Author
Jean de La Fontaine
1621-1695
Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Jean de La Fontaine
Fables of La Fontaine — a New Edition, with Notes
"Fables of La Fontaine — a New Edition, with Notes" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables published between 1668 and 1694. Drawing from sources both Western and Eastern, La Fontaine adapted 239 tales into French free verse, creating classics of French literature. These humorous and ironical stories feature animals and humans, offering keen insights into human nature beneath their apparent simplicity. Originally aimed at adults, they became required learning for generations of French schoolchildren, with countless phrases entering everyday language.
The Fables of La Fontaine Translated into English Verse by Walter Thornbury and Illustrated by Gustave Doré
"The Fables of La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables published between 1668 and 1694. La Fontaine adapted tales from Western and Eastern sources into French free verse, creating 239 fables across twelve books. Originally aimed at adults, these humorous and ironical stories draw from Aesop, Indian sources, and contemporary events. Each fable offers keen insights into human nature through animal characters and pointed morals. The work became a cornerstone of French literature, memorized by generations of schoolchildren and celebrated for its artful storytelling.
Fables de La Fontaine
"Fables de La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of allegorical fables published between 1668 and 1694. These 243 tales, inspired by ancient fabulists like Aesop and Phaedrus, feature anthropomorphic animals and contain moral lessons both explicit and implicit. La Fontaine invented a new literary genre that broke from traditional didactic forms, using style and wit as teaching tools. The fables became a cornerstone of French classical literature and an essential part of education in France, used by Jesuit teachers and later integrated into primary school curricula through the twentieth century.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Complete" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of stories and fables written during the late 17th century, encapsulating whimsical, humorous, and often satirical narratives. The work features a range of characters, from mischievous lovers and jealous husbands to cunning wives, lending insight into human follies and societal norms of the time, all through the lens of La Fontaine's clever wit. The opening of this collection sets the stage by introducing the life of La Fontaine, highlighting his literary influences and the context in which he wrote. It gives way to the author's preface, where he discusses his thoughts on the tales included and addresses potential criticisms concerning their content and style. His first tale, "Joconde," follows a handsome prince who wagers that no one can match his beauty, leading to a series of unexpected romantic entanglements. This introductory portion captures the playful tone and the exploration of themes such as vanity, love, and deception, inviting readers to delve further into the engaging world of La Fontaine's storytelling.
Quotes and Images From The Tales and Novels of Jean de La Fontaine
"Quotes and Images From The Tales and Novels of Jean de La Fontaine" by La Fontaine is a collection of moral tales and fables that highlight the complexities of human behavior, written in the late 17th century. La Fontaine, a prominent French fabulist and poet, draws on various literary influences and traditions to craft stories that are both entertaining and instructional. The book encapsulates a blend of wit, wisdom, and satire, offering insights into love, greed, and societal norms of his time. The content of the book is rich with characters that embody various traits and moral dilemmas, often drawn from everyday life. The tales include humorous and poignant narratives about relationships, deception, and societal expectations, such as the story of a husband and his servant-girl or the cunning dealings of an avaricious wife. Through these tales, La Fontaine interweaves sharp observations on human nature and the follies of both men and women, inviting readers to reflect on the deeper truths hidden within the humor and playful scenarios. The collection is characterized by its clever use of dialogue and dramatic irony, engaging readers in a timeless exploration of morality and the human condition.
A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine
"A Hundred Fables of La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables written in the late 17th century. This work presents a series of engaging moral tales featuring anthropomorphized animals, each illustrating timeless lessons about human nature and behavior. The fables often center on various character archetypes, such as the cunning fox, the industrious ant, and the foolish grasshopper, providing readers with succinct wisdom wrapped in wit and humor. The opening portion of the collection introduces several fables that set the tone for La Fontaine's storytelling style. It begins with "The Grasshopper and the Ant," where the carefree grasshopper faces the consequences of her summer laziness when winter arrives, contrasting with the ant's hard work. Other fables such as "The Thieves and the Ass," "The Wolf Accusing the Fox," and "The Lion and the Ass Hunting" follow suit, showcasing themes of greed, deception, and folly among the animal characters. Each story is woven with a moral lesson, making them not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, establishing a rich tradition of fable-telling that has resonated through centuries.
Fables in Rhyme for Little Folks From the French of La Fontaine
"Fables in Rhyme for Little Folks" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables published between 1668 and 1694. La Fontaine adapted tales from classical sources like Aesop and Eastern traditions, transforming them into French verse across 239 fables. Originally aimed at sophisticated adult audiences, these humorous and ironical stories became educational classics for French schoolchildren. The fables offer keen insights into human nature through animal characters, with their pointed morals and artful storytelling making them enduring fixtures of French literature across generations.
Fables de La Fontaine. Tome Premier
"Fables de La Fontaine. Tome Premier" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of allegorical fables published between 1668 and 1694. Drawing inspiration from Aesop, Babrius, and Phaedrus, these tales feature anthropomorphic animals that convey moral lessons both explicit and implicit. La Fontaine revolutionizes the traditional fable genre through his distinctive style and wit. These works became cornerstones of French classical literature and essential teaching tools in French schools, shaping generations of students from the eighteenth century through the post-war period.
Elektitaj fabloj de J. de La Fontaine
"Elektitaj fabloj de J. de La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables translated into Esperanto, likely written in the late 19th century. The text is a reinterpretation of classic fables attributed to the ancient storyteller Aesop, with themes focusing on moral lessons conveyed through stories featuring anthropomorphized animals. The opening of the work includes an introduction that highlights the significance of fables in imparting moral teachings and reflects on the challenges of translating literary works into Esperanto, a constructed international language. It sets the stage by explaining the context and motivation behind the translation, aiming to demonstrate how Esperanto can effectively express rich literary traditions. Following the introduction, the first fable titled "The Cicada and the Ant" introduces a tale about the careless cicada who sings throughout summer while the industrious ant prepares for the winter, serving as a cautionary tale about foresight and responsibility.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 25
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 25" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of tales and fables written in the 17th century, an era marked by the flourishing of classic French literature. This volume features short stories that explore themes of love, deception, and human folly, articulated through clever narratives and richly drawn characters. The likely topic of the book examines the quirks of human nature within various social contexts through humorous and satirical tales. The book includes several engaging stories, such as "The Dress-Maker," where a nun and her lover devise a plan for clandestine meetings by disguising the young man as a woman. In "The Gascon," a boastful character recounts exaggerated tales of his romantic exploits, only to be humorously undermined by the maid who overhears him. "The Pitcher" tells of a girl who despairs over losing her water jug and contemplates death until a passerby mockingly offers to help her, revealing the absurdity of her plight. "To Promise is One Thing, to Keep it, Another" depicts a young man's humorous attempts to woo a maiden, highlighting the gap between promises and actions. "The Nightingale" narrates the story of a young couple who ingeniously overcome parental constraints to find love. The selection concludes with La Fontaine's own epitaph, a clever reflection on the passing nature of life and wealth. Through vivid storytelling, La Fontaine captures the essence of human experiences, making these tales timeless and relatable.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 11
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 11" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of literary works written during the 17th century. This book features tales that blend morality with humor, using fables and stories to critique societal norms and human behavior, a hallmark of La Fontaine's style. The content typically includes themes of love, folly, and the nature of human relationships, rendered through a playful and engaging narrative. The volume contains multiple tales, including "Friar Philip's Geese" and "Richard Minutolo." In "Friar Philip's Geese," the narrative centers around a young man raised in isolation by his hermit father, who is shielded from the complexities of love and society. Once exposed to the outside world, he becomes enamored with a woman, leading to comedic and revealing insights about love and desire. Meanwhile, "Richard Minutolo" unfolds the romantic intrigues and deceptions among characters in Naples, showcasing a gallant youth’s attempts to seduce a beautiful lady, leading to misunderstandings and witty repartee. Both tales encapsulate La Fontaine's ability to intertwine lighthearted storytelling with deeper moral reflections, making them compelling reads.
The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney
"The Original Fables of La Fontaine" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables published between 1668 and 1694. Drawing from Western and Eastern sources, La Fontaine adapted 239 tales into French free verse across twelve books. These humorous and ironical fables feature animals and human characters, offering sharp insights into human nature and social commentary beneath their deceptively simple surfaces. Originally aimed at adults, they became required reading for French schoolchildren and remain classics of French literature, their phrases woven into everyday language.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 20
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 20" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables and narratives written during the 17th century, a time characterized by the Baroque period in French literature. This volume features intriguing moral tales, including "The Devil in Hell" and "Neighbor Peter's Mare," which encompass themes of folly, desire, and the complexities of human nature. La Fontaine is renowned for his ability to weave moral lessons into engaging narratives often featuring animals or everyday characters. In "The Devil in Hell," the story revolves around a naïve maiden named Alibech who desires to be a saint and seeks guidance from a hermit, Rustick. However, rather than leading her to sanctity, he exploits her innocence for his own desires, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who profess holiness while succumbing to sin. The narrative culminates in Alibech unwittingly participating in an act meant to “shut the Devil in Hell,” which becomes a comedic reflection on human folly and the pretense of piety. Meanwhile, "Neighbor Peter's Mare" tells the tale of a rustic rector, John, who offers to magically transform Peter's wife into a mare to improve their life; however, the plan humorously backfires when Peter's curiosity and reluctance to follow instructions interfere. Both stories encapsulate La Fontaine's wit and social critique, revealing the often duplicitous nature of desire and morality.
The Tales and Novels, v9: Belphegor and Others
"The Tales and Novels, v9: Belphegor and Others" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of tales composed in the 17th century, a period marked by the Baroque artistic movement. This volume features stories that blend elements of comedy, satire, and moral lessons, exploring human nature and relationships through whimsical narratives. The central themes often revolve around the follies of love, the pitfalls of marriage, and the absurdities inherent in social interactions. In "Belphegor," the titular character is a demon sent from Hell to study human marriages, revealing the discord and dissatisfaction that often lurk beneath the surface of matrimony. Disguised as a nobleman, Belphegor marries a proud woman named Honesta, leading to a tumultuous relationship filled with quarrels and regret. The tale humorously critiques the institution of marriage as Belphegor realizes the strife that accompanies it, culminating in his eventual retreat back to Hell upon being pursued by his irate wife. The other stories in the collection, such as "The Little Bell" and "The Glutton," also explore themes of desire and excess, employing simple yet engaging narratives to deliver deeper moral reflections that resonate with readers.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 02
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 02" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables and short narratives written in the 17th century. This work exemplifies the classic elements of French literature from the early modern period, focusing on moral lessons and human behavior through clever storytelling. The likely topics covered in this volume include themes of love, deception, and social critique, presented with wit and humor characteristic of La Fontaine's style. The book comprises several stories that explore relationships, infidelity, and the follies of both the nobility and common folk. For instance, in "The Cudgelled and Contented Cuckold," a young man becomes infatuated with a noblewoman and devises a plan to gain her affections, only to be the victim of his own naivety. "The Husband-Confessor" tells of a knight who, in his absence, discovers his wife's infidelity in a revealing confession. "The Cobbler" illustrates the cleverness of a cobbler and his wife as they navigate a tricky financial situation with the help of deceit. Finally, "The Peasant and His Angry Lord" depicts the trials of a humble peasant who must endure harsh punishments from his lord, ultimately leading to a humorous resolution that highlights the power dynamics between the two. Overall, La Fontaine's second volume combines morality with entertainment, making it a delightful read for those interested in fables and moralistic tales.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 17
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 17" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of narratives that embody the wit and humor characteristic of the author, likely written in the 17th century during the French classical period. This volume includes three distinct tales: "The Progress of Wit," "The Sick Abbess," and "The Truckers," all of which showcase La Fontaine's ingenious use of fables and moral lessons often intertwined with social commentary. The central theme revolves around human behavior and societal norms, often with a satirical undertone that highlights the follies and follies of people. In "The Progress of Wit," a young girl named Alice seeks to acquire wit from a friar, leading to a humorous encounter that reveals the nature of learning and innocence. "The Sick Abbess" tells the story of an abbess whose illness is humorously linked to her reluctance to engage with the opposite sex, ultimately leading to a scandalous yet enlightening resolution. Lastly, "The Truckers" explores the absurdity of villagers deciding to trade their wives for variety, which culminates in both humorous consequences and moral dilemmas regarding relationships and desires. Together, these tales reflect La Fontaine's keen eye for the absurdities of human nature and the societal norms of his time.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 22
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 22" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of tales written during the 17th century, reflecting the literary style of the French classical period. This volume presents a series of fables and stories that explore themes of human behavior, social norms, and morality, often with a humorous twist. La Fontaine's works are known for their insightful commentary on society, using animals and other characters to illustrate various moral lessons. The book features three distinct tales: "The Picture," "The Pack-Saddle," and "The Ear-maker and The Mould-Mender." In "The Picture," two nuns, eager for romantic entertainment, devise a plan that unexpectedly leads to chaotic yet amusing consequences. "The Pack-Saddle" tells a story of a jealous painter whose insecurities about his wife's fidelity lead to absurd situations, showcasing the folly of jealousy. Lastly, "The Ear-maker and The Mould-Mender" explores themes of deception and revenge, where a husband, suspicious of his wife's neighbor, concocts a clever plot for retribution when he learns of the neighbor's advances. Throughout these tales, La Fontaine expertly weaves wit and wisdom, providing both entertainment and moral insight.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 01
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 01" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of short stories written in the 17th century, during the early modern period in Europe. This book showcases La Fontaine’s unique storytelling style, blending humor and moral lessons through engaging narratives that often feature themes of love, betrayal, and the intricacies of human relationships. In this first volume, La Fontaine presents a variety of tales that delve into the complexities of love and fidelity. One of the prominent stories, "Joconde," revolves around a handsome prince who, upon hearing of another equally attractive man, debates whether to abandon his wife for the opportunity of royal favor. The plot thickens when he discovers his wife's infidelity, ultimately leading to a comedic yet poignant resolution that underscores the fickle nature of both love and human behavior. Throughout the tales, La Fontaine employs wit and satire, presenting characters that embody various virtues and vices, all while keeping the reader entertained with his lively prose and clever observations about society.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 18
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 18" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of stories authored in the 17th century, a time marked by the flourishing of literary and artistic expression in France. This volume includes several fables and tales that explore themes of morality, human behavior, and social commentary through allegorical narratives. The likely topics touch on love, jealousy, and the folly of human actions, reflecting La Fontaine's keen observations of societal norms and personal relationships. In this volume, La Fontaine presents three distinct tales: "The Case of Conscience," "The Devil of Pope-fig Island," and "Feronde." In "The Case of Conscience," the story revolves around Anne, who grapples with her feelings of love and guilt while interacting with a young man named William, leading to humorous moral lessons about innocence and confession. "The Devil of Pope-fig Island" offers a comedic portrayal of the foolishness of the island’s inhabitants, who are punished for their lack of common sense, while a clever laborer outsmarts a class-conscious devil in a series of clever exchanges. Lastly, "Feronde" follows a comical narrative about marital jealousy and misunderstandings, as a husband, suspecting his wife of infidelity, faces both supernatural punishment and unexpected consequences that ultimately teach him valuable lessons about trust and compassion. Each tale cleverly engages with moral themes while entertaining the reader with wit and wisdom.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 14" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of short tales written in the 17th century, reflective of the classical era in literature. This volume includes whimsical stories that explore themes of human behavior, morality, and the follies of society, often employing anthropomorphism and satire to deliver moral lessons. The collection features four distinct stories: "The Countryman Who Sought His Calf," where a farmer's search turns comically muddled; "Hans Carvel's Ring," which delves into marital woes and infidelity under the guise of a supernatural promise; "The Hermit," a critique of hypocrisy in religious figures and the consequences of deceit; and "The Convent Gardener of Lamporechio," which humorously illustrates the secret lives of nuns in a convent. Through these narratives, La Fontaine masterfully combines humor and moralistic commentary, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of virtue, temptation, and the human condition.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 15" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of narrative poetry and short stories written during the 17th century. This work presents a humorous yet insightful exploration of human nature, love, and deception through its tales, primarily targeting a 17th-century French audience. The likely topics include social commentary on relationships and the consequences of lust and infidelity, showcased through intriguing plots involving clever characters and their exploits. In this volume, two primary stories are included: "The Mandrake" and "The Rhemese." "The Mandrake" narrates the tale of Nicia Calfucci, a foolish man desperate for a child, who is manipulated by a cunning young man named Calimachus into using a magical plant rumored to guarantee fatherhood. This leads to a comedic and morally ambiguous situation as deception unfolds between Nicia, his wife Lucretia, and Calimachus. In contrast, "The Rhemese" tells the story of a talented painter and his clever wife, who manage to outsmart two male neighbors eager for her affections, ultimately revealing the frivolity of their pursuits. Both stories weave together wit and wisdom, showcasing La Fontaine's mastery in reflecting on love's complexities and the folly of human desires.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 03
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 03" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of fables and short stories written during the 17th century, a time often characterized by the Baroque literary movement. This volume features narrative tales that blend humor and moral lessons with themes of love, desire, and societal norms, using animals and humans alike to explore these concepts. The book comprises three distinct tales: "The Muleteer," "The Servant Girl Justified," and "The Three Gossips' Wager." In "The Muleteer," a charming but lowly muleteer finds himself in a precarious situation involving a queen and her king, who unknowingly witnesses the muleteer's amorous escapades. "The Servant Girl Justified" tells of a mischievous affair between a servant and her master's husband, cleverly presented through misunderstandings and jealousies. Lastly, "The Three Gossips' Wager" follows three women who each boast about their husbands, leading to a playful competition filled with deception and comedic twists. Through these entertaining narratives, La Fontaine provides insight into human nature while critiquing social conventions.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 06
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 06" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of stories written during the 17th century. The book explores themes of love, jealousy, and human folly through witty tales that often highlight moral lessons. It reflects La Fontaine's mastery in fables, where animals or supernatural elements often serve to illustrate the complexities of human behavior. One of the prominent tales in this volume is "The Magick Cup," which centers on a husband named Damon who is consumed by jealousy and suspicion regarding his wife, Calista. His anxieties lead him to a powerful enchantress, Neria, who offers him a magical cup that reveals whether a husband is a cuckold. The narrative unfolds as Damon’s insecurity spirals out of control despite the charm’s assurance, leading to comedic yet tragic consequences. Many husbands, similarly fearful, seek to determine their wives' fidelity through the cup, highlighting the absurdity of their paranoia. Ultimately, the tale serves as a cautionary reflection on trust, fidelity, and the irrational tendencies of jealousy in relationships.
Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05
"Tales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — Volume 05" by Jean de La Fontaine is a collection of stories and narratives written during the 17th century, a time characterized by the flourishing of literature in France. This volume primarily focuses on the themes of love, adventure, and social commentary through whimsical and imaginative storytelling. La Fontaine's tales often blend realism with fantasy, providing a reflective glimpse into human nature and societal norms. In this volume, the central narrative revolves around the enchanting story of Princess Alaciel, who finds herself betrothed to a distant king. Throughout her journey, she experiences love and peril while navigating the challenges posed by pirates and suitors. The valiant Hispal is introduced as the noble youth who ardently loves her and even risks his life in battle against the pirates. As Alaciel endures trials and tribulations—including being captured and later rescued—the tale explores themes of loyalty, desire, and the complexities of love in the backdrop of enchanting settings. The princess's fate hangs in the balance as she ultimately faces choices that will define her destiny and that of her suitors.