The Fables of Phaedrus is a collection of ancient moral stories that have stood the test of time. Phaedrus uses animals as characters to convey profound messages about human nature and behavior. The simplicity of the stories makes them accessible to readers of all ages, while the underlying themes challenge the reader to reflect on their own actions and beliefs.

Each fable is short and to the point, making it easy to digest and remember. The stories are not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking, sparking conversations about morality and ethics. Phaedrus's storytelling is impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after they have finished the book.

Overall, The Fables of Phaedrus is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its wisdom and insight are as relevant now as they were centuries ago, making it a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the depths of human nature.

Book Description:

The fable is a small narrative, in prose or verse, which has as its main characteristic the aim of conveying a moral lesson (the “moral”), implicitly or, more normally, explicitly expressed. Even though the modern concept of fable is that it should have animals or inanimated objects as characters – an idea supported by the works of famous fabulists such as Aesop and La Fontaine – Phaedrus, the most important Latin fabulist, is innovative in his writing. Although many of his fables do depict animals or objects assuming speech, he also has many short stories about men, writing narratives that seem to the modern eye more like short tales than fables.

Despite many other fables being attributed to Phaedrus, only five books are considered by scholarship to have been written by him. Phaedrus’ five books of fables are here presented in a translation to English prose by Henry Thomas Ridley.