The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin Tilney   By: Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695)

In "The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose," Fredk. Colin Tilney presents an incredible compilation of timeless fables written by the renowned Jean de La Fontaine. This book is an exceptional translation of La Fontaine's work, bringing his unique storytelling style and moral teachings to English-speaking readers.

One of the outstanding aspects of Tilney's translation is his attention to detail. He successfully translates the fables' meanings, ensuring that readers fully appreciate the intended messages conveyed by La Fontaine. Through clear and concise prose, Tilney maintains the enthralling storytelling nature of the original fables, captivating readers from beginning to end.

Furthermore, Tilney's rendering preserves the charm and wit found in La Fontaine's writing. The fables, originally published in the 17th century, still resonate with readers today thanks to their universal themes and clever anecdotes. Tilney's translation successfully retains these qualities, allowing readers to appreciate the timeless nature of La Fontaine's work.

Another commendable aspect of this translation is the inclusion of the original illustrations by Gustave Doré. These exquisite drawings add depth and visual appeal to the stories, further enhancing the reading experience. The coupling of Tilney's translation, La Fontaine's stories, and Doré's illustrations creates a truly immersive journey through the fables.

Moreover, Tilney provides insightful footnotes throughout the book, making it accessible to readers from various backgrounds. These footnotes shed light on historical contexts and offer explanations for certain references, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the fables.

"The Original Fables of La Fontaine Rendered into English Prose" is a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature, timeless wisdom, or simply a captivating storytelling experience. Tilney's translation masterfully preserves the essence of La Fontaine's fables, introducing a new generation of readers to this rich, moral-driven world. Whether you are familiar with La Fontaine's work or discovering it for the first time, this book is a treasure that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

First Page:

Notwithstanding the fact that the spell of La Fontaine's verse necessarily disappears when another tongue is employed, his English translators, both Elizur Wright and Walter Thornbury, have courageously attempted to do him justice in prosody. In this little book no such effort has been made, chiefly for the reason that, for any but the unusually gifted, to snatch at rhythm and rhyme is often to let drop the apt and ready word as Æsop's mastiff dropped his dinner. But there is a further excuse for the present writer. Verse has little attraction for children unless it jingles merrily, and that is a thing as impossible as it is undesirable where the claims of a philosophic original make restrictions... Continue reading book >>