Aesop Dress'd; Or, A Collection of Fables Writ in Familiar Verse

by Bernard Mandeville

"Aesop Dress'd; Or, A Collection of Fables Writ in Familiar Verse" by Bernard Mandeville is a collection of fables written in verse, likely during the early 18th century. The work largely consists of translations of fables from the well-known French fabulist La Fontaine, along with two original fables by Mandeville himself. The fables draw on animal characters to convey moral lessons, exploring themes such as pride, vanity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The beginning of the collection presents a preface where Mandeville sets the stage for his work, addressing the reader directly and providing context for his fables. He notes his influences and intentions, emphasizing a straightforward style intended to be accessible and entertaining. The opening fables introduce various animal characters such as a Wolf, a Dog, and a Frog, alongside their humorous and pointed moral reflections that critique human nature and societal behaviors. Each fable illustrates a lesson in a light-hearted, yet thought-provoking manner, setting a tone for the rest of the collection.