical animal stories to convey his messages. This Penguin Classics edition, translated from the original Greek by Olivia and Robert Temple, includes a thoughtful introduction by Robert Temple that sheds light on Aesop's life and the historical context of his fables. The tales serve as both a source of amusement and a means of imparting wisdom, warning against the consequences of folly and vice.

Despite the scant details of Aesop's life, which suggest he was a slave executed for his storytelling, his fables have endured through the ages. The Complete Fables gathers Aesop's timeless stories in a definitive and fully annotated edition, allowing readers to appreciate the humor, insight, and sharp wit that characterize his work. This collection is a treasure for anyone interested in the roots of Western literature and the enduring power of storytelling.